Influence of equivalent bolt length in finite element modeling of T-stub steel connections

In this paper the development and implementation of a finite element model for simple T-stub steel connections is presented. Material and geometric non-linearities as well as contact and friction have been implemented in the model. The model is validated by comparison 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 and is shown to be of primary importance. This issue is representative of the continuously increasing use of advanced numerical analysis, supported by progress in computational mechanics, as a tool for practical design of engineering structures.