Publications

Publication Details

Title

Finite element analysis of lap joints in Steel Tubular Towers

Authors

Abstract

For the connection of segments in tubular steel towers, some recently published literature promotes the use of friction connections as shown in Fig. 1 instead of the common flange connections [1]. Such friction connections consist of normal clearance holes with preinstalled bolts in one segment and long open slotted holes in the other segment. To facilitate assembly, the two segments differ in diameter. This allows for a certain deformability of the connection. The resistance of such a friction connection can simply follow the design rules of the European Standard EN1993-1-8 for friction connections with pretensioned bolts [2]. To investigate the behavior of the so called “fingers”, as which the steel plates between the long open slotted holes are designated, the following tests are going to be conducted: Two quadratic hollow sections of steel grade S355 will be connected with long open friction connections with 6 M24 bolts of grade 10.9 on two of their four sides, varying in distance ld between the QHS 250x250x10, compare Fig. 1.

References

[1] M. Veljkovic, C. Heistermann, W. Husson, M. Limam, M. Feldmann, J. Naumes, D. Pak, T. Faber, M. Klose, K.-U. Fruhner, L. Krutschinna, C. C. Baniotopoulos, I. Lavassas, A. Pontes, E. Ribeiro, M. Hadden, R. Sousa, L. Simões da Silva, C. Rebelo, R. Simões, J. Henriques, R. Matos, J. Nuutinen, and H. Kinnunen, “High-strength tower in steel for wind turbines (Histwin),” Brussels, 2012.
[2] CEN European Committee for Standardization, Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures - Part 1-8: Design of joints. Belgium, 2005, p. 133.
[3] M. Veljkovic, M. Feldmann, J. Naumes, D. Pak, C. Rebelo, and L. Simões da Silva, “Friction connection in tubular towers for a wind turbine,” Stahlbau, vol. 79, no. 9, pp. 660–668, Sep. 2010.
[4] C. Heistermann, M. Veljkovic, R. Simões, C. Rebelo, and L. Simões da Silva, “Design of slip resistant lap joints with long open slotted holes,” J. Constr. Steel Res., vol. 82, pp. 223–233, Mar. 2013.
[5] “Abaqus 6.12 User’s Manual.” Dassault Systèmes Simulia Corp., Providence, RI, USA, 2012.
[6] M. Pavlović and M. Velkjovic, “Finger Plate Splice Connections in RHS - Preliminary FE Analyses Background document for FRAMEUP project WP2. Joint detailing for optimization of frame assembling,” Luleå, 2013.
[7] M. Pavlović, Z. Marković, M. Veljković, and D. Buđevac, “Bolted shear connectors vs. headed studs behaviour in push-out tests,” J. Constr. Steel Res., vol. 88, pp. 134–149, Sep. 2013.
[8] W. Husson, Friction connections with slotted holes for wind towers. Licentiate Thesis: Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden, 2008.
[9] C. Heistermann, Behaviour of Pretensioned Bolts in Friction Connections. Licentiate Thesis: Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden, 2011.
[10] CEN European Committee for Standardization, Eurocode 3: Bemessung und Konstruktion von Stahlbauten - Teil 1-1: Allgemeine Bemessungsregeln, Bemessungsregeln für den Hochbau (Vornorm). Germany, 1994.

Files

Eurosteel2014-Christine_Heistermann.pdf

<< back