The study demonstrates structural viability and effective design of intermeshed steel connections in construction, indicating improving construction efficiency.
Intermeshed steel connections (ISCs) are a novel type of structural joint used in steel frame construction that has recently developed. They are formed by interlocking two steel members, creating a strong mechanical bond without the need for welding or bolting. Fabricated using specialized tools for precise interlocking, they offer advantages in speed, worker safety, and cost-effectiveness over traditional welded or bolted joints. However, while progress has been made in understanding the structural behavior of such connections, comprehensive testing of these connections has yet to be conducted. This study examines the structural performance of beam-to-beam flange ISC using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), with a focus on commonly used industry sections. Critical failure modes are identified. The analysis confirms that ISCs exhibit adequate strength and stiffness in shear and bending, demonstrating their viability as a structural solution. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of ISC behavior for optimizing their design and application in steel structures. Based on the study's findings, recommendations for future research are provided.
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Duggan et al. (2025) studied this question.
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