DESIGN OF BOLTED CONNECTIONS SUBJECT TO TORSION AND SHEAR IN THE ULTIMATE LIMIT STRESS STATE

Abstract

Steel connections transferring axial and shear forces in addition to bending moment and/or torsional moment are widely used in steel structures. Thus, design of such eccentric connections has become the focal point of any researches. Nonetheless, behavior of eccentric connections subjected to shear forces and torsion in the ultimate limit state is still ambiguous. Most design codes of practice still conservatively use the common elastic analysis for design of the said connections even in the ultimate limit states. Yet, there are some exceptions such as the design method proposed by CAN/CSA-S16-14 which gives tabulated design aid for the ultimate limit state design of these connections based on an empirical equation that is derived for ¾ inch diameter A325 bearing type bolts and A36 steel plates. It was argued that results can also be used with a margin of error for other grade bolts of different sizes and steel of other grades. As such, in this paper, the performance of bolted connection subject to shear and torsion is experimentally investigated. The behavior, failure modes and factors affecting both are scrutinized. Twelve connections subject to shear and torsion with different bolts configurations and diameters are experimentally tested to failure. The accuracy of the currently available design equations proposed is compared to the outcomes of these tests.