Bolted Connections for Fiber-Reinforced Composite Structural Members: Analytical Model and Design Recommendations

The use of fiber-reinforced composite materials in civil structural applications is relatively new and there is a serious lack of information on the behavior and design of the bolted connections normally used for structural members. As a result, a comprehensive experimental and analytical investigation was conducted at the University of Manitoba to study and determine the behavior of bolted connections in composite materials used for civil engineering applications. Based on the research findings and observed behavior, a design procedure is introduced, which accounts for material orthotropy, pseudoyielding capability, and other factors that influence bolted-connection behavior. The proposed model is capable of predicting the ultimate capacity and the mode of failure of the connections. Because of the generic nature of the model, the design guidelines can be applied to a multitude of composite material systems. Due to the model's simplicity, the proposed design procedure is ideal for implementation in design codes.