Diseño de conexiones entre perfiles conformados en frío de sección transversal uv en acero ASTM A572 grado 50 utilizado en la construcción de torres de telecomunicaciones

Abstract

This research addresses the analysis of bolted connections composed of UV profiles and plates, which are commonly used in the construction of telecommunication towers. The behavior of the bolted joint is examined through experimental testing (compression and tension tests) and numerical simulation. It is important to highlight the use of the AISC 360-22 standard as the structural design guide, as well as the AWS D1.1 code for the design of welded joints required for the fabrication of the gripping elements used in the tensile test specimens. The experimental work consisted of conducting three tensile tests and three compression tests to identify the critical elements in each connection and subsequently obtain force–displacement curves from the results. Additionally, before performing the final tests, preliminary compression and tensile tests were carried out to determine the stiffness of the bolted structure. Regarding the numerical simulation, a three-dimensional model based on surface elements was developed. The necessary conditions were established to accurately represent the physical behavior of the structural joint and to demonstrate the agreement between the experimental and simulated force– displacement responses. In summary, the study emphasizes the comparison of forces and displacements in bolted connections subjected to axial loading.