An experimental investigation on the strength of the mechanical joint under torsional moment load

Abstract

Applying the mechanical joint to the screwed steel pipe pile, a new field joint system composed of shear keys against torsional moment were proposed. In order to make clear the load carrying capacity of the proposed structure system, investigations including the loading test using the actual scale structure and the FEM analysis were carried out. Major results of the test are as follows; (1)The proposed joint system have enough load distribution performance, because the shear resistant keys and the joint parts have ability for enough plastic deformation. (2) Maximum load of the test exceeded the design strength of the joint that determined by the shear strength of the shear resistant keys or the bearing strength of the joint parts. As the result of these investigations, it is confirmed that the design method of proposed joint is proper to torsional moment load and it have enough strength against torsional moment load. Therefore, it can be said that the proposed joint system is applicable for the screwed pipe pile, as a main conclusion.