Design and assessment methodologies for adhesively bonded structural connections

Adhesive bonding appears to offer considerable advantages for the construction of load-bearing connections in large, relatively thick section steel structures where the primary loading action on such joints is in shear and/or compression. The work described in this paper demonstrates the feasibility of such connections when bonded using hot-cured epoxy adhesives. Where such structures are subjected to severe conditions the demands on the adhesive are substantial. The potential limitations in adhesive performance and the understanding of failure mechanisms are discussed and the introduction of reliability-based design and assessment procedures is encouraged.