Mechanism of Collapse of Space Trusses with Steel Hollow Circular Bars with Flattened Ends

This paper presents the results of experimental analysis of space trusses using steel tubular bars with flattened ends. The connections are formed by overlapped bars connected by single bolt. Such system has been used due to the low cost and assembly facilities. The behavior and collapse modes were determined by experimental analysis on six space trusses with 1.5 m height and spans of 7.5 m × 7.5 m and 7.5 m × 15 m. Structures with steel nodes in the top corner and supports points were also tested. The structural collapse was caused by either connection collapse or yielding in the bar ends. Traditional theoretical analysis models (linear truss model) are not suitable for these structures.