Novel jointing systems for the automated production of light gauge steel elements

This publication provides information on the design and manufacturing of wall, floor and roof elements and steel-framed products such as trusses. Guidance is focused on developing novel jointing systems for automated production of lightweight steel elements in order to improve the competitiveness of light-gauge steel structures and to help plan the production systems to be used in manufacturing such building elements. Numerical analysis and experimental testing were used extensively to develop a range of economical and structurally safe connections and elements, and to use this data to develop design rules for these connections and building elements. The work included mild steel and stainless steel elements. The work was mainly focused on the clinched joints and on the linear mechanical jointing, but the glued joints and adhesives to be used in such elements were also studied. The component method described in Eurocode 3 was employed. With this method, the properties of the joints could be compared with any other common mechanical or welded joint types. A series of façade, floor, roof and truss elements for the housing industry were developed using the advantages of clinched, glued and linear mechanical jointing. The benefits of these technologies were used to develop connections that can be used in the automated fabrication of these structural components. . Design rules for the composite action between mechanically fixed and glued boards and joists were formulated. The design rules for the diaphragm action of these floors were also formulated.