Bolted Joints Research Articles

Finite element analysis of precast concrete beam‐column joint based on bolt connection

SummaryA novel proposal for an assembled bolted joint between a precast reinforced concrete beam and column is presented in this paper. In order to evaluate the behavior of the joint, a comprehensive experiment was carried out on a full‐scale precast concrete beam‐column joint based on bolted connection subjected to pseudo‐static loading. The experiment aims to investigate the failure mode, load carrying capacity, and energy dissipation characteristics of the joint. To further understand the performance of the joint, a finite element model was developed using ABAQUS. The difference in failure mode and ultimate bearing capacity between the bolted joints and cast‐in‐situ joints were analyzed in conjunction with the experimental results. Moreover, the impact of various parameters on the performance of the bolted joints was quantified. The characteristics of the bolted joints, such as the span‐depth ratio, reinforcement ratio of the beam, the stirrup ratio at the beam‐column junction, T‐end length, and the bolt strength grade, were meticulously analyzed through an examination of bearing capacity curve, stiffness degradation patterns, and energy dissipation capability. The results show that, in comparison with the traditional cast‐in‐situ joints, the damage failure extent exhibited by the bolted joints is notably smaller, thereby rendering it more advantageous for seismic restoration and replacement. Furthermore, the span‐depth ratio, reinforcement ratio of the beam, and the stirrup ratio have a greater influence on the seismic performance of bolted joints than the T‐end length and bolt strength grade.

Bolt-Hole Elongation of Woven Carbon-Epoxy Composite Plates and Joints Using the Digital Image Correlation Technique

The elongation of the bolt hole is an important parameter for assessing the failure of bolted joints. However, direct experimental measurement using strain gauges and extensometers is difficult. This article shows that digital image correlation (DIC) can overcome the difficulties and provide important indications of the failure mechanisms of bolted joints. Hole elongation was measured using DIC in the following carbon/epoxy composite configurations: standard open-hole tensile (OHT) and filled-hole tensile (FHT), single-lap shear only-bolted (OB), and single-lap shear hybrid-bolted/bonded (HBB) joints. For each configuration, the hole-elongation changes were tracked for cross-ply (CP) and quasi-isotropic (QI) stacking sequences with two thicknesses. In the tensile load direction for OHT and FHT cases, CP showed a greater hole elongation than QI. However, the opposite trend was observed in the transverse direction. In OB joints, bypass loads contributed more to the hole elongation than bearing action. In HBB joints, it has been observed that the adhesive significantly reduces hole elongation, particularly for CP configurations. Moreover, it was found that in HBB joints, hole elongation was independent of laminate lay-up, while it was very determinative in OB joints.

Bending behavior of segmental precast diaphragm walls using bolted sleeve joints

AbstractTo study the bending behavior of segmental precast diaphragm walls using bolted sleeve joints, 2 full size specimens were tested. Both BC and EC specimens were connected using bolts with steel sleeves as positioner. BC specimen was consisted of two fully RC plates while EC specimen had precast holes in the concrete walls for lightweight treatment. Ultimate strengths, deformations, strains and failure modes were obtained from the test results. Finite element models were developed using ABAQUS and verified against the test results. The verified finite element models were used to further analyze the stress state of specimens under different loading. It indicated that the bolted sleeve joint exhibited good bearing capacity and bending stiffness. The lightweight treatment in the concrete part had minor effect and the design requirement could be satisfied.

Method of accumulation of preload loss of bolted joints due to rotational self-loosening caused by cyclic, transversal excitation

This paper presents a new method to experimentally characterize the rotational self-loosening behavior of bolted joints. Furthermore, a method to calculate the preload loss due to certain relative displacements of the clamped parts was developed. The method obtains all required calculation parameters from the experimental tests performed and neither needs further experimental determination of friction coefficients nor numerical simulations to predict the preload loss. The method accumulates the preload loss of load cycles. Thereby, it can be used to estimate the time a machine can operate until a critical amount of preload is lost. Non-linear dependencies of the preload loss to the displacement amplitude and the remaining preload are considered. The calculation method also applies to load cases with variable load amplitudes. This is validated experimentally.

