Abstract :
The building industry has a particular interest in using clinching as a joining method for frame constructions of light-frame housing. Clinching has been used for almost 20 years in the car and “white goods” industry. There has been much research into the method, the tools, suitable materials and applications. Few articles have been published concerning clinching of high-strength structural steels, which are currently the most relevant materials for house construction.
This study included 11 different clinching methods. In total, 469 test pieces were produced. Despite the high-strength of the materials, all the clinching methods that were examined could be used satisfactorily. The most significant result was that a round tool is appropriate for all the materials tested. In fact, in comparison with results obtained using other types of tool, when the methods were ranked by maximum shear load capacity, the round design appeared in the top three classes seven times out of nine.
