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Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology ( New Series) , Vol.22, No.2, 2015

doi:10.11916 / j.issn. 1005⁃9113.2015.02.015

Prying Force Calculation and Design Method for T⁃shaped


Tensile Connector with High Strength Bolt

Zhaoxin Hou 1,2 , Guohong Huang 2 and Chao Gong 2,3∗


(1. College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; 2. Central Research Institute of Building and Construction,
MCC Group,Co., Ltd., Beijing 100088,China; 3.National Engineering Research Center for Steel Construction, Beijing 100088,China)

Abstract: In order to establish the design method for T⁃shaped tensile connector with high strength bolt, the
theoretical analysis is carried out. Firstly, it analyzes the performance of the connector and establishes prying
force calculation model. Based on the model, prying force equation and function between bolt prying force and
flange thickness is derived, and the min and max thickness requirement of flange plate under a certain tension
load is then obtained. Finally, two simplified design methods of the connector are proposed, which are bolt
pulling capacity method and flange plate bending capacity method.
Keywords: prying force; T⁃type joints; high strength bolts; flange thickness
CLC number: TU391      Document code: A        Article ID: 1005⁃9113(2015)02⁃0103⁃05

1  Introduction
t

T⁃shaped tensile connector is a connector that is


tensioned along the bar axis of the bolt. High strength M
N
bolt bear and transfer the tension force. T⁃shaped V
tensile connector applies to hanging T⁃shaped connector
( Fig. 1 ) or beam⁃column end plate flange T⁃shaped
tensile connector ( Fig. 2) [1-3] . Experiments [4-6] , finite
element [7-10] and theoretical analysis [11-13] have been Fig.2  Beam⁃column T⁃shaped connector
carried out to explore the performance of T⁃shaped
connectors. And it is found that the method of yield line 2  Limit State of T⁃shaped Tensile Connector
is a good way to estimate the ultimate strength of T⁃
shaped Tensile Connector, which is also widely used in     For T⁃shaped tensile connector, there are three types
structural design codes [14⁃17] . In order to establish the of limit state. This paper doesn’ t consider the state of
simplified design method of T⁃shaped tensile connector, column failure, which is connected to the flange plate.
this paper presents the limit state of the connection and     1) Limit state “ A” for flange plate stronger than
the design method thereby. bolt. In this case, flange plate strength is greater than
bolt, which occurs when the flange plate is very thick,
stiff, and its deformation is much smaller compared
with the bolt. In failure state, when high⁃strength bolt
reaches the tensile strength limit state, the flange plate
is still within the elastic range, no prying force occurs
( Fig.3 ( a) ) . Generally, this situation is less used in
design, because the flange plate and the connected
T column flange are both thick, so it will use more
materials. When the flange plate is too thick, it will not
Fig.1  Hanging T⁃shaped connector utilize the material properties well and the design value
will be reduced.

Received 2013-12-02.
Sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China( Grant No.51408620) and the Major Science and Technology Project during the Third
Five⁃Year Plan Period of China MCC( Grant No.0012013010) .
∗Corresponding author. E⁃mail: gongchao@ foxmail.com.
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Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology ( New Series) , Vol.22, No.2, 2015

    2) Limit state “ B” for flange plate and bolt with calculation model is economic and reasonable.
the same strength. When flange plate and bolt have the 3) Limit state “ C” for flange plate weaker than
same strength, they will reach the ultimate limit state bolt. The flange plate is weaker than the bolt. The
at the same time. Then the bolt will be pulled out and stiffness of flange plate is small. In the failure state,
the plastic hinge appeared at the connection of flange the bolt still works properly. But for flange plate, the
plate and web plate. At this point, plastic deformation plastic hinges appear at bolt midline and the web
occurs in the flange plate, and the prying force appears junction, the flange plate is in yield state. The prying
at the edge of plate ( Fig.3( b) ) . This is the reasonable force appears at the edge of plate ( Fig.3( c) ) .
limit state for T⁃shaped tensile connector. For high In summary, the relative strength of bolt and
strength bolt, serviceability limit state means that the flange plate determines the existence and size of prying
flange plate is separated; for bearing capacity limit force. When bolt and flange plate is determined and
state, the bolt is pulled out. In a word, for T⁃shaped tension load is certain, the prying force will change
tensile connector, taking the limit state “ B ” as the with the thickness of the flange.

