Numerical Modeling and Mechanical Analysis of Combined Connection with Bolts and Welds

Abstract

In this paper, a detailed finite element model of the combined connection with bolts and welds is elaborated to analyze the failure mode and bearing capacity of this connection under shear load. The main focus of this study is the evaluation of the coupled behavior of bolts and welds. Failure modes and load sharing are analyzed via several finite element numerical tests for different weld sizes. Varying the weld height and length, bearing capacity utilization rates of bolts and welds are also assessed. The results obtained indicate that the weld contribution to tensile load-bearing capacity is always dominant in the combined connection with bolts and welds. As the weld-to-bolt strength ratio (the ratio of the design value of the weld joints to the bolt joints’ bearing capacity) is about 1.0, the welds and bolts in the combined connection can work together with a good performance. With the increasing weld-to-bolt strength ratio, the load share of the bolts decreases. When the weld-to-bolt strength ratio exceeds 2.0, the contribution of bolts in the combined connection is negligible.