Study on mechanical behavior of single-sided ring-groove riveted aluminum alloy (SS-RGRAA) shear connections

Single-sided ring-groove rivets are a type of rivet that can be installed using only one accessible side. Due to their single-sided forming characteristics, these rivets are particularly well-suited for the installation and construction of closed-section components, such as box-section members. In aluminum alloy joints, connections formed by aluminum alloy plates and single-sided ring-groove rivets (referred to hereafter as SS-RGRAA shear connections) are commonly used for shear loading. The mechanical performance of these connections is crucial for the analysis and design of joints. However, current standards do not provide specific calculation methods for the ultimate resistance of SS-RGRAA shear connections, and existing research on this topic is limited. Therefore, this study employs experimental research, numerical simulation analysis, parametric analysis, and theoretical analysis to investigate the mechanical performance of SS-RGRAA shear connections. Firstly, this study conducts experimental studies on the mechanical performance of SS-RGRAA shear connections, focusing on the effects of rivet layout, end distance (e₁), rivet edge distance (e₂), and et al. on mechanical behavior. Secondly, a refined finite element analysis (FEA) model was developed and validated against experimental results. Based on the established FEA model, parametric analyses were performed to explore in detail how aluminum alloy material properties, end distance (e₁), edge distance (e₂), rivet diameter (d_pin), and inner plate thickness (t) affect the mechanical performance of shear connections. Finally, based on the results of the parametric analysis and referencing existing calculation methods from relevant standards, an improved and refined calculation method for the ultimate resistance of SS-RGRAA shear connections was proposed.