On the static strength of reinforced joints

The title, On the Static Strength of Reinforced Joints, shows the main subject of this research. The main aim of this study is to analyze the static strength of joints when geometrical and/or mechanical parameters change, by the use of Finite Element (FE) Model. In the current study a FE Model with the use of shell element was modelled as requested from the codes, that for a new configuration of Joints suggest using FE Models, and since this type of strategy are mesh dependent especially for cases where the concentration of stress is sharp it needs to be calibrated by using physical experiments. Even if a three-dimensional is already present in the literature, through the shell model that requires much less computational effort, a great result was achieved. The results of this research and the references reveal a very good correlation in terms of load-ovalization curves and also in terms of deformed shape. Reflecting not only the shapes of curve and deformation but also even more relevant the different values of enhancement of the strength when the parameters varying as obtained in the Experimental Investigation. The research is subdivided in four chapter, starting from the first chapter where the importance of this type of element is highlighted and the advantage in using this type of elements in the structures such as jackets of offshore platforms. This first followed by the explanation of the key points of the two previous reference. Then in the third chapter, the finite element strategy was explained and the results are shown. Finally, in the fourth chapter given the results of the previous chapters, some conclusions and considerations can be made. In conclusion, this results can be used as a base of other typology of elementary joints as Y-joint, K-joint and X-joint, or a combination elementary joints.