A comprehensive review of experimental studies on shear behavior of bolted rock joints with varying rock joint and bolt parameters and normal stress

AbstractThe shear characteristics of bolted rock joints are crucial for the stability of tunneling and mining, particularly in deep underground engineering, where rock bolt materials are exposed to high stress, water pressure, and engineering disturbance. However, due to the complex interaction between bolted rock joints and various geological contexts, many challenges and unsolved problems arise. Therefore, more investigation is needed to understand the shear performance of bolted joints in the field of deep underground engineering. This study presents a comprehensive review of research findings on the responses of bolted joints subjected to shearing under different conditions. As is revealed, the average shear strength of bolted rock joints increases linearly with the normal stress and increases with the compressive strength of rock until it reaches a stable value. The joint roughness coefficient (JRC) affects the contact area, friction force, shear strength, bending angle, and axial force of bolted rock joints. A mathematical function is proposed to model the relationship between JRC, normal load, and shear strength. The normal stress level also influences the deformation model, load‐carrying capacity, and energy absorption ratio of bolts within bolted rock joints, and can be effectively characterized by a two‐phase exponential equation. Additionally, the angle of the bolts affects the ratio of tensile and shear strength of the bolts, as well as the mechanical behavior of both bolted rock joints and surrounding rock, which favors smaller angles. This comprehensive review of experimental data on the shear behavior of bolted rock joints offers valuable theoretical insights for the development of advanced shear devices and further pertinent investigations.

A methodology for the selection of low friction/anti-seize coating in applying bolted joints of ITER blanket modules

The application of bolted joints with the Spiralock®/Selflock® technology for remote handling system in fusion machines leads to develop a methodology for selection a low friction/anti-seize coating in applying sliding surfaces of high-loaded threaded fasteners. This study discusses the analytical engineering method for calculation the maximum/minimum allowable friction coefficients in the thread and on the bearing surface during the tightening/untightening procedure. Calculations were made to determine the maximum/minimum allowable coefficient of friction in threaded pairs used for the ITER Blanket Module Connections and enhanced flux First Wall Panel fasteners (bolts with a regular metric thread/nuts with a self-locking thread, Spiralock®/Selflock® technology) of the ITER fusion experimental reactor under maximum torque conditions of the robot manipulator (remote handling system) and tensile load (preload) generated in the bolt during the tightening/untightening procedure. Design features of the Spiralock® technology were derived for calculation the working ranges of thread friction coefficient in the threaded pairs of the Blanket Module Connection and enhanced Heat Flux First Wall Panels fasteners at different coefficient of thread proportionality values (ζ=0.45–1.00). The lowest thread friction coefficients were obtained by the coefficient of thread proportionality ζ=1.00: 0.022≤μth≤0.171 for the M24 × 3 SB Electrical strap central bolts, 0.013≤μth≤0.047 for the М52 × 4 Outboard Flexible Cartridge central bolts, 0.010≤μth≤0.055 for the M64 × 4 Inboard Flexible Cartridge central bolts. The new method of determining the total tightening torque of the M24 × 3, M52 × 4, M64 × 4 bolted joints fastened to the Spiralock® female thread under conditions of elastoplastic, plastic deformation was applied to assess the suitability the solid lubricating coating MoS2 (VNIINP-212) under preload force Fa=10–1200 kN. The performed design verification indicated the significant differences in the calculated tightening torque obtained according to the standard and proposed method for the Spiralock® female thread by the plastic deformation of the tip of bolt thread and change of sliding friction coefficient depending on the contact pressure.

