Abstract

Current design requirements for the limit state of tearout were developed primarily based on experimental results of a limited range of configurations that do not necessarily represent the wide range of configurations to which the limit state applies. This experimental study examines configurations that have not been tested previously, including edge skewed to the direction of force, corner beyond the hole, interior bolts, and eccentrically loaded bolt groups. The findings provide a wealth of data on the behavior of connections with small edge distances and strength for the limit state of tearout. The data support a range of new design recommendations, including improved definition of tearout length when the edge is skewed to the direction of force, new strength equation when there is a corner beyond the hole, and validation of a modified version of the instantaneous center of rotation method for eccentrically loaded bolt groups that appropriately considers tearout. These results will enable more efficient and accurate design of steel bolted connections with small edge distances.

The work was conducted at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville by Prof. Mark Denavit in collaboration with graduate students Javad Esmaeelpour and Pratik Poudel. The research team can be contacted by email (mdenavit@utk.edu), phone (865-974-7714), or mail (325 John D. Tickle Building, 851 Neyland Drive, Knoxville TN 37996-2313).

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