Influence of edge distance and bolt pitch to mechanical behaivors of high strength bolted tensile type joints

Abstract

This study conducted FEM analysis with the aim of elucidating the mechanical behavior of high-strength bolted tension joints with varying edge distances and bolt pitches and assessing the applicability of existing design equations. The analysis results revealed that the influence of edge distance and bolt pitch on bolt force and the maximum load-carrying capacity of the joint is minimal, confirming that the existing bolt force estimation formulas can be applied. Conversely, as the edge distance or bolt pitch decreases, a noticeable reduction in the yield strength of the joint flange becomes evident. Furthermore, we proposed a correction method for the strength equation, which varies with the size of the edge distance and bolt pitch, to account for the changing yield strength of the joint flange.