Abstract
Many studies on tension-type connections have been carried out. However, there are still many points which must be clarified. Fundamentally, this type connection transmits the external loads by “metal-touch”. Therefore, it is very important to investigate effects of contact surface conditions on mechanical behaviours. In this paper, the effects of contact surface flatness on the split-tee connection behaviours are investigated as a contact-problem by finite element method. It is revealed that the bolt axial force, axial stiffness and stress in T-flange are influenced considerably by the degree of contact surface flatness.
