FEA of Bearing Capacity of Combined Joint with Bolt and weld

Combined connection with bolts and weld has been proposed in “the Specification of High-Strength Bolt Connection in Steel Structures”. Both bolt and weld joining are employed in this form of joint and resist the same shear force. This paper focuses on the mechanical performance of combined connection with slip-critical high-strength bolts and side-weld. We take the Finite Element Method to analyze the failure mode and bearing capacity of the combined connection. Conclusions that how much the slip-critical high-strength bolts and side-weld contribute for the bearing capacity of the joint are drawn through several finite element numerical examples of different strength ratios of bolts and weld. Accordingly the calculating formula is achieved for bearing capacity of combined joint. And parametric analysis of bolt classifications and throat thickness of weld is also made.

These could apply in the practical use of the bolt-weld combined joint in tall and long structures.