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 本文针对矩形空心截面（Rectangular Hollow Sections, RHS）螺栓套筒连接在轴向拉压荷载下的受力性能开展理论与数值研究。空心截面的几何形态可承受高轴向荷载、扭转及其组合效应，使其在桁架体系中得到广泛应用。在此背景下，本文提出的套筒连接充分利用了RHS的上述特性，同时可为构件的连续性带来美观的视觉表现。该矩形空心截面螺栓套筒连接由两根外管、一根内管以及交错布置的螺栓构成。本文通过参数化研究明确了该连接的各类破坏模式：借助商用有限元软件，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RHS管的宽度、高度、壁厚以及螺栓直径。在理论、数值与参数化分析结果中，观测到三类破坏模式：全截面屈服破坏、有效净截面断裂破坏以及承压破坏，上述破坏模式可同时出现在外管与内管中。通过对比各组荷载结果，明确了套筒连接的承载能力，并对理论公式进行验证，以确保其可准确表征各类破坏模式下的极限荷载。