Vol.11, No3, 2011, pp. 147-156
UDC 621.882.086

Some available analyses of bolted joint behaviour under axial load usually begin from a single bolt connection, loaded by a force introduced near the bolt axis. The applied axial loads act in this way rarely or not at all. The disadvantage of these simplified calculations is that they produce a linear dependence of additional stresses (caused by tensile load and bending moment) on external load, thus overestimating them at low loads, and neglecting the danger induced at higher loads by such an approach. This can be avoided using a beam model. The solution of this model is based on solid mechanics, allowing analytical calculation of the joint. Although the presented model corresponds essentially to models previously developed by the author, some improvements and changes are introduced, that also contribute to finer final results. The beam model has enabled to achieve more reasonable treatment of many important behavioural characteristics and problems in the analysis of bolted joints, such as: response of multi-bolted connections, effect of preload level on the reduction of additional loads in the connection, accurate determination of the eccentricity of the external force. It also allows necessary correction of important effects, i.e. substituting the position of the force by introducing a more relevant shearing resilience of the connected parts and the lever principle for accurate edge effects. It is expected that the uniform use of the beam model will help to optimize the structural safety, and reduce the time and cost of developing structures and mechanical systems.

Keywords: multi-bolted connection, beam model, non-linear behaviour