1. Context

Metal construction mainly uses the traditional joining methods of bolting and welding, with the bolt and weld bead, respectively, as the connecting elements.

Although riveting was the first method to be used in the past, it is virtually no longer used, except for the rehabilitation of old structures or, because of its very low cost, by a few companies still in possession of the appropriate tooling. Nevertheless, it is still reserved for specific elements produced in the workshop (small lattice girders, for example).

• The main function of an assembly is to enable the correct transmission of forces between the elements it joins together. These forces can be very considerable,...