A Parametric Study on Bearing Strengths of Cold-formed Stainless Steel Bolted Connections at Elevated Temperatures

Abstract

In this study, an extensive parametric study of 225 stainless steel double shear bolted connections at elevated temperatures was performed based on a verified finite element model. The connection specimens were fabricated from three different grades of cold-formed stainless steel, namely the austenitic stainless steel EN 1.4301 (AISI 304), EN 1.4571 (AISI 316Ti) and lean duplex stainless steel EN 1.4162 (AISI S32101). Based on both the test and numerical results, bearing factor has been proposed for the bearing strengths of stainless steel double shear bolted connections at elevated temperatures. The connection bearing strengths obtained from the tests and finite element analysis were compared with the nominal strengths calculated using the current design specifications for stainless steel structures as well as the modified design rules in this study. In calculating the nominal strengths of the connections, the material properties of stainless steel obtained at elevated temperatures were used. It is shown that the modified design rules provided more accurate predictions compared to the current design predications for bearing strengths of stainless steel bolted connections at elevated temperatures. The reliability of the current and modified design rules was evaluated using reliability analysis.