Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of a Composite Joint with a Blind Bolt and T-stub

Abstract

A detailed nonlinear finite element model was established based on completed experiments to investigate the behavior of a blind-bolted T-stub composite joint that connects a composite beam to a concrete-filled square tube column. This was accomplished by comparing the experimental results and the finite element simulation results using the hysteresis curve, failure mode, plastic deformation and strain development of the T-stub to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the finite element model. A parametric study was carried out on the base model to expand the library of test data. It was observed from the comparison that the proposed nonlinear FE model predicted the behavior of the composite joint. The wall thickness of the column and reinforcement ratio had a significant influence on the ultimate bending moment of the composite joint and the performance of the composite joint was mainly controlled by the reinforcement ratio when the concrete slab was under a positive bending moment. The flange of the T-stub, the web of the T-stub and the axial compression ratio had little effect on the performance of the composite joint.