In this post is @dBC’s favourite picture of a distorted current wave:
The rms value of an alternating wave (in your case current) is the direct current that would produce the same heating effect in a resistor. Consequently, it’s the most widely used measure of alternating waves.
It not only helps, it gives an accurate measurement that is universally recognised.
That rubbish has resurfaced? The ratio of a c.t. is always defined as a ratio of currents, never turns (not the way I learned my electrical engineering anyway). A 2000:1 c.t. is suitable for measuring 2 kA using a 1 A ammeter as the burden. That’s whole lot bigger and heavier beast than an SCT-013-000.
In all honesty, I’m with Bill here. Give up trying with the ADS1115, it’s simply not fast enough to measure a 60 Hz wave, let alone get a reasonable value for the current in dBC’s picture.