High-Strength Bolted Connections Subject to Prying

A theory is developed that permits determination of the resulting bolt forces in bolted T-stub and end plate connections, subject to prying action. The theory includes both the case in which separation in the bolt lines occurs before and the case in which it occurs after the reduced yield moment of the T-stub flange or end plate is reached. Tests show that, due to strain hardening in the T-stub flange or end plate, a strength reserve exists beyond the yield load as defined in the theory. A comparison of the results of the tests with the results of previously proposed semi-empirical formulas shows that these yield rather conservative estimates of the prying forces. The difference between the test results and the results of the formulas given in the current AISC Manual of Steel Contruction is considerable.