Modelling non-linear behaviur of aluminium alloy gusset joints for single layer lattices domes

Even though aluminium latticed domes are widely used as roofing structures in case of very large areas, few researchers have focused their attention on the influence of the structural details on the overall structural behaviour and on the development of models to account for such influence in the design process. Conversely, the most significant part of the research efforts is devoted to steel structures. In particular, the semi-rigidity of joint behaviour can play an essential role in the structural response. In this paper, the behaviour of bolted Aluminium Alloy Gusset (AAG) joints under axial force and bending moment is investigated by developing a mechanical model based on the application of the component method which is currently codified for the analysis of steel connections. The experimental tests available in the technical literature have been analysed to gain insight into the actual behaviour of AAG joints. The proposed mechanical model is presented, leading to the evaluation of both the moment-rotation curve and the axial force versus axial displacement curve of AAG joints. Finally, the analytical results obtained from the mechanical model herein proposed have been compared with the experimental results showing the accuracy of the component method also for the modelling of non-conventional connections such as those used in the case of aluminium alloy latticed domes.