Numerical simulation method for high-strength bolt connections in steel structures

Abstract:

To proceed finite element analysis for bolted large-scale connection in steel structures and to explore the detailed behaviors under different loadings, a simplified method is brought forward, in which the high-strength bolt can be simulated by using connector element. The non-linear shearing performance of single-shear bolted connections is investigated with accurate models where the solid elements are employed. Basing on the mechanical properties in elastic, slipping, hardening, and yielding phase under shear force, a constitutive relation for the bolt connector is established and can be applied easily in shell element model for the high-strength bolt connection. Large numbers of examples with varied parameters including plate thickness and bolt diameter are calculated respectively by using the simplified method with shell elements and the accurate method with solid elements. The result comparisons show that the simplified simulation method has a good computational efficiency and accuracy, and has a potential ability to simulate high-strength bolt connections.