Influence of bolt preload on frictional load transfer of bolted connection in post-slip behavior

Abstract

This study focuses on frictional load transfer of high strength bolted frictional joints in post-slip behavior. In a past experiment, the ultimate resistance of the bolted joint tightened without standard preload is almost the same as that of the joint tightened with the preload, although the slip resistance depends on the bolt preload. In this study, finite element analysis had been conducted to clear the mechanism. The bolt preload deceased according to the progress of post-slip behavior in the case the bolt tightened with the preload. In contrast, the bolt preload increased in the case the bolt tightened without preload. As a result, the ultimate resistances of both cases are almost the same. It is supposed the change of the bolt preload is caused by the progress of the bending deformation of the bolt shank.