0 e 0
Nt=Ntb 1
Nt=Ntb
Nt=Ntb e
3
2Nt 2Nt 2Nt
Nt=Ntb e
2 Nt=Ntb
Nt=Ntb
e
4 0
0

( a) Limit state “ A”               ( b) Limit state “ B”               ( c) Limit state “ C”

Fig.3  The failure limit state of T⁃shaped tensile connector

    Introducing net section coefficient δ, it is assumed


3  Prying Force Calculation that the bending moment of flange gross section at bolt
center point is M 2 , then, M 1 + δM 2 - N t · e2 = 0.
In analysis, taking Limit state “ B ” as the M2
calculation model ( Fig. 4 ) , it is assumed that the Introducing the coefficient α = , and bringing it into
M1
moment M 1 at flange and web connection and the N t ·e2
moment M′2 at flange plate bolt hole center section Eq.(1) , then, M 1 = . Because M′2 = δM 2 = α·
1 + αδ
reach the plastic moment values at the same time. M′2
N t ·e2
is calculated as follows: δM 1 = αδ , bringing it into Eq.(1) , we can get
M′2 = Q·e1 (1) 1 + αδ
αδ e1
Q = · N t . When the moment reaches the
2Nt 1 + αδ e2
plastic moment at the junction of flange plate and web,
bt 2 f N t e2
then, M 1 = = , we can obtain: t =
t 4 1 + αδ
e e e e 4N t e2
, when α = 0, M 2 = 0, then Q = 0. The
1 2 2 1

Nt+Q Nt+Q bf(1 + αδ)


thickness of flange plate can be calculated by the
M1
following equation.

Nt+Q Nt
M′
2 M′
2
e
1 e2 e
2 e1
M1
M2′

Fig.4  Force diagram of T⁃shaped tensile connector

    According to the mechanical equilibrium conditions


Q

and the isolation body of T⁃shaped member (Fig.5), the Fig.5   Calculation diagram of T⁃shaped member isolation
following equilibrium equation is derived. unit
M 1 + M′2 - N t ·e2 = 0 (2)

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Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology ( New Series) , Vol.22, No.2, 2015

4N bt e2 It is shown in Eq. ( 5 ) that the relationship


te = (3) between Q and t is an oval⁃shaped curve ( Fig.6) .
bf
    Then we get the following equation of prying force Q.
Q▲

æ t ö ù
bf2
(4)
é Q=ρNt- t
Q = N bt êê δαρ ç ÷ úú 4e
è te ø û
1

ë
where t e is the minimum thickness of T⁃shaped flange ρ
Nt
4e
2N
b

plate without considering the impact of prying force; N t


t
t
e=
bf
is the axial tension of high strength bolt; N bt is tension
capacity for high⁃strength bolt with a pull; t is the


t
O t
e

do
thickness of tensile T⁃shaped flange plate; δ = 1 - is Fig. 6   Diagram of prying force Q and the flange plate

thickness
the section coefficients of the flange plate; ρ = e2 / e1 is a
coefficient; Q is prying force; α = 5  Maximum Value of Prying Force and the
1 éê t æ t e ö
N 2
ù Corresponding Thickness t of the Flange
ç ÷ - 1 ú ≥ 0 is a coefficient ( α ≥ 0) .
δ êë N bt è t ø ú
û
The tension of T⁃shaped connectors N t is certain.
4  Relationship Function between Prying Force Q When the bolt reaches the limit state, prying force
and Thickness t of the Flange reaches the maximum value that the bolt can bear.
Because Q max = N bt - N t , according to Eq. ( 5) , the
When N t is certain, there is a certain relationship thickness of the flange plate is calculated as follows.
between Q and t. The relationship needs to be derived 4e1
1 é Nt æ te ö

e2 to = [ ( ρ + 1) N t - N bt ] (6)
from Eq.(4) . Because α = êê b ç ÷ - 1 úú ,ρ = ,
ù bf
δ ë Nt è t ø û e1     It can be considered as the minimum thickness of
bringing into Eq.(4) , then, the flange plate ( Fig. 7 ) . Therefore, when the
æ t ö ù

thickness t is between t o and t e , it can ensure that the
  Q = N bt êê δαρ ç ÷ úú =
é
ë è te ø û bolt and flange plate meet the bearing capacity limit
é 1 éê Nt æ te ö

ù 2
æ t ö ù state.
    Nbt × êê δ × × b × ç ÷ - 1ú × ρ × ç ÷ ú =
ë δ êë N è t ø

úû è te ø úû Q▲
Ntb
é é Nt æ te ö
2 2
ù æ t ö ù Nt
    N bt × êê êê b × ç ÷ - 1 úú × ρ × ç ÷ úú =
bf2
Q=ρ
Nt- t
ë ë Nt è t ø è te ø û ρ
Nt 4e
1
û Qmax
é Nt æ te ö
2 2
éæ t ö ùù b

    N bt × êê ç ÷ × ρ × êê b × ç ÷ - 1 úú úú =
4e
2Nt
t
e=

ë è te ø ë Nt è t ø
bf
ûû
é Nt æ t ö ù 2

    N t × ρ × êê b - ç ÷ úú =
b t t t
O o e

ë Nt è te ø û
t ö 2ù Fig.7  The maximum prying force which bolt is bear and
    ρ × ê N t - N bt × ç ÷ úú =
éê æ
the corresponding flange thickness
ë è te ø û
e2 æ t ö ù

