ABSTRACT
Cast connections have been part of the history of tubular structures. Competition against the cast connection is the welded alternative. How to choose between the two types of connections is often unclear. In many cases, the choice is made by the architect. With a cast connection the architect has full freedom of shaping the outside geometry. Is the cast connection a passing phase, or is it a trend with a strong future in tubular construction? Interest in comparing the two types is also shown by the research project of University of Karlsruhe “Stahlhohlprofile im Brückenbau”. Examples of cast connections are “Centre Pompidou” and “Stuttgart Airport”. In those structures a welded connection was not a real alternative. Structures as “Oosterbeek Railway Bridge” and “Roof of hall 13, Expo 2000 Hannover” had a possible alternative to use welded connections. If we set aside the “small” difference in aesthetics of these connections and look at the economics of both, some general conclusions can be drawn. For cast and welded connections the most important cost factors are also identified and discussed in this paper.
