Analysis of Carrying Capacities of Connections with Different Bolt End Distances

• Published in: International journal of steel structures 2021, 21(3), , pp.922-934
• Main Authors: Xu, Zhonggen, Guo, Xuan, Chen, Qian, Xiao, Dejun, Deng, Changgen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bearing capacity; Carrying capacity; Civil Engineering; Engineering; Finite element method; Materials Science; Mathematical analysis; Nonlinearity; Parametric statistics; Solid Mechanics; 토목공학
• ISSN: 1598-2351; 2093-6311
• DOI: 10.1007/s13296-021-00481-2

In view of the differences between Chinese and German regulations of bolt end distance, experiments for connection specimens with different bolt end distances were designed and conducted. The finite element models took into account the material nonlinearities, geometry nonlinearities and contact nonlinearities. The major factors were selected, and parametric studies were performed. It is found that FEA (finite element analysis) were in good agreement with the experimental results. The ultimate carrying capacity increases with the increase of bolt end distance. It is recommended to extend the minimum allowable bolt end distance to within 1.2 d 0 , but it’s carrying capacity should be appropriately decreased. When the bolt end distance e 1 is less than 1.2 d 0 , the bolts were torn off at the end. When the bolt end distance e 1 is greater than or equal to 1.2 d 0 , the specimens damaged of their ultimate carrying capacities. The increase of bolt diameter and number has little influence on the ultimate carrying capacities of specimens, but all of them indicate good ductility. Finally, using the analysis data and combining with the calculation method of the ultimate bearing capacity of the bolt connection in Chinese codes, the proposed formula when the bolt end distance e 1 is in the range of 1.2 d 0 to 4 d 0 were proposed, and the finite element calculation verification is carried out.