Investigating the prying force magnitude and location in the T-stub connection based on the energy method

• Published in: Engineering structures Vol. 280; p. 115655
• Main Authors: Khani, Reza, Hosseinzadeh, Yousef, Hoseinzadeh Asl, Masoud
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2023
• Subjects: Energy method; Prying action; Prying force formula; Prying force location; Shear deformation effect; T-stub connection; T-stub connection; Shear deformation effect; Energy method; Prying force formula; Prying action; Prying force location
• ISSN: 0141-0296; 1873-7323
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2023.115655

The prying action as a vital phenomenon in the bolted connections plays a major part in the behavior of steel connections. It is worth mentioning that prying force location has been considered to be at the edge of the flange in the T-stub model. Present research aims to investigate the prying force magnitude and location in the T-stub connection based on the energy method. Therefore, analytical formulas for the ratio of the prying force to the applied load and prying force location with and without considering shear deformation effect were proposed based on the energy method for bolted connections with no pretension. Results obtained from the formulas were compared with the results of the experimental and numerical models. Based on the obtained results, it was understood that despite previous assumptions that the location of the prying force is at the edge of the flange for all the cases, the prying force location depends on the thickness of the flange and the bolt distance from the web of the T-stub. Hence, considering prying force location at the edge of the flange underestimates the real value of the prying force resulting in premature failure of the bolt and connection. [Display omitted] •The ratio of the prying force to the applied load is obtained by the energy method.•Prying force location can be obtained based on the energy method.•The shear deformation effect is considered on the prying action.•Considering the prying force location at the edge of the flange is unconservative.