Compressive Capacity of Corroded Welded Hollow Spherical Joints

Abstract

Welded hollow spherical joints (WHSJs) are widely used in reticulated shell structures. WHSJs inevitably experience corrosion in their service life that significantly reduces their loading capacity, thus negatively affecting structural safety. A series of nonlinear numerical analysis is performed to investigate the effect of corroded location and size, yield strength of material, and corroded thickness on the compressive capacity of WHSJs. Two types of corroded shapes are investigated. Results indicate that corrosion located in different places has a distinct influence on the compressive capacity of WHSJs. Compressive capacity is significantly reduced when corrosion occurs at the WHSJ surface.