A component method model for blind-bolts with headed anchors in tension

The successful application of the component-based approach – widely used to model structural joints – requires knowledge of the mechanical properties of the constitutive joint components, including an appropriate assembly procedure to derive the joint properties. This paper presents a component-method model for a structural joint component that is located in the tension zone of blind-bolted connections to concrete-filled tubular steel profiles. The model relates to the response of blind-bolts with headed anchors under monotonic loading, and the blind-bolt is termed the "Extended Hollo-bolt". Experimental data is used to develop the model, with the data being collected in a manner such that constitutive models were characterised for the principal elements which contribute to the global deformability of the connector. The model, based on a system of spring elements, incorporates pre-load and deformation from various parts of the blind-bolt: (i) the internal bolt elongation, (ii) the connector’s expanding sleeves element, and (iii) the connector’s mechanical anchorage element. The characteristics of these elements are determined on the basis of piecewise functions, accounting for basic geometrical and mechanical properties such as the strength of the concrete applied to the tube, the connection clamping length, and the size and class of the blind- bolt’s internal bolt. An assembly process is then detailed to establish the model for the elastic and inelastic behaviour of the component. Comparisons of model predictions with experimental data show that the proposed model can predict with sufficient accuracy the response of the component. The model furthers the development of a full and detailed design method for an original connection technology

Performance of T-stub to CFT joints using blind bolts with headed anchors

This paper assesses the performance of a newly developed blind bolt, intended for use in constructing bolted moment-resisting connections to concrete-filled tubular steel profiles. A total of ten connection tests are reported, with each configuration having been subjected to a predominantly tensile force in a representation of the tension region of a typical moment connection. The test variables included type of fastener, addition of concrete to the tube, strength of the concrete, spacing among bolts, and bolt class. On the basis of reformability response, the benefits of filling the tubular member with concrete are highlighted. The favorable performance that results from using a relatively, high-grade concrete infill is also highlighted. The addition of a concrete infill to the tube stiffens and strengthens the otherwise relatively flexible tube walls, enhancing overall connection behavior in terms of stiffness, strength, and ductility. The performance of connections to concrete-filled tubular steel profiles using blind bolts with headed anchors is shown to be suitable for moment-resisting construction

The tensile stiffness of a novel anchored blind-bolt component for moment-resisting connections to concrete-filled hollow sections

The use of hollow section columns in steel construction is presently hindered by the lack of adequate connection technologies. Due to access constraints, standard bolting techniques are difficult to achieve, if not impossible without welding. As an alternative to welding, blind-bolting techniques were developed to provide desirable bolted configurations, allowing hollow column frames to be erected in the same way as open profile column frames. But the current blind-bolting techniques are restricted to the construction of simple connections because of their difficulties in achieving sufficient tensile stiffness. More recently, a novel anchored blind-bolt, labelled the Extended Hollo-bolt (EHB), has been developed at the University of Nottingham; as a modification of the standard Hollo-bolt. For the proposed connection technology, its potential in providing moment-resistance has been assessed successfully. However, the existing data related to the performance of this novel connector in tension is insufficient to permit its design. This work investigates the performance of the EHB blind-bolt under tension loading and focuses on determining, and modelling the stiffness of this novel technology in such a way to enable its application within the component method approach. An extensive experimental programme was devised to collect sufficient component characteristic data to enable the development of an EHB component model. This covered data deals with the overall response of the connector and the individual responses of its contributing elements. A total of 51 experimental pull-out tests and 20 pre-load tests have been performed. The force-displacement behaviour of the investigated joint component was determined under monotonic pull-out testing, where remote video gauge techniques have been adopted to capture the full non-linear response of the component, alongside traditional techniques to confirm the reliability of the data. The test matrix varies the grade and size of the component's internal bolt, the strength of concrete, and the depth of its mechanical anchorage. From the pull-out tests it was identified that the EHB component can ultimately develop the full tensile capacity of its internal bolt. This ultimate failure mode is confirmed for the range of parameters that was covered in this study. Increasing concrete strength had the most enhancing effect on the response of the component. A secondary programme was related to the measurement of pre-load that is induced in the internal bolt of the EHB component at its tightening stage; where pre-load was monitored over a five day period. The test matrix varies the grade and size of its internal bolt, and also considers various bolt batches. It was concluded that the relative level of component pre-load to ultimate strength increased only in the case where higher bolt grades were used. To model the tension behaviour of the EHB component, a mechanical model was developed that is based on an assembly of the component's different sources of deformation. The component model employs idealised springs with tetra-linear characteristics for the elongation of Its Internal bolt element, and springs with tri-linear characteristics for the slip of its expanding sleeves and mechanical anchorage elements. By comparing the predictions of the component model with relevant experimental data, the component model has been shown to be capable of describing the EHB component response with reasonable accuracy; capturing its tensile stiffness and its yielding trend. The accuracy of the component model has also been assessed in exclusion of pre-load effects. It was found that if the level of pre-load Is excluded from the assembly process, this can have highly undesirable effects on the predictions of the component's response. The findings of the supplementary pre-load testing programme assisted greatly in the accuracy of the component model by providing the necessary levels of pre-load. The proposed component model has demonstrated that the behaviour of the EHB component can be modelled by the component method approach; by employing Idealised models for the behaviour of its contributing elements. The validated component model is considered to simulate the tension behaviour of the novel anchored blind-bolt with sufficient fidelity that it can be considered as a benchmark for further studies

