Load-Carrying Capacity Tests on Innovative Friction-Bolted Joints and Prototype Bolted Interconnection Nodes

This study deals with innovative friction-bolted joints. The innovative bolted joints were designed for load-bearing structures of light cranes with spans up to 18 m and lifting capacities up to 160 kN, or similar load-bearing structures. The practical suitability of these connectors for use in the screw connection nodes of headframes with girders in light overhead cranes was confirmed by the positive results of experimental verification and experimental testing on physical models of these nodes. Specific elements were created and used in these joints, and several models were examined. The analyzed friction-bolted joints were found to have an increased load capacity when compared with typical assemblies. If using screws of higher strength grades, shortening the preparation of those joints is possible.