Numerical modelling of power-actuated fastener connections joining high-strength steel sheet to mild steel plate subjected to monotonic shear

Abstract

This paper explores the use of the finite element software package ABAQUS/Explicit to simulate the behaviour and strength of power-actuated fastener (PAF) connections joining cold-formed steel sheet to hot-rolled steel plate subjected to monotonic shear loading. The finite element (FE) models are developed for the simulation of the entire process including both installation and loading stages. The fastener is firstly driven into the steel materials to consider the initial plastic deformations around the contacts between steel plates and fastener caused by dynamic impact. Subsequently, monotonic shear loading is applied to the PAF connections until failure by a displacement control at a low speed. Various aspects of the FE models such as fracture model of the materials, loading rate, mesh sensitivity are calibrated to optimise the computing time and improve the accuracy of the FE models. The simulations are validated against experiments conducted in a separate study by the authors, and good agreement between the test and numerical results is achieved. The accurate and reliable FE models in this study are able to simulate and provide insights into the shear behaviour of the power-actuated fastener connections in terms of initial stiffness, maximum shear capacity, failure modes as observed in the experiments (i.e., bearing, shear fracture, and pull-out of the fastener), ductility, and damage patterns of the connectors. It is demonstrated that FE analysis can therefore be used to extend experimental data in a parametric study and to optimise the design of PAF connections in shear.