Modeling Slotted Connections

ctmfab · Dec 18, 2002

In structural modeling, what types of end releases are typically used when the bolted connections have slotted holes? The bolts will be loose to allow thermal expansion of the members. “Loose” will be hand-tight, then backed off ½ turn and tack welded (nut to bolt).

So far, I have been checking rotation at the connection point, then deciding if the moment could be transferred or not. Since the bolts are initially loose, they will not develop tension until the slack in the joint is removed. Is this a good approach or not?

andrewc · Dec 29, 2002

hi ctmfab

andrew here in the uk. when i've analised slotted connections in the past [in terms of uk practice] i've treated the joint as either pinned or on a roller in the direction of the slot. we also only finger tighten these joints but i've not yet considered tack welding any of them subsequently.

andrew

RiBeneke · Jan 4, 2003

For design under service loadings I would consider them always pinned for moments and sliding for thrust forces as long as the slots have enough length.
Under ultimate limit state loadings or plastic design methods, if the available amount of movement is limited (in either moment rotation or sliding thrust) and the partially fixed case would give higher stresses in some part of the structure, then I would also check the partially fixed case.

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Modeling Slotted Connections

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