Flexural behavior of double- and single-layer aluminum alloy gusset-type joints

A gusset-type joint (GJ), which comes in single and double layers, is a common joint form in aluminum alloy reticulated shells. Existing studies on the mechanical properties of aluminum alloy GJs (AAGJ) focused mainly on single-layer AAGJs, whereas the mechanical properties of double-layer AAGJs remain unexplored. In this research, the flexural behavior of single- and double-layer AAGJs in the Caofeidian Coal Bunker was experimentally studied through eight full-scale joint tests. The failure mode, rigidity, internal stress distribution, stress transmission mode, and ultimate bearing capacity of the tested joints were determined. Contrast analyses were performed between the in-plane and out-of-plane flexural behaviors of a single-layer joint, as well as between the flexural behaviors of GJs with Huck and stainless steel bolts and between those of single-layer and double-layer GJs. Results if this study provide references for the design of GJs, especially double-layer ones. •The flexural behavior of single- and double-layer aluminum alloy gusset-type joint are tested.•The flexural rigidity of GJ with stainless steel bolts is 1.21 times that of joint with Huck bolts.•The flexural rigidity of the double-layer GJ is 2.61 times that of the single one.•The ultimate bearing capacity of double-layer GJ increased by 118.07% compared with single one.