Estimation of ultimate strength in single shear bolted connections with aluminum alloys (6061-T6)

An experimental investigation for the structural behavior of single shear bolted connection fabricated with aluminum alloys (6061-T6) has been carried out by Kim et al. It is found that ultimate strengths caused by curling (out-of-plane deformation in the direction of plate thickness) were reduced for some specimens with long end distances parallel to the direction of loading. In this paper, finite element analysis model has been developed on the basis of existing experimental results and analysis results were compared with the test results in order to verify the validity of finite element analysis method for predicting the ultimate behaviors of bolted connections. Additional analyses with extended variables such as end distance and edge distance were performed. Strength reduction ratio by curling and the condition of curling occurrence were investigated. Moreover, ultimate strength of analysis result was compared with design strength by American Aluminum Association (AAA) and American Iron Steel Institute (AISI) design standards. Modified strength equations were suggested, considering effective shear stress in block shear fracture and curling effect by bolt bearing action. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.