Research on the compressive performance of plug-pin scaffold joints in low-temperature

The plug-pin scaffold is extensively utilised in the field of engineering. However, the current research focuses exclusively on typical mild steel scaffolding. Insufficient research has been conducted on the compressive properties of scaffolding nodes under low temperature conditions. This study compares the compressive bearing capacity, damage mechanism, and strain distribution of the innovative sorbite stainless steel nodes and the classic Q355 nodes under different temperature circumstances, using the plug-pin scaffold as the research object. The study demonstrates that when the node experiences pressure, a noticeable concave deformation arises at the point of contact between the riser and the U-type card. While the temperature decreases from −20 °C to −40 °C, the node's initial compressive stiffness and maximum compressive load capacity improve by around 10% to 20% while using the same material. At a temperature of −20 °C, the initial compressive stiffness of the node is compared to that at +20 °C, resulting in an increase in maximum compressive load capacity by a magnitude of 0 to 10%. The compressive qualities of the sorbite stainless steel nodes surpass those of the Q355 nodes. Upon comparing the test results with the obtained results, it is evident that the highest error does not surpass 3.4%. Therefore, the model may be deemed both practical and accurate. Enhancing the quantity and dimensions of U-type cards, as well as the thickness of the pipe wall, can enhance the capacity to withstand compressive loads at the nodes. Nevertheless, the augmentation of pipe wall thickness has a minimal impact on the node's ability to bear compressive loads. Increasing the quantity of U-type cards exclusively enhances the initial compressive stiffness of the node.