Finite element modelling and analysis of bolted joints of 3D tubular structures

In the paper, research results on a special joint of a new type of steel cooling tower are presented. The structural members are tubular elements with high radius-to-thickness ratios. The 3D jointing and the bolted connections result in extremely complex joints that should be studied by experiments and advanced analysis. This paper focuses on the numerical modelling of two joint prototypes. The models are verified by test results. Virtual experiments are completed to study the elastic load-transfer as well as the ultimate behaviour. On these bases, the failure modes are determined and characterized, and the design procedure is improved.