Genesis of the design principles of rivited connections in historical iron and steel structures.

Abstract

Rivets were the most widely used fasteners in iron and steel structures throughout the entire 19th and a part of the 20th century. Over a period of almost one century, they had been integrated in many construction projects such as bridges, buildings, railways etc. The multiplication and the diversification of the applications over time had required an evolution of riveted connections in theory, in practice and design. Today, most of the structural achievements of that time need to be renovated. However, in renovation projects, architects and engineers are faced with a crucial lack of information on the riveting technology as well as the original design methods.

The present original research aims to provide insight into the design principles of riveted connections over a period of one century that goes from 1840 to 1940, by investigating the contents of the old calculation methods and their evolution over time. Also, this work provides a special place to the riveting technology. The former design methods are confronted to the current standards (Eurocodes 1993-1-8) through a case study based on a specific connection of one of the wrought-iron halls of the Brussels Cinquantenaire Park.

Based on the content of various historical sources of countries like Belgium, France, England, and some recent publications (PhD, articles), this work is intended as a summary, aiming primarily to deepen the general knowledge of the riveted joints as well as to assist future renovation projects (i.e. renovation tools)

Date of Award	2013
Original language	English
Supervisor	Ine Wouters (Promotor)