Investigation of the Behaviour of Bolted Connections in Rolled Stainless Steel Angle‐to‐Plate

Abstract In steel connections, bolted connections using angle sections are often used in civil applications, particularly trusses and bracing systems. This study aims to evaluate the behaviour of this connection type using stainless steel angles, with particular emphasis on the load carrying capacity and the shear lag effect, where a possible reduction of the capacity is known. Through an experimental programme and numerical analysis, bolted connections composed of rolled stainless steel angle sections subjected to tension have been studied. The study has been based on distance variation and the number of bolts. Load‐displacement curves and failure modes have been utilised to compare the study cases. The numerical analysis has been developed and calibrated based on the experimental results, allowing the evaluation of angle bolted connections of different lengths and numbers of bolts. Concerning the outcomes, it was possible to conclude that the connection length influences the shear lag effect, and the number of bolts has a minimal impact on the resistance of the joint. Compared to the current design codes, the results demonstrated that it is adequate to improve the actual prescription employed to determine the ultimate capacity of this bolted connection.