• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2002

This paper presents the findings of an investigation carried out to determine the most appropriate connections, in terms of rotational stiffness, to use for the optimum design of cold-formed Zed section sleeve joint purlin system. Experiments and parametric studies were conducted to investigate the effects of geometric variables on the behavior of the sleeve-purlin and cleat-purlin connections of the sleeve joint purlin system. The variables considered were purlin size and thickness, sleeve size, thickness, length and bolt position. The test results were used to verify the empirical expressions, developed herein, employed to determine the rotational stiffness of connections. With the predicted connection stiffness, the most suitable sleeve-purlin and cleat-purlin connections can be selected so as to produce an optimum condition for the sleeve joint purlin system.