Member capacity of columns with semi-rigid end conditions in Oktalok space frames

The Oktalok nodal connection system is an aesthetic and efficient system. It has been widely used throughout Australia. The paper will briefly introduce the concept and application of the Oktalok nodal system. The existing design method is based on the assumption that the joints are pin-ended, i.e., the rotational stiffness of the joints is zero. However the ultimate capacity of the frame may increase significantly depending on the rotational stiffness of the joints. Stiffness tests and finite element simulations were carried out to determine the rotational stiffness of the Oktalok joints. Column buckling tests and nonlinear finite element analyses were performed to determine the member capacity of columns with semirigid end conditions. A simple formulae for the effective length factor of column buckling is derived based on the above experimental and theoretical investigations.