Use of adhesives in preloaded bolted connections for hot‐dip galvanised constructions

Fatigue loaded structures in steel construction, e. g. bridges and towers of wind turbines, are preferably executed with slip‐resistant connections since these connections are generally regarded as fatigue resistant. Nevertheless, the transferable shear loads are limited by the slip factor and the preload level in the bolts. With additionally applied adhesive on the friction surfaces, the so‐called preloaded hybrid connection is formed. The related increase in load capacity considering various manufacturing influences is presented in the following article.