EFFECT OF SEGMENT DISLOCATION ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF LINED TUNNELS IN A COMPLEX ENVIRONMENT

In complex environments, tunnels with a lined structure are more affected by the dislocation of a segment. This study uses finite element simulations to further investigate the relationship between environmental changes and segments in lined tunnels. Tunnels with and without a lining are simulated under varying strata resistance, buried depth, and water level conditions. The horizontal and vertical displacements and stress changes in the two tunnels are compared when segment dislocation occurs. The results show that the lateral displacement of the tunnel is relatively stable and less influenced by external loads. However, the longitudinal displacement change is the opposite, and it increases significantly when the displacement exceeds 10 mm. When the lined tunnel is subjected to a large external load and misalignment occurs, the performance of the tube sheet joint bolts deteriorates, resulting in a stress decrease. Furthermore, the lined tunnel exhibits an increased ability to resist deformation and does not exactly follow the law of small displacements from small misalignments. When a large misalignment occurs, the lined tunnel may be damaged by elliptical deformation along the 45° direction, and its internal forces would be much larger than those of the unlined tunnel.

A Review of Cross-Scale Theoretical Contact Models for Bolted Joints Interfaces

Bolted joints structures are critical fastening components widely used in mechanical equipment. Under long-term loading conditions, the bolted joints interface generates strong nonlinearities within the system. The nonlinear stiffness inside the bolt leads to changes in the stiffness of the whole system. This affects the dynamic characteristics of the whole system. It brings challenges and difficulties to the performance prediction and reliability assessment of the equipment. A cross-scale theoretical model study based on the microscopic contact mechanism can provide a more comprehensive understanding and cognition of the degradation behavior of bolted joints interfaces. The current development status and deformation process of asperity models are summarized. The research progress of statistical summation model and contact fractal model based on microscopic contact mechanism is analyzed. The experimental methods for parameter identification of connection interfaces are reviewed. The study of numerical modelling of bolted joints structures from the surface contact mechanism is briefly described. Future research directions for cross-scale modelling of bolted joints structures are outlined.

Signal Processing Using a Circular Sensor Array to Measure the Torsional Angle of a Bolted Joint.

This study presents a new approach to determining the preload force of bolted joints. The concept involves measuring the torsional angle without contact. For this purpose, we present a circular magnetic sensor array integrated into the torque wrench. The torsional angle in bolted joints depends on the dimensions of the screw and the materials used and is typically less than four degrees. For this reason, one requirement is a high angular resolution so that a continuous recording of the torsion angle is feasible during the assembly process. This can be achieved using the circular sensor array and adapted signal processing methods. Two signal processing approaches are utilized. First, the direct method uses the discrete Fourier transformation to calculate the rotation angle from the signal phase. This approach is robust to signal distortion and does not depend on signal amplitude. Second, the method with a learning phase employs Gaussian process regression to minimize the angle error. In an experiment, both approaches were applied within a test bench and showed promising results. The direct method demonstrated a very good angular resolution without training and calibration. For mobile and less-complex applications where a reference system is unavailable, the direct method is preferable. However, in complex measurement systems where reference systems can be utilized initially, significant enhancements to an excellent resolution can be achieved through prior training.

Pull-Through Behavior of Novel Additively Manufactured Sandwich Composite Inserts.

Joining structural components with mechanical fasteners is common in many engineering applications across all industries. This study investigates combining additive manufactured inserts with sandwich composites consisting of aluminum honeycomb cores with carbon fiber reinforced facesheets. The combination of these components offers an integrated, lightweight solution when mechanically fastening sandwich composite components using bolted joints. The experimental and numerical investigation explores the influence insert geometry has on the structural response of a sandwich composite under pull-through load scenarios. Various failure modes are observed during experimental analysis with facesheet debonding being the initial failure mode. In addition, finite element models investigate the stress fields in the honeycomb core and overall panel deflections, validating the mechanics observed experimentally. When comparing additively manufactured inserts to standard inserts, additively manufactured inserts have increases in stiffness, maximum force, and total energy absorption of 7.1%, 53.0%, and 62.3%, respectively. These results illustrate the potential of an integrated approach to mechanical joint technology by combining additively manufactured inserts with sandwich composite components using aluminum honeycomb cores.

