Experimental investigation on shear behaviour of riveted connections in steel structures

The results of an experimental study based on lap-shear tests on riveted connections are presented in this paper. Experimental specimens were manufactured with materials and techniques used in aged metal structures and different dimensions and configurations were considered. The results of the experimental investigation allowed the influence of various parameters on the response of the connections to be assessed, such as load eccentricity, variation in net area, plate width and number of rivets. The experimental results and predicted shear strengths were compared in order to evaluate the reliability of the provisions of EN 1993:1-8. On the basis of the results obtained, modifications are proposed to the design equations given by EN 1993:1-8 for the rivet shear strength and the ultimate resistance of the net cross-section.