Nonlinear superposition model for the behavior of bolted joints

Summary A nonlinear superposition model was developed to assess the load-slip behavior of bolted joints consisting of a single bolt subjected to lateral loading at angles of load to grain. This model characterizes the bolted joint as a pair of orthogonal nonlinear springs aligned parallel and perpendicular to the grain of the wood members. The spring stiffnesses are quantified by a logarithmic or exponential function depending upon whether the connection softens or stiffens with increasing slip. The spring deformations are superimposed to determine the movement of each component of the connection. Deformations of connected members are added vectorially to determine their relative displacement. Spring constant were determined experimentally using metal-to-wood connections. Thick steel side plates were employed to limit the system deformation to the wood component. Wood members were evaluated at angles of load to grain ranging from zero to ninety degrees. Once the spring constants had been determined, the model was executed to predict the load-slip behavior of wood-to-wood connections. These predictions were compared to experimentally obtained load-slip values. The results indicate that the nonlinear superposition concept is a valid approach to predict joint deformation at angles of load to grain.The authors express their gratitude to the Fulbright-Hays Foundation and the Colorado State Agricultural Experiment Station for their financial support of this study