Feasibility of the analytical model for the splice beam with half-lap joints reinforced with different cross-sections and layout of self-tapping screws

Abstract

Experimental and theoretical works are reported to assess the mechanical properties of half-lap (HL) joint reinforced with self-tapping screws (STSs). An analytical model with high accuracy of calculation has been proposed for calculating the bending capacity of the splice beam with HL joint and STSs. However, the feasibility of the proposed model on predicting the bending capacity of a splice beam with different cross-sections and layout of STSs has not been thoroughly investigated. In this regard, the study aims at verifying the efficiency of the analytical model for the retrofitted splice beams with HL joints considering the effects of different configurations of STSs. Firstly, the flexural performance of the splice beams with different cross-sections and layout of STSs was compared with that of the intact beams. Secondly, the efficiency of the analytical model for such splice beams with different cross-sections and layout of STSs was calibrated based on the experimental results. Finally, the assumption used in calibration is validated by the test data. The results showed that the ratio of the 5th percentile value of the ultimate bending capacity of splice beams with HL to the 5th percentile value of intact beams has a significant increase compared with the previous study and reaches 75%. The calibrated analytical model for the splice beam with HL and STSs with different layout still possesses a high accuracy for the prediction of the connection capacity.