Experimentally Validated Numerical Studies of Angle Joint Connected with One Bolt

Bolt lap joints are the most common types of connections in transmission towers structures. In the paper, experimentally validated finite element method models of angle profile connected with one bolt are presented. Several issues were addressed in these models including non-linear material parameters, convergence of the analysis, and the influence of the thread on the bolt. Three different model types were compared with the experimental load–displacement diagrams. The most advanced model showed good correlation especially in the elastic portion of load transfer by the bolt bearing due to consideration of a thread on a bolt. A subsequent parametric analysis of the model showed that friction coefficients, bolt prestressing force and ultimate tensile stress of the material play an important role in these connections. Lastly, the results of the load carrying capacity of the joint from the analysis were compared with the results from the formulas from the Eurocode 3 and EN 50341-1 standards. The numerical model supports the Eurocode 3 approach in which net cross-section fracture depends on the location of the bolt. The conclusion drawn from this work can be used for reliable finite element modeling of bolted joints.