Design assessment of slip-critical connections with different hole geometries under cyclic loading

SÖĞÜT H., ÖZÇELİK R., Azak T. E., ERDAL F.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research, cilt.247, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 247
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jcsr.2026.110626
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Constructional Steel Research
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Cyclic loading, Finite element modeling, Friction coefficient, High-strength bolts, Hole geometry, Slip-critical bolted connections
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Slip-critical bolted connections are widely used in steel structures subjected to seismic and cyclic loading due to their ability to limit slip and provide reliable fatigue performance. The slip resistance of these connections is influenced by surface treatment, hole geometry, bolt pre-tension, and bolt diameter, whereas current design approaches are largely based on monotonic loading assumptions. In this study, 20 slip-critical connection specimens with 10.9-grade M16 bolts were tested under cyclic tensile loading considering four surface classes and four hole geometries. Experimental slip loads and friction coefficients were determined and evaluated against code-based nominal predictions. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed using C3D8I elements and validated against the experimental results, and subsequently employed in a parametric study involving M24, M27, and M30 bolts. The results indicated that design predictions were generally conservative for M16 connections, while their accuracy varies with bolt diameter, surface class, and hole geometry, highlighting the limitations of fixed safety factors under cyclic loading. The close agreement between numerical and experimental results demonstrated that the proposed model was suitable for design-oriented parametric analyses of slip-critical bolted connections.