The tensile stiffness of a novel anchored blind-bolt component for moment-resisting connections to concrete-filled hollow sections

The use of hollow section columns in steel construction is presently hindered by the lack of adequate connection technologies. Due to access constraints, standard bolting techniques are difficult to achieve, if not impossible without welding. As an alternative to welding, blind-bolting techniques were developed to provide desirable bolted configurations, allowing hollow column frames to be erected in the same way as open profile column frames. But the current blind-bolting techniques are restricted to the construction of simple connections because of their difficulties in achieving sufficient tensile stiffness. More recently, a novel anchored blind-bolt, labelled the Extended Hollo-bolt (EHB), has been developed at the University of Nottingham; as a modification of the standard Hollo-bolt. For the proposed connection technology, its potential in providing moment-resistance has been assessed successfully. However, the existing data related to the performance of this novel connector in tension is insufficient to permit its design. This work investigates the performance of the EHB blind-bolt under tension loading and focuses on determining, and modelling the stiffness of this novel technology in such a way to enable its application within the component method approach. An extensive experimental programme was devised to collect sufficient component characteristic data to enable the development of an EHB component model. This covered data deals with the overall response of the connector and the individual responses of its contributing elements. A total of 51 experimental pull-out tests and 20 pre-load tests have been performed. The force-displacement behaviour of the investigated joint component was determined under monotonic pull-out testing, where remote video gauge techniques have been adopted to capture the full non-linear response of the component, alongside traditional techniques to confirm the reliability of the data. The test matrix varies the grade and size of the component's internal bolt, the strength of concrete, and the depth of its mechanical anchorage. From the pull-out tests it was identified that the EHB component can ultimately develop the full tensile capacity of its internal bolt. This ultimate failure mode is confirmed for the range of parameters that was covered in this study. Increasing concrete strength had the most enhancing effect on the response of the component. A secondary programme was related to the measurement of pre-load that is induced in the internal bolt of the EHB component at its tightening stage; where pre-load was monitored over a five day period. The test matrix varies the grade and size of its internal bolt, and also considers various bolt batches. It was concluded that the relative level of component pre-load to ultimate strength increased only in the case where higher bolt grades were used. To model the tension behaviour of the EHB component, a mechanical model was developed that is based on an assembly of the component's different sources of deformation. The component model employs idealised springs with tetra-linear characteristics for the elongation of Its Internal bolt element, and springs with tri-linear characteristics for the slip of its expanding sleeves and mechanical anchorage elements. By comparing the predictions of the component model with relevant experimental data, the component model has been shown to be capable of describing the EHB component response with reasonable accuracy; capturing its tensile stiffness and its yielding trend. The accuracy of the component model has also been assessed in exclusion of pre-load effects. It was found that if the level of pre-load Is excluded from the assembly process, this can have highly undesirable effects on the predictions of the component's response. The findings of the supplementary pre-load testing programme assisted greatly in the accuracy of the component model by providing the necessary levels of pre-load. The proposed component model has demonstrated that the behaviour of the EHB component can be modelled by the component method approach; by employing Idealised models for the behaviour of its contributing elements. The validated component model is considered to simulate the tension behaviour of the novel anchored blind-bolt with sufficient fidelity that it can be considered as a benchmark for further studies

Fatigue life of an anchored blind-bolt loaded in tension

This paper investigates and reports on the fatigue behaviour of a novel blind-bolt system termed the Extended Hollo-bolt (EHB). The new blind-bolt is a modified version of the standard Lindapter Hollo-bolt, and its application relates to the construction of bolted, moment-resisting connections between open profile beams and concrete-filled tubular columns. The fatigue behaviour of the system is studied on the basis of constant amplitude loading tests, with a total of 56 experiments being reported. The specimens were subjected to tensile loading for various stress ranges, with the repeated load being selected relative to the design yield stress of the blind-bolt's internal shank. The influence of testing frequency and strength of concrete infill is also examined. An analysis of the results indicates that an increase in the concrete strength can increase the fatigue life of the EHB system. Within the tested range, the failure mode of the EHB under repeated loading was found to be due to internal bolt shank fracture, a mode which is consistent with its monotonic behaviour and also comparable with standard bolt–nut–washer system behaviour. The experimental results (S–N data) were further compared with the Eurocode 3 Part 1-9 guidelines. The fatigue design strength of the anchored EHB blind-bolt is found to be adequately represented by the current specification detail Category 50 that is provided for standard bolting systems

Fire performance of blind-bolted connections to concrete filled tubular columns in tension

