Development and key issues of reticulated shells with semi-rigid joints

The assemble joints which are usually connected with members by one or several bolts are named semi-rigid joints. Due to the limit study of assemble joints, they are assumed as pin joints during the analysis and design of structures. However, the study results show that assemble joints are typical semi-rigid joints, and some new assemble joints have the merits of being stiffer and more efficient, which can be used in a larger span single-layer reticulated shell. The reticulated shells with semi-rigid joints have a wide application prospect, and the semi-rigid joint systems and semi-rigidly jointed reticulated shells have become a new research hotspot in the field of engineering structures. A state-of-the-art review of research on the semi-rigid joints and semi-rigidly jointed reticulated shells are thusly present. The research findings are presented and some key issues for further study are suggested. The research on the semi-rigid joints and semi-rigidly jointed reticulated shells has already obtained certain positive results. However, more experimental and theoretical study should be carried out on the joints under complex load combinations, the new joint design for larger span structures, the static and dynamic stability of single-layer reticulated shells with semi-rigid joints. The results should be analyzed and summarized in detail to promote the practical application of single-layer reticulated shells with semi-rigid joints.