P 342 - Theoretical and experimental investigations of force transmission in thin-walled steel multi-layer composites (St-MSV) with filigree support cores

P 341: Development of a universally applicable, intelligent connection technology with steel for assembly connections in the construction industry The design requirements of clients and architects sometimes lead to spectacular buildings with high demands on planning and production. Connection technology has not yet followed this development. For the rigid assembly of individual components on the construction site, bolted head plate joints or construction site welds are still used. This is where the work of the research project comes in. The newly developed SIGMA node is an innovative, rigid plug-in connection to simplify the assembly of prefabricated individual parts on the construction site. The patented assembly connection consists of the standardised filling and push-on part and can be manufactured precisely as a mechanically processed element. The node transfers uniaxial and biaxial bending with and without normal forces as well as shear forces via contact. The positive locking required for this type of load transfer is achieved by inclined surfaces inside the node. Hollow sections with external dimensions of 40 mm to 200 mm, which are favoured in structural steelwork, can be connected to the node in a rigid manner. The high precision of both the joining technology and the prefabricated components enable problem-free assembly without the need for special tools. The SIGMA node is a virtually 'invisible' connecting element in hollow profile constructions and is therefore particularly suitable for use in buildings with sophisticated designs. Examples of this include residential buildings with steel, bar domes and large, slender steel and glass façades. In addition to square and rectangular hollow profiles, I, hat or U profiles can also be easily connected with the node, which always has a rectangular or square cross-section. The first practical application of the SIGMA node was in the construction of the Christ Pavilion for the EXPO 2000 "Man-Nature-Technology" world exhibition in Hanover. After the pavilion has been used for a limited period, the cloister and church for the Volkenroda monastery in Thuringia are to be realised at a later date. The SIGMA node is predestined for precisely this purpose. It enables easy disassembly and subsequent reassembly of the components. STUDIENGESELLSCHAFT STAHLANWENDUNG e.V. Publication: 2000 Authors: Engineer E. Rüter, Dr.-Ing. R. Grube, Dipl.-Ing. S. Landskröner

P 343: Simulation of the stress and deformation behaviour of lightweight steel multi-layer composites (StMV) Steel sheet multi-layer composites with adjustable direction-dependent properties offer a wide range of possible applications for multiple requirements. Their potential, especially for cost-effective lightweight structures, is considerable. The aim of this research project was to develop computer-aided simulation techniques and to utilise them for the application of rigid, filigree sheet steel support core composites under high lightweight construction requirements. Refined principles and simulation techniques were developed on an analytical and numerical FE basis for calculating the properties of these generally anisotropic, bending-stressed composites with adapted stiffness. With the aid of a structure-appropriate homogenisation technique, the load-bearing behaviour of selected steel sheet multi-layer composites was simulated holistically with special consideration of the joining techniques for component joints. The theoretical findings obtained with the aid of these new computational models were verified on components using a specially developed material and structural testing procedure. The work carried out as part of this project has led to new analytical possibilities that allow global statements to be made about the stiffness-determining components of the material type and composite. Through intensive co-operation with development engineers and by responding to practical requirements, direct integration into the user software was ensured. The new computer-aided simulation model provides the designer with a tool for the efficient use of steel sheet multi-layer composites in many areas of mechanical and vehicle engineering and construction. This opens up new application possibilities for steel as a material, even for particularly high lightweight construction requirements. STUDIENGESELLSCHAFT STAHLANWENDUNG e.V. Publication: 1998 Authors: Dr.-Ing. F. Adam, Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. W. Hufenbach, Dr.-Ing. Hillmann

P 340 - Investigation of the influence of the surface of thin sheets on the load-bearing capacity of bonded joints Authors: W. Brockmann, T. Neeb, O. Deutscher, H. Beenken, U. Renner Publication: 2002 The present research project examined sheet metal surface topographies produced by various roll-texturizing processes, chemical surface compositions of uncoated sheet, and corrosion-resistant coatings of sheet metal as potential factors influencing the strength of adhesive bonded joints. In a first experimental step, various topographies were imparted to a strip in a bandshaped pattern by skin-pass rolling. The specimens taken from this strip were analyzed for their topography, chemical surface composition, and adhesive bonding characteristics. The specimens of different topography were evidently identical in terms of their near-surface chemical composition. Bonding tests using different testing geometries were carried out with two epoxy resin adhesives. From the results of this first trial phase it emerged that the different sheet topographies examined had no influence on the bonding quality obtained with amine-curing epoxy resin adhesives, regardless of whether a cleaned or oily steel surface was used or whether the adhesive joint was tested before or after ageing. A second experimental step was designed to determine the impact of the substrate's near-surface chemical composition on the durability of adhesive bonding joints. For this purpose uncoated sheets of different topographies, sourced from various suppliers, were included in the test programme.

P 344 - Investigation into the usability of stainless steel foils for roofing Authors: G. Sedlacek Publication: 2003 The covering of flat roofs is often made by plastic foils or by thin sheets made of copper, zinc or stainless steel. The techniques for joining breaths of sheet on the roof are rebating by clinching, soldering or welding. In the rebates the sheeting has become vertically fixed to the roof structure. For stainless steel sheets the seam welding has become widely accepted as joining technique. The aim of the project is to check the usability of laser beam welding to produce smooth coverings without visible rebates both for building new roofs and for refurbishing existing ones. To achieve the goal investigations were carried out in three steps: 1. Particular structural detailing, 2. development of an appropriate joining technique using a suitable laser and 3. design and construction of an apparatus to demonstrate the feasibility of the new automatic method. It was planed that after the project the new method should be applied for the curved roof of the new laboratory building of the „Zentrum Metallische Bauweisen (ZMB) der RWTH Aachen“. As a result of the project details of the joints of stainless steel sheets were developed that fulfill both the needs for mechanized laser beam welding on site and for mechanical resistance.