The mechanical behaviour of new long-span hollow-core roofs based on aluminum alloy honeycomb panels

Abstract

This article proposes a new type of spatial structure that is based on the principle of an aviation structure skin force bearing. The structure consists of honeycomb panels and specialized connecting pieces to spatially combine the honeycomb panels and form a novel skeleton-free hollow-core roof system (referred to as a "honeycomb panel structural system" (HPSS)). To evaluate the stitching results of the new structure, its connection performance, failure mechanism and limiting load were examined, and the full-scale samples that were designed and manufactured from two sets of HPSS were employed to conduct the experimental research. The results indicated that the new structure has a high spatial stiffness and loading capacity. The failure mode of the two test specimens comprises the shear damage of the connector and the buckling failure of the honeycomb panel. The existing rectangular sandwiched honeycomb panel buckling theory cannot correctly reflect the plastic deformation or failure of the sandwiched material, this paper obtained the analysis method for the honeycomb panel buckling characteristic value that is consistent with practical conditions. Using different simulation methods, the comparative analysis results revealed that the finite-element coupling method proposed in this paper can adequately simulate the actual operating state of the connector between two honeycomb panels. This method is feasible, highly efficient, and provides a theoretical basis for future revision of the design rules for this new type of spatial structure.

Experimental and numerical study on the mechanical properties of honeycomb plate box-type hollow roof structure

“…However, there are few studies on honeycomb plate used in hollow roof structure. Zhao et al (2014Zhao et al ( , 2016aZhao et al ( , 2016bZhao et al ( , 2019 studied on the load capacity of new fabricated honeycomb panel open-web roof structures, the results show that the honeycomb plate hollow roof structure has a high bearing capacity, reflecting the structural characteristics of light weight and high strength.…”