Numerical and theoretical investigation of bolted sleeve connections with rectangular hollow sections

Abstract This article presents a theoretical and numerical study of bolted sleeve connections with rectangular hollow sections (RHS) under axial tension and compression. The geometric form of a hollow section provides resistance for high axial loads, torsion and combines effects, spreading its utilization in truss systems. In this context, the sleeve connections proposed explore these characteristics of RHS and offer an attractive aesthetic appearance for the continuity of elements. The bolted sleeve connection with RHS is formed by two outer tubes connected by an inner tube and staggered bolts. Herein, a parametric study was developed for identification of the failure modes in the connection. Finite element models with different geometric parameters and number of bolts were created in commercial software. The width, depth and thickness of RHS tubes and diameter of bolts were variated. In the theoretical/numerical/parametric results, the yielding gross section failure, the fracture through the effective net area failure and the bearing failure were observed. These failure modes occurred in both outer and inner tubes. The load results were compared to determine the resistance capacity of sleeve connections. The theoretical formulations were evaluated for representation of the ultimate load of the failure modes.

摘要 本文针对轴向拉压荷载作用下的矩形空心截面（rectangular hollow sections, RHS）螺栓套筒连接开展理论与数值研究。空心截面的几何形式可承受高轴向荷载、扭矩及其复合作用，因此在桁架体系中得到了广泛应用。在此背景下，本文提出的套筒连接充分利用了矩形空心截面的上述特性，同时可为构件的连续布置提供美观的外观效果。此类矩形空心截面螺栓套筒连接由两根外管通过一根内管以及交错布置的螺栓连接而成。本文开展了参数化研究以识别该连接的失效模式：研究人员在商用有限元软件中建立了包含不同几何参数与螺栓数量的有限元模型，变量涵盖矩形空心截面管材的宽度、高度、壁厚以及螺栓直径。理论、数值与参数化分析结果表明，该连接存在三种失效模式：全截面屈服破坏、有效净截面断裂破坏以及承压破坏，上述失效模式可同时发生在外管与内管中。通过对比荷载结果以确定套筒连接的承载能力，并对用于表征各失效模式极限荷载的理论公式进行了验证评估。