Experimental and numerical study on mechanical performance of single shear bolted connections with novel elliptical one-sided bolts

Abstract

One-sided bolts, which typically employed for connecting components with closed cross section, often present complexities in both construction and installation. Addressing the limitations of conventional one-sided bolts, this study introduces a novel variant distinguished by its elliptical head, offering ease of installation without the need for specialized tools. Due to the special shape of the bolt head, the mechanical properties of the bolt need to be studied in depth. To investigate the shear properties of the novel elliptical one-sided bolts, three sets of single lap shear experiments were conducted. Subsequently, finite element numerical analyses were employed to simulate these experiments, facilitating the development of a reliable finite element model. Furthermore, parametric analyses were undertaken to examine the influence of various parameters on the ultimate shearing capacity and displacement of joints. The findings indicate that the shear capacity of the single lap joint employing novel elliptical one-sided bolts closely rivals that of ordinary hexagonal bolts with equivalent diameters. However, an enhancement in slip resistance capacity is observed in the novel elliptical one-sided bolt joints compared to hexagonal bolts. Notably, the parameters of the bolt exert a more pronounced impact on the ultimate shearing capacity and displacement of joints when contrasted with parameters associated with the plates. The recommended torque coefficient for the novel elliptical one-sided bolt is established as 0.2, and it is recommended to use appropriate torque to ensure the slip performance of the joint during practical application.