6  Design Ideas for T⁃shaped Tensile Connector
   
é
× êê N t - N bt × ç ÷ úú =
e1 ë è te ø û
e2 N t T⁃shaped tension connector can be designed based
    ρ·N t - · = on the following two ideas.
e1 ψ
4bf e2 N t 1) Checking the tension capacity of the bolt. Step
    ρ·N t - · · = 1: When N t is known, t e can be calculated using
4bf e1 ψ
Eq.(3) ; Step 2: Assuming the thickness of the flange
bf 4e2 N t
    ρ·N t - · = plate, prying force Q can be calculated using Eq.(4) ;
4e1 ψbf Step 3: Checking the tension capacity of the bolt
bf according to Eq.(7) ; Step 4: If satisfied, the assumed
    ρ·N t - ·t 2
4e1 thickness is appropriate, and the design is finished. If
bf not satisfied, the assumed thickness should be
          Q = ρ·N t - ·t 2 (5)
4e1 increased, so repeating steps 2 - 4.
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Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology ( New Series) , Vol.22, No.2, 2015

N t + Q ≤ N bt (7)     2 ) When the flange thickness of the T⁃shaped


    2 ) Checking the thickness of the flange plate. connector is less than t e , the prying force should be
Step 1: When N t is known, t e can be calculated using considered. ① The maximum value of prying force of
Eq.(3) ; Step 2: Using Eq.(6) to get the value of Q max the bolt can be calculated: Q max = N bt - N t ; ② In the
and the corresponding thickness t o ; Step 3: Determine case of the maximum value of prying force, the
the thickness of the flange plate, meeting t o ≤ t ≤ t e . minimum thickness of the T⁃shaped flange plate can be
4e1
7  Design Proposal for T⁃shaped Tensile Connector calculated: t o = [ ( ρ + 1) N t - N bt ] . Pull⁃
bf
strength bolt’ s tension should satisfy N bt / (1 + ρ) ≤ N t
For the design of high strength bolt T⁃shaped
≤ N bt . In serviceability limit state, N bt should take
tensile connector, we can adopt the method of checking
the thickness of the flange plate. When checking the 0􀆰 8 P; In ultimate limit state, N bt should take P. ρ =
fatigue of the bolt tension, Eq.(1) is used to calculate e2 / e1 , e1 is the bolt edge distance and should comply
the value of the prying force. Design parameters of the with the requirements of e1 ≤ 1􀆰 25e2 ; ③The minimum
T⁃shaped connector are shown in Fig.8. thickness t o for T⁃shaped flange plate should not be less
than the diameter of the connecting bolt and 16 mm.
e
1 e
2 e
2 e
1

8  Design Example
Q Nt+Q Nt+Q Q

Grade 10􀆰 9 M24 High⁃strength Bolt,


b
N bt = 0􀆰 8P = 180 kN
Q345 f = 345 N / mm 2
b = 3d 0 = 3 × 26 = 78 mm,take 80 mm
t

e1 = 1􀆰 5d 0 = 1􀆰 5 × 26 = 39 mm, take 40 mm
e2 50
2Nt
e1 = 50 mm, ρ = = = 1􀆰 25
e1 40
Fig.8  T⁃shaped connector design parameters 4e2 N bt 4 × 50 × 180 × 10 3
te = = =
bf 80 × 345
    1) Without considering the prying, the minimum
36􀆰 2 mm
thickness of T⁃shaped flange plate t e is calculated by
N bt 180
Eq.(4) . In Eq. ( 4) , the width of T⁃shaped plate is Nt ≥ = = 80 kN
calculated according to the width of the bolt cover, and 1 + ρ 1 + 1􀆰 25
e2 is the calculation distance from bolt center to T⁃ 4e1
shaped web side. Pull⁃strength bolt tension strength to = [ ( ρ + 1) N t - N bt ]
bf
should satisfy N t ≤ N bt . For details see Table 1.

Table 1  The serviceability limit state for T⁃shaped tensile connector ( 10􀆰 9 M24 high strength bolt, Q345 flange plate)
computation
N t ( kN) Q max ( kN) ( ρ + 1) N t - N bt t o ( mm) t e ( mm) Design proposals t ( mm)

80 100 0  - 36􀆰 2 24

90 90 22􀆰 5 11􀆰 5 36􀆰 2 24

100 80 45􀆰 0 16􀆰 2 36􀆰 2 24

110 70 67􀆰 5 19􀆰 8 36􀆰 2 24

120 60 90􀆰 0 22􀆰 8 36􀆰 2 24

130 50 112􀆰 5 25􀆰 5 36􀆰 2 26

140 40 135􀆰 0 28􀆰 0 36􀆰 2 30

150 30 157􀆰 5 30􀆰 3 36􀆰 2 32

160 20 225􀆰 0 32􀆰 3 36􀆰 2 34

170 10 180􀆰 0 34􀆰 3 36􀆰 2 36

180 0 202􀆰 5 36􀆰 1 36􀆰 2 36

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Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology ( New Series) , Vol.22, No.2, 2015

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