This paper describes an advanced numerical model to predict the fire behaviour of blind-bolts in the tension area of endplate connections between I-beams and concrete filled tubular (CFT) columns. It is the continuation of a previous research on the thermal response of connections, considering the tension load of a moment-resisting connection. Due to the absence of experiments and data on blind-bolts fire performance the aim was to provide a model for their study. The effect of two main variables was researched, the concrete infill of the columns and the anchored extension of the blind-bolt. The fire resis- tance rating (FRR), the failure mode and the force–displacement–temperature curve at high temperatures were discussed. Results proved that concrete inside the column enhanced the connections response at elevated temperatures in terms of FRR and stiffness. On the other hand, the use of anchored blind-bolts compared with normal blind-bolts provided stiffer connections, but the FRR improvement depended on the plate thickness and steel bolt properties. Finally, the use of fire resistant steel bolts as a method to enhance the fire response was assessed, observing the benefits to these connections when the shank of the blind-bolt governs the failure

Thermal behaviour of blind-bolted connections to hollow and concrete-filled steel tubular columns

This paper reports on the thermal analysis of blind-bolts connected to concrete filled steel tube (CFST) and hollow steel section (HSS) columns. The aim is therefore the investigation of the temperature distribution in the connected sections and the evaluation of the effects due to concrete filling and anchored bolt extension. For this purpose, experimental and numerical work was carried out. The test programme involved twelve small- scale unloaded specimens where the variables were: tube section dimensions, type of blind-bolt, and hollow or concrete filled steel tubes. Results from the experiments revealed the noteworthy effect of concrete on bolt temperature reduction, the insignificant influence of tube section dimensions, and the limited impact of embedded bolt extension. Finite element models (FEM) of connections were developed to simulate the behaviour of tested pieces. Comparison with tests allowed the calibration of thermal material properties and characteristics of heat flux in interactions. Furthermore, assessments of heat transfer problem on the simulation of small-scale pieces extended to the numerical model of the whole endplate connection between an I-beam and a tubular column. Finally, the suitability of simple methods from Eurocode 3 Part 1.2 and other references to obtain the temperature on the connection was evaluated

The tensile stiffness of a novel anchored blind-bolt component for moment-resisting connections to concrete-filled hollow sections

The use of hollow section columns in steel construction is presently hindered by the lack of adequate connection technologies. Due to access constraints, standard bolting techniques are difficult to achieve, if not impossible without welding. As an alternative to welding, blind-bolting techniques were developed to provide desirable bolted configurations, allowing hollow column frames to be erected in the same way as open profile column frames. But the current blind-bolting techniques are restricted to the construction of simple connections because of their difficulties in achieving sufficient tensile stiffness. More recently, a novel anchored blind-bolt, labelled the Extended Hollo-bolt (EHB), has been developed at the University of Nottingham; as a modification of the standard Hollo-bolt. For the proposed connection technology, its potential in providing moment-resistance has been assessed successfully. However, the existing data related to the performance of this novel connector in tension is insufficient to permit its design. This work investigates the performance of the EHB blind-bolt under tension loading and focuses on determining, and modelling the stiffness of this novel technology in such a way to enable its application within the component method approach. An extensive experimental programme was devised to collect sufficient component characteristic data to enable the development of an EHB component model. This covered data deals with the overall response of the connector and the individual responses of its contributing elements. A total of 51 experimental pull-out tests and 20 pre-load tests have been performed. The force-displacement behaviour of the investigated joint component was determined under monotonic pull-out testing, where remote video gauge techniques have been adopted to capture the full non-linear response of the component, alongside traditional techniques to confirm the reliability of the data. The test matrix varies the grade and size of the component's internal bolt, the strength of concrete, and the depth of its mechanical anchorage. From the pull-out tests it was identified that the EHB component can ultimately develop the full tensile capacity of its internal bolt. This ultimate failure mode is confirmed for the range of parameters that was covered in this study. Increasing concrete strength had the most enhancing effect on the response of the component. A secondary programme was related to the measurement of pre-load that is induced in the internal bolt of the EHB component at its tightening stage; where pre-load was monitored over a five day period. The test matrix varies the grade and size of its internal bolt, and also considers various bolt batches. It was concluded that the relative level of component pre-load to ultimate strength increased only in the case where higher bolt grades were used. To model the tension behaviour of the EHB component, a mechanical model was developed that is based on an assembly of the component's different sources of deformation. The component model employs idealised springs with tetra-linear characteristics for the elongation of Its Internal bolt element, and springs with tri-linear characteristics for the slip of its expanding sleeves and mechanical anchorage elements. By comparing the predictions of the component model with relevant experimental data, the component model has been shown to be capable of describing the EHB component response with reasonable accuracy; capturing its tensile stiffness and its yielding trend. The accuracy of the component model has also been assessed in exclusion of pre-load effects. It was found that if the level of pre-load Is excluded from the assembly process, this can have highly undesirable effects on the predictions of the component's response. The findings of the supplementary pre-load testing programme assisted greatly in the accuracy of the component model by providing the necessary levels of pre-load. The proposed component model has demonstrated that the behaviour of the EHB component can be modelled by the component method approach; by employing Idealised models for the behaviour of its contributing elements. The validated component model is considered to simulate the tension behaviour of the novel anchored blind-bolt with sufficient fidelity that it can be considered as a benchmark for further studies.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo