A514 Steel Joints Fastened by A490 Bolts

Results are reported of analytical and experimental studies of the behavior of construction alloy (ASH) butt splices which use A490 fasteners. Based on the results of previous theoretical work, the parameters that might be expected to affect the behavior of this type of joint were examined. This examination showed that the ultimate strength of these joints is a function of joint length and relative plate-fastener proportions, but is independent of fastener diameter or pitch. The validity of the previously developed theoretical work and the analytical studies reported herein have been verified by means of an extensive testing program. A comparison shows that the theoretical predictions are reliable, both for the ultimate load of the joint and for obtaining the distribution of load among the fasteners at loads less than ultimate. The experimental work also showed that blast-cleaned A514 steel has a slip coefficient of about 0.33. The study further showed that constructional alloy steel joints using A490 bolts do not produce desirable behavior in their adjoining members if the elements of the joint are proportioned according to currently used practice.