Numerical evaluation of wedge-type falsework joint

This research focuses on the behavior of wedge-type joints in falsework structures, emphasizing their impact on system stability and strength. The study utilizes finite element analysis to evaluate these joints, considering material properties, geometric nonlinearity, and cdontact interactions. The benefits of finite element analysis are highlighted, as it offers more flexibility compared to costly and constrained laboratory testing. The proposed finite element model is validated by comparing its results with experimental data, demonstrating close agreement. Strength, behavior, and failure modes are analyzed, providing valuable insights into the joint's performance. The study estimates the looseness of the wedge-type connection to be up to ± 0.004 rad and proposes a spring model to represent its behavior in all degrees of freedom. The findings have practical implications, as the joint characteristics obtained from this research can be integrated into global models to assess the overall stability of falsework structures. By better understanding the behavior of wedge-type joints, designers and engineers can enhance the design and analysis of falsework systems. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.