Theoretical, experimental and numerical studies of a novel tension-compression bolt (TCB) for single-sided beam-column joints

• A novel tension-compression bolt (TCB) is proposed for single-sided beam-column joints. • The proposed TCB demonstrates outstanding tension-compression performance. • The feasibility of using TCB in single-sided joints is validated. Single-sided beam-column joints can minimize damage to the floor slab by avoiding the opening at the top flange. However, they face the challenge of limited restorative capacity, as unidirectional self-centering components cannot effectively resist both opening and closing actions at the bottom flange. Therefore, this study proposes a novel tension-compression bolt (TCB) that is a bidirectional self-centering component. It consists of a high-strength bolt for applying preload, a disc spring set to enhance deformation capacity, and a pair of sleeves that provide tension-compression functionality. In this study, theoretical analysis of the TCB is derived regarding load-displacement relationship and the TCB design process is proposed. After that, experimental study of the TCB is conducted to investigate its tension-compression performance as well as the effects of the disc spring set and sleeve on the performance. In addition, numerical simulations are conducted using detailed and simplified modelling methods for the TCB tests, and the influence of machining inaccuracies on the performance is assessed. Subsequently, a case study of beam-column joints incorporated with the TCB is numerically conducted. The proposed TCB demonstrates an enhanced tension-compression performance with sound energy-dissipating capacity, providing an effective solution for single-sided beam-column joints used in resilient structures to enable rapid restoration of functionality after earthquakes.