ВАРІАНТИ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ВЛАСТИВОСТІ УНІФІКАЦІЇ ПРИ ВИБОРІ КОНСТРУКТИВНО-ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНИХ РІШЕНЬ З’ЄДНАНЬ “МЕТАЛ+КОМПОЗИТ”

Possibility of unification property realization in application to variants of structural-technological solutions of “metal+composite” joints.It is drawn that this property is important for up-today vehicle engineering structures at different goals of its manufacturing. It is shown that there are three possible options can be revealed in metal-composite heterogenous joints realization: with monolithic, cylindrical and sheet transversal fastening connections.Possibility of application sheet transversal fastening elements produced on metal strips is considered exactly. Also, possibility of implementation strips of different materials and thickness is analyzed.The property of unification is most fully manifested at the stages of design, technological preparation of production and production itself. Variants of technological processes for manufacturing sheet fasteners on metal strips using stamping methods or laser cutting are proposed. An analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of these technical processes showed that the most rational method is stamping with bending.Options for route technical processes for forming transversal connections on metal tips using sheet reinforcing elements are proposed.Options for equipment are proposed, with the help of which serial production of teeth on metal strips is possible. It should be noted among these equipment options metal stamps for stamping teeth and using an electro-hydraulic device for bending them.Examples of implementation of design and technological solutions with sheet micro-elements in the manufacture of high-pressure vessels and in the strengthening of bolted joints are given.

Experimental investigation on tensile behavior of CFRP bolted joints subjected to hydrothermal aging

Abstract With the help of bolted joints to assemble a complex structure, carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite (CFRP) is widely used in various fields. However, stress concentration around holes at the bolted joints leads to a decrease in bearing capacity. Composites often result in mechanical degradation subjected to a complex hydrothermal environment. Therefore, to study the tensile behavior of CFRP bolted joints subjected to hydrothermal aging, the tensile tests are conducted carefully. The influence of aging time and temperature on tensile strength is investigated based on the response history, strain contour, and failure morphology. The failure mechanism is revealed via digital image correlation technology. Finally, the experimental results demonstrate that the bearing capacity of the structure in hydrothermal aging decreases significantly. Compared with the unaged specimens, the peak force of the specimens aged for 6 weeks at 25°C and 65°C is reduced by 22.79% and 35.63%, respectively. Under both the unaged and aged, the same bearing failure is found in the tensile tests of CFRP single-bolt single-lap joints.

SR-M−GAN: A generative model for high-fidelity stress fields prediction of the composite bolted joints

Predicting the stress fields induced by composite bolted joints constitutes a valuable research endeavor aimed at enhancing the structural integrity of equipment in the aerospace and maritime fields. The stress field characteristics of composite bolted joints may undergo changes due to potential mechanical behaviors, such as damage, constitutive relationships and so on, which exhibit complexity and pose challenges for prediction. Nevertheless, modeling the intricate stress field distribution directly from experimental data poses a formidable challenge, necessitating a substantial investment in materials and resources. Traditional finite element numerical methods have the capability to model the distribution of the stress fields. However, to obtain a high-fidelity solution of this distribution, it is imperative to generate a fine-grid mesh and allocate the significant computational resources. The incorporation of computational techniques in coarse −grid would enhance the efficiency of computations, but these approaches compromise the accuracy of the calculations. In this paper, an innovative deep learning framework is introduced. The network named as the SR-M−GAN is drew inspiration from the conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) used in the image super-resolution. The primary aim of SR-M−GAN is to mitigate the intrinsic trade-off between result fidelity and computational complexity. The model proposed in this paper effectively reconstructs high-fidelity stress field data from calculations on coarse grids and exhibits excellent reconstruction metrics. Simultaneously, the model only incurs additional computational costs during the deployment of the network model and training. When compared to experimental data, the model continues to demonstrate superior performance in both accuracy and computational efficiency. Therefore, this method offers a high-fidelity data augmentation approach for stress analysis in composite bolted joints, laying the groundwork for large-scale analysis of stress field characteristics in composite bolted joints.

