Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Saudi Journal of Engineering and Technology, cilt.6, sa.2, ss.20-31, 2021 (Hakemli Dergi)
Structural systems consist of sub-systems and elements. Connection elements are needed for the subsystems and
assembly and integration of these systems to the main system. Because the main system can fulfill its functional tasks
when its assembly and integration with the subsystem is completed. Systematic static strength and dynamic behavior of
structures, load bearing material and static cross-sectional properties as well as the strength and stiffness properties of the
connections have a significant effect. The effect of the stiffness of the connection elements is higher in thin structural
systems where the cross-sectional dimensions are much lower than the system dimensions. Assembly and integration are
provided by using connection elements also in thin structural systems such as steel structure, scaffolding and rack
structures. Therefore, the strength and stabilization of corner connections and fixing elements affect the entire system.
However, while making systematic calculations, the structures, staying on the safe side, are modeled with rigid or
rotatory hinged approach. When the connections are modeled as rotatory hinges, larger cross sections are required and
support elements are added to prevent the system from becoming kinematic and collapse. With this approach, in
buildings that require a lot of connection elements, the weight of the building increases too much and thus the cost
increases. On the other hand, when the system is modeled with rigid approach, since the joints are unnecessarily
excessively safe and the system's elasticity is very low, sudden overloads may result in collapse accidents and cause loss
of life. For this reason, connection elements, especially in thin structures, must be modeled with real stiffness values and
verified by tests under the prescribed loads. The purpose of this research is to examine the structural system design
approach by modeling thin structure connection elements realistically and to create sensitivity in this regard. With this
modeling method, it is aimed both to reduce costs and to prevent possible accidents caused by wrong modeling.
Keywords: Connection elements, connection stiffness value, scaffolding and rack structures, lightweight structure
design.