Analytical Model for Applying the Effect of Prying Force in the Design of Bolted Connections

Prying action in bolted beam-to-column connections may cause brittle failure due to increasing the bolt force to a value greater than its design strength. In the most common design methods, the prying force is generally determined using analytical models. Existing analytical models are based on the research for the bolted connections with rolled T-stubs. In the end plate connections, the T-stub is fabricated by the complete joint penetration welding of steel plates. In this research, an analytical model is proposed for determining the prying force in built-up T-stubs. For this purpose, three specimens were tested under monotonic loading to determine the load-displacement relationship and the load-carrying capacity of T-stubs. An advanced non-linear finite element model was established to evaluate the load-carrying capacity of the bolted T-stubs, and it was validated using the experimental data. A parametric study was performed to evaluate the effects of geometric and mechanical properties of the connections on the magnitude and location of the prying force resultant, the eccentricity of the bolt force, and the location of plastic hinges. Consequently, a formula was proposed to determine the location of the prying force resultant. It was shown that a plastic hinge is formed at a distance of about 10 mm from the T-stub web. Also, it was shown that the eccentricity of the bolt force reduces the nominal capacity of the bolt by about 35%. With these data, a simplified analytical model was developed to predict the T-stub load-carrying capacity assuming the location determined for the bolt force, prying force, and plastic hinge. The magnitude of prying force and T-stub load-carrying capacity were determined using the proposed model. The results showed that by using the proposed model, an average of 10.6% improvement in the accuracy of the bolted T-stub load-carrying capacity determination is achieved.