Study on the Mechanical Properties and Design Method of Frame-Unit Bamboo Culm Members Based on Semi-Rigid Joints

The frame-unit bamboo culm structure system offers a novel approach to bamboo structure, combining advantages like reduced construction times and simplified joint designs. Despite its benefits, there is limited research on its mechanical properties and computational methodologies. This study conducted bending performance tests on simply supported frame-unit bamboo culm structures, revealing that the bending stiffness of the structure increases with the number of bolts in the edge joints, though with diminishing efficiency. Based on the experimental observations, a calculation model for this type of structure was established, proposing formulas to describe the stiffness relationships between the corner joints, edge joint, and the overall structure. Numerical simulations calculated the stiffness of the edge joint as a function of the number and placement of bolts, indicating that positioning bolts closer to the outer side enhances edge joint stiffness. By inputting the various rotational stiffness values of corner joints into the simulations and stiffness formulas, consistent total stiffness values were obtained, validating the proposed stiffness relationship formulas. The average stiffness values of the corner joints were derived from these formulas and experimental data, and the rotational stiffness of other types of corner points can also be obtained using this method. Furthermore, a finite element computational method tailored for this structural system was introduced, converting the actual structure into a beam element model for calculation. The equivalent joint forces can be distributed to various components of the actual structure, resulting in the internal force distribution of bamboo culms and bolts in the actual structure, thus achieving the design of the components. The calculated displacement values obtained from this method are close to the displacement values in the experiment, proving the feasibility of this method.

Mechanical performance of a kind of bolted joint for single-layer latticed shells under pure bending

In this paper, a kind of bolted joint with separated joint-body is creatively proposed. The mechanical properties of the bolted joints in the pure bending state are studied through theoretical calculation, test and finite element simulation. Based on the component method, a simplified mechanical model is proposed. The formulas of the initial rotational stiffness and the yield moment of the joint are derived. For the bolted joints, seven groups of test specimens with different typical parameters are designed. The mechanical performance tests of joints under pure bending are carried out. The influences of the joint-body form and the joint parameters on the mechanical properties of joints are obtained. Finally, the determination methods and the recommended values of the key parameters of the joint are given, which provides a basis for the design of the single-layer latticed shell with new bolted joints.

Fatigue life prediction of composite bolted joints based on finite element model and machine learning

AbstractThis study proposes a fatigue life prediction method for composite bolted joints, which combines algorithm optimization‐based hybrid neural networks with finite element modeling. First, based on the Hashin failure criterion of physical mechanism, a finite element model for fatigue life prediction of composite bolted joints is established, and the simulation calculations have been conducted using various initial conditions. Then, by integrating the simulation and experiment data, we have established a fatigue life database that serves machine learning training and prediction. Finally, the data undergo a comprehensive process of deep feature extraction through the utilization of a convolutional neural network (CNN). The resulting deep features are utilized as inputs for training the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) to predict fatigue life. The results indicate this synergistic combination of CNN and BPNN results in a substantial improvement in prediction accuracy and has remarkable superiority in predicting the fatigue life of composite bolted joints.

