T-stubs with two and four bolts under monotonic and cyclic loading

Abstract

The mechanical behavior of T-stubs bolted connection with two and four bolts per row under monotonic and cyclic loading is analyzed in this paper using a 3D finite element model. The aim of the model that takes into account material and geometrical nonlinearities is to obtain the evolution of prying forces and bolts forces in the T-stubs with four bolts per row throughout the cycles of loading. The numerical model is also used to compare the behavior of T-stubs with four bolts per row to those with two bolts per row. The results are prepared to be used as a basis for proposing analytical mechanical models for bolted endplate connections with four bolts per row using the component method of Eurocode 3.