Numerical Analysis of a Double Shear Standard Bolted Connection Considering Monotonic Loadings

Abstract

The behaviour of standard bolted steel connections submitted to monotonic loads, through the use of numerical models, is presented in the current paper. The bolted connections allow speed up constructive processes in an increasingly competitive and globalized world in which the costs are a decisive factor in the development of a project. The use of computational tools in the analysis of bolted connections becomes determinant, mainly for new solutions or solutions less explored in terms of design codes. Throughout the years, bolted connections have been suffering transformations resulting from research activities performed by many authors. Rivets have been replaced by bolts, the main achievement being the pre-stressed bolts. Methodologies based on finite element analyses were proposed for double shear bolted connection. The non-linear behaviour of these connections is investigated and their performances are compared. In the numerical modelling of the bolted connection, linear elastic and elastoplastic analyzes reveal that there are two slip levels associated with local non-linearities caused by the contact pairs, which vary with clamping stresses.

Monotonic and Fracture Behaviours of Bolted Connections with Distinct Bolt Preloads and Surface Treatments

“…Also there was a good agreement between the numerical and experimental curves. Initially, specimens were assembled in such a way to allow the maximum possible sliding (1). From (1), the load increases and the static friction coefficient prevails until (a).…”

“…The tested bolted connections (1+1 and 4+4 bolts arrangements) were modelled. Good practice developed in a previous research by some of the authors was followed in this research [1]. Fig.…”

“…In this way, a sufficiently high stiffness is intended to reduce interpenetration between elements to acceptable values, ensuring convergence to the solution in a timely manner. According to the study carried out by Silva [1] [5], the optimal values for these parameters are as follows: FKN (contact stiffness factor) equal to 0.1 and FTOLN (penetration tolerance factor) equal to 0.1. These values were used in the present study.…”

“…In addition to reasons mentioned, this type of connections is less dangerous for workers, so there is no risk of fire during erection works. However, bolted connections may have some disadvantages such as torque loss due excessive vibrations, which is a risk for structural integrity, the demanding positioning of the holes in the plates in the manufacturing processes and a greater control to selection the cross-section [1]. Although these shortcomings, bolted joints are a joining technique very common, but due its complex behaviour, they are still a subject of research around the world.…”

“…Silva [5] performed a numerical study with FEM using ANSYS, comparing the fatigue strength between riveted and bolted connections through experimental tests and numerical models. More recently, Rodrigues et al [1] carried out the study on double shear bolted joints, investigating the influence of the friction coefficient and they present a discussion about the evolution of the linear-elastic stress concentration factors. In this research work, the static monotonic behaviour of double-shear bolted butt joints with different clamping stresses (e.g.…”