A Software for Optimum Design of Laterally Loaded Bolted Joints

Bolted joints, which are one of the detachable joining methods, are used extensively. The reliability of bolted joints is extremely important for the strength and life of the system. The determination of the number of bolts to be used in a system, the position and other data of the bolt requires very serious design and engineering studies. In this study, the design and optimization of bolted joints subjected to lateral forces are performed. For this purpose, a software has been developed in C# programming language. The software visually guides the user and asks a minimum number of questions to the designer and all other parameters are calculated by the program. The visual design of the program was done in Visual Studio environment. The graphic designs used in the software help the user to enter correct data. When the program is run for bolted joint under lateral loading, the user only enters the number of plates and force as input. Although the program performs its calculations between 1.5-2 factor of safety, it is possible to change it according to the characteristics of the design. The program developed in the light of these inputs calculates the appropriate bolt diameter, number, material and dimensions of the plates for the designed joint according to the optimum design options. The design options determined by the program are also presented to the designer visually. With the developed software, the user workload is minimized by determining the optimum options of bolted joints according to the minimum amount of user input. This resulted in significant savings in the time spent in design and engineering calculations. The user-friendly interface provides an easy and visual use. The results obtained by the program were also solved manually to check the reliability of the program.

What are the appropriate target safety level and corresponding partial load safety factor for bolted joints on wind turbine tower frame?

During preassembly on the quayside, towers are temporarily erected on the tower frame through the supporting structures. The bottom of these structures is bolted on top of the tower frame. The degree of conservatism of applying the generic load safety factor (1.5) for the bolted joints on the tower frame has never been investigated. The objective of this study is to determine the cost-optimal target safety level and calibrate the partial load safety factor for these bolted joints. The target annual reliability index is obtained based upon a simplified cost model. The overturning bending moment is explicitly introduced to the limit state functions through the bending moment coefficient obtained in the wind tunnel tests. The load model uncertainty is quantified by a Bayesian analysis, based upon a full-scale single tower test data. The case study will justify the applicability of the approach and the possibility of decreasing the environmental partial load safety factor for bolted joints. The cost-optimal target safety level and the corresponding load safety factor can significantly help to avoid the unnecessary conservatism in designing the bolted joints on tower frame, which helps the management make decision on economic development strategy of tower frames in the future.

Vision-based detection of bolt tension considering non-rotatory loosening via a new calculation method of bolt flexibility coefficient

Bolted joint is widely used in construction, vehicle, aerospace, and other engineering fields. Bolt tension is the most important performance index of bolted joints. The whole life cycle monitoring of bolt tension without contact and damage can be realized by vision-based method. The existing methods indirectly predict the change of bolt tension by calculating the rotary angle of the nut. This kind of method can judge the loosening caused by nut rotation but cannot deal with the non-rotary loosening. At the same time, the relationship between nut rotation angle and loosening must be obtained through calibration experiments. This paper proposes a vision-based method to measure the change of bolt tension considering the non-rotary loosening by detecting the change of bolt elongation. Based on VDI2230 and finite element analysis, a new calculation method of bolt flexibility coefficient is proposed. The experimental results show that this method can measure the change of bolt tension with high precision in the process of tightening and loosening.

Experimental and numerical study on mechanical performance of single shear bolted connections with novel elliptical one-sided bolts

One-sided bolts, which typically employed for connecting components with closed cross section, often present complexities in both construction and installation. Addressing the limitations of conventional one-sided bolts, this study introduces a novel variant distinguished by its elliptical head, offering ease of installation without the need for specialized tools. Due to the special shape of the bolt head, the mechanical properties of the bolt need to be studied in depth. To investigate the shear properties of the novel elliptical one-sided bolts, three sets of single lap shear experiments were conducted. Subsequently, finite element numerical analyses were employed to simulate these experiments, facilitating the development of a reliable finite element model. Furthermore, parametric analyses were undertaken to examine the influence of various parameters on the ultimate shearing capacity and displacement of joints. The findings indicate that the shear capacity of the single lap joint employing novel elliptical one-sided bolts closely rivals that of ordinary hexagonal bolts with equivalent diameters. However, an enhancement in slip resistance capacity is observed in the novel elliptical one-sided bolt joints compared to hexagonal bolts. Notably, the parameters of the bolt exert a more pronounced impact on the ultimate shearing capacity and displacement of joints when contrasted with parameters associated with the plates. The recommended torque coefficient for the novel elliptical one-sided bolt is established as 0.2, and it is recommended to use appropriate torque to ensure the slip performance of the joint during practical application.