THE ANALYSIS OF BOLTED PLATE SPLICES

In this dissertation a theoretical solution is developed for the unequal; distribution of load among the mechanical fasteners of bolted double-lap tension splices which act in a non-linear manner. To accomplish this solution, mathematical models have been developed which establish the relationship between deformation and load throughout the elastic and inelastic regions for the component parts of the connections. The solution has been used to make a number of hypothetical studies in order to ascertain the relative importance of a number of parameters on the ultimate strength of the connections. Among the variables studied were joint length, pitch, variation in fastener diameter, and variation in the relative proportions of the bolt shear area and net tensile area. The theoretical solution has been compared with test results of eight full-size connections using 7/8-inch A325 bolts and A7 steel plate and seven full-size connections using 7/8-inch A325 bolts and A440 steel plate. The maximum deviation between the theoretical solution and the test results was 4%. The results of the theoretical studies show that the average shear strength decreases with increasing joint length for both A7 and A440 steel joints. However, the higher yield strength steels effect a better redistribution of the bolt forces with increasing joint length. Fastener diameter was found to have no significant effect on the average shear strength. The fastener pitch was found to have no appreciable effect on the shear strength other than its interaction with joint length. The total joint length, and not the number of fasteners (governed by pitch), was the most important variable insofar as the average shear strength was concerned. The study of the variation in the relative proportions of the bolt shear and the net tensile areas showed that the balanced design concept has no meaning. A joint can only be in balance for a specified length which corresponds to a specific ratio of the bolt shear area and net tension area. It has shown that the average shear stress at failure for A325 bolts is the same when installed in compact joints of A7 or A440. With increasing joint length, a decrease in the bolt shear strength was evident. This decrease was greatest for the A7 steel joints. In both steels the decrease was dependent on the relative proportions of the bolt shear area and net tension area.

• Corporate Authors:

  Lehigh University

  Fritz Engineering Laboratory
  Bethlehem, PA  United States  18015
• Authors:
  • Fisher, J W
• Publication Date: 1964-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 127 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Deformation; Fasteners; Joints; Load tests; Mathematical models; Mechanical properties; Performance evaluations; Shear strength; Shear stress; Splice plates; Splicing; Strength of materials; Tensile properties; Tension tests
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Pavements; I35: Miscellaneous Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00789644
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 288-10
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 29 2000 12:00AM