Study on shear performance and calculation method for self-pierce riveted joints in galvanized steel sheet

Self-pierce riveting (SPR) with high connection efficiency and automatic level is suitable for joining galvanized steel sheets in cold-formed steel structures. 51 SPR joints in galvanized steel sheet were tested to study their shear performance. The effects of sheet thickness, sheet thickness ratio, and rivet length on the failure mechanism and shear performance were investigated. And an empirical equation about the relationship of sheet thickness and rivet length was developed. This paper also analyzed the applicability for the existing calculation method of shear strength of SPR joints and the design methods of shear strength of self-drilling screw joints in some specifications, and then proposed a new calculation method of shear strength. The results showed that sheet thickness and thickness ratios were two critical factors in the shear performance and failure mechanism of SPR joints. There was an optimal rivet length for each sheet thickness, which could be calculated directly by the developed empirical equation. Compared with the existing methods, the calculation method of shear strength for galvanized steel sheet SPR joints proposed in this paper considered overall failure modes, and had superior calculation accuracy and favorable stability.