Experimental and numerical investigation of T-stub to hollow sections joints using blind bolts

Gunes, Sahin ORCID: 0000-0001-9679-3903 (2023). Experimental and numerical investigation of T-stub to hollow sections joints using blind bolts. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Square hollow section (SHS) is a more superior material structure in comparison to open sections, it includes the ability to tolerate axial stresses structurally and therefore providing a visually pleasing architectural form. However, the intricacies in the joints therefore limit their handy installation, the lack of access to the interior of this section makes it impossible to use conventional bolts. The blind bolts are one of the crucial solutions for these types of complexities that have become involved in their connections. Previous studies have been focused on the structural response of blind bolted-T-stub to tubular section joints. There are various different types of blind bolts in the construction market, an example of a particular hollo-bolt is the Lindapter’s. This study aims to investigate the structural behaviour of common typologies of the hollo bolted-T-stub to square hollow sections joints under monotonic static loads, allowing the assessment of current (EN 1993-1-8, 2005) using experimental
testing and numerical modelling. Firstly, performance of the materials behaviour of the hollow section and the fracture modelling is conducted. With regards to the hollow section fracture modelling, a predictive equation showing its equivalent plastic strain at fracture initiation and stress triaxiality for the hollow section made of the S355 grade steel was procured with experimental and numerical studies.

Following in this study is all of the eight full-scale tests are then documented. These tests include hollo-bolted and anchorage hollo-bolted -T-stub to unfilled, concrete filled and foam-filled hollow sections joints under static loading. The experimental test results have been compared to the analytical predictive model results in the load-displacement plot. A finite element model (FEM) has been developed to simulate all of the eight full scale tests with separate numerical studies. The experimental results have been validated against the numerical simulations by providing the load-displacement curves in terms of initial stiffness, ultimate resistance and observed failure modes. The main modelling assumptions and relevant simulation strategies in terms geometric and material modelling are discussed and the resulting models are shown to accurately replicate the experimentally observed response in terms of yield load, failure load, observed failure modes and available ductility of the connections.
It was concluded that the structural response of blind bolted T-stub to foam-filled hollow section joints has been revealed different failure modes apart from in the literature. This connection is seen to make a contribution to current design provisions of EN 1993-1-8 (2005). Lastly, the conclusion and future works are recommended in the final chapter of the thesis.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):