Fatigue analysis of welds and bolts in end plate connections of I-girders

End plate connections with prestressed bolts represent economical joints in steel construction. However, the fatigue resistance of these connections is currently insufficiently covered in Eurocode 3-1-9 [1]. The weld and bolt stresses during fatigue loading of end plate connections have been examined in detail. To this end, fatigue tests have been carried out on component and small-scale specimens. In a subsequent numerical investigation