Numerical Behaviour of Blind‐Bolted Beam Connections to Square Hollow Sections with Different Infills

Abstract

This paper reports the development and validation of an advanced FE model that can predict the overall behaviour and failure modes of blind bolted T‐stub to unfilled tube (UT), concrete‐filled tube (CFT) and foam‐filled tube (FFT) joints in tension. The joints investigated were made of S355 Square Hollow Sections (SHS) either empty or with concrete or polyurethane infill, connected to a rigid T‐stub using HB 10 hollow bolts. Associated experimental results are used for model validation purposes. The main modelling assumptions and relevant simulation strategies in terms geometric and material modelling are discussed and the resulting models are shown to accurately replicate the experimentally observed response in terms of yield load, failure load, observed failure modes and available ductility of the connections. The favourable performance of connections employing SHS with a polyurethane infill compared to the empty and concrete filled SHS in terms of both strength and ductility is highlighted.