Verification of prying effect in prestressed end-plate connection

Abstract

End-plate connections are very often used is steelwork, as tension and bending connections. As a result of deflection of end plate, additional forces, known as prying forces arise and consequently increase stresses in bolts. Eurocode 1993-1-8 do not distinguish end-plate connections prestressed by high strength bolts from non-prestressed. The aim of the paper is to perform the comparison of previous analytical models and code regulations for coefficient of prying forces to the experimental tests and modelling by finite element method. Results of the analysis show that the behaviour of prestressed connection is essentially different with comparison to non-prestressed.