Morphogenesis of the theory and design principles of riveted connections in historical iron and steel structures

Riveting was one of the major joining techniques used in the 19th and 20th centuries to assemble iron and steel components. When renovating these historical riveted structures, today's architects and engineers are faced with a lack of information on the riveting theory and more specifically on the original design principles.
To fill this gap, this paper provides insights into the design principles of historical riveted joints by examining the content of former calculation methods (practical rules, experiments, and formulas) and their evolution over time. By investigating these theoretical foundations, this study reveals possible design errors and clarifies the design choices made by engineers of the past, who privileged, for example, geometrical considerations via practical ratios, neglected the friction grip, etc.
The analytical approach leading to these outcomes is based on two main steps. First, an assessment is made of former calculation methods, covering issues such as the joining typologies, bearing principles, design stresses, formulas, calculations, and simplifying assumptions. Then, the historical design principles are confronted with the present regulation (Eurocode 1993-1-8) through a case study: calculations are made using past and current formulas for one riveted joint from the 1888 wrought-iron structure of the Brussels Cinquantenaire north hall (Belgium).

ISBN:978-83-7125-216-7

Jaar van publicatie:2012

Trefwoorden:riveted connections, iron and steel structures, theory, historical design principles, design stress, present regulations, recalculation, Brussels Cinquantenaire halls