Numerical simulation of bolted connections

Abstract

This article presents the modeling of a complete bolted connection based on a model with one bolt connecting two or three plates. Initially, the behavior of this model with one bolt is analyzed by comparing it with existing bibliography for 3 different types of applied load: tension, shear and a combination of these two. This model includes all necessary considerations: contacts between the plates and the nut, head and shank of the bolt; contact between the plates, as well as friction between them; and pre-load on the bolt. The model also responds properly to loads parallel and perpendicular to the contact surface between the plates, including prying action effects. These calibrated models are then introduced as super-elements in empty spaces left on the full connection, through a relatively simple process using the finite element software ANSYS ®. Upon filling these spaces, two complete connection models are evaluated: one with a single plate and one between two Tstubs. The results obtained with these models are compared with standard forecasts. These two connection types have a practical application in the way they will be analyzed, and also as part of more complex connections: bolted girder splices (in the region of web beam), beam-to-column connections with splice plates or end plate connections, beam splices with end-plates, etc.

Numerical modeling of structural capacity of corroded bolted assembly

“…The behavior of this model was validated through comparison with tests presented in the literature for three loading situations: tension, shear and a combination of both. For bolts subjected to those three loading situations, the numerical results showed good agreement with the experimental results (Chesson et al, 1964;Rumpf and Fisher, 1963;Fisher et al, 1963) A numerical simulation was performed by Vilela et al (Vilela et al, 2018) to predict the breaking behavior of a t-stub connection. In this study various thicknesses of the flange were taken into account.…”

Preface to the special issue of the International Symposium on Solid Mechanics (MecSol 2017)

“…• New Developments and Applications: beam-column (Hortencio and Falcón, 2018) and bolted (Vilela et al, 2018) connection design, assessment of flexible fixtures (Negri et al, 2018), and hydride formation and growth in metals (Souza et al, 2018).…”

Stiffness Calculation Method and Stiffness Characteristic Analysis of Bolted Connectors

“…Gomes et al [1] studied the fracture behavior of bolted bolt preloading and surface treatment. Vilela et al [2] performed a numerical simulation of the bolted connection. Some scholars [3] have established a theoretical calculation method for the stiffness of bolted connectors.…”