Numerical analysis of simple and preloaded T-stub steel connections

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the development and implementation of a finite-element model for simple T-stub steel connections. Material and geometric nonlinearities as well as contact and friction have been implemented in the model. The model is validated with experimental data found in the literature, for configurations exhibiting different failure mechanisms and featuring different bolt preloading levels. The impact of bolt length considered in the model is investigated. It describes a series of physical T-stub tests. These tests are used for the creation of a T-stub benchmark, thus their geometry and material properties are well documented. The load versus displacement curves for numerical and physical nonpreloaded T1 models are depicted. A T-stub finite element model is developed and its performance in reproducing the actual load–displacement curve is tested with experimental data and proved satisfactory in various configurations.