Finite Element Modelling of Double Bolted Connections Between Cold-Formed Steel Strips under Static Shear Loading

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the finite element model extended to examine the structural behavior of bolted connections with two bolts—double bolted connections between cold-formed steel strips and hot-rolled steel plates under static shear loading. The cold-formed steel strip, the hot rolled steel plate, and the two bolt-washer assemblies are represented three-dimensionally by eight-node iso-parametic solid elements SOLID45, as they allow both geometric and material nonlinearities. Contact between the various components is accomplished by employing contact elements CONTACT49. Shear load is applied to the finite element model by imposing incremental displacement to the end of the cold-formed steel strip, along the longitudinal direction of the model. In typical finite element models, there are over 3724 nodes, 2422 solid elements, and 2022 contact elements. As the model is highly nonlinear, the full Newton–Raphson procedure is employed to obtain solution after each displacement increment. The bearing resistances of double bolted connections may be reduced by 10 % to 30 % due to strength degradation, hole clearance, and also adverse interaction of yield zones.