Parametric study of blind bolted end-plate connection on structural square hollow section

Abstract

Blind bolts are defined as bolts that can be access for installation from one side of the connection only, where the application can referring to the case of connecting the endplate of a beam to a hollow column. Blind bolts offer many advantages including strengths and sizes comparable to ordinary bolts and therefore it has potential use in tension applications as well as in moment resisting connections. This paper presents a parametric study of blind-bolted end-plate connections between tubular columns and open beams. Firstly, the experimental study used for validation purposes is briefly described with focus on the connection details. Secondly, two theoretical models, based on Gomes method and component method are then proposed and a detailed description of the model assumptions and model validation is presented. The proposed theoretical model with higher accuracy is used to perform a parametric investigation into the key factors influencing the behavior of blind-bolted end-plate connections. It is shown that the blind-bolt type and size, end-plate thickness, column face thickness and gauge distance have a significant influence on the connection behavior.