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Analysis of scaffolds with connections containing looseness

This paper presents the first results of the implications of looseness in scaffold joints on the behaviour of the scaffold. A new algorithm to model the full moment-rotation curve including nonlinear loading and unloading behaviour is presented. The paper demonstrates that the current design procedure of approximating looseness by applying equivalent side-loads does not give agreement with exact models and may be unsafe. It recommends alternative connection models and applying geometric imperfections in order to get agreement and good designs. An earlier conference version of this paper has already led to proposed changes in the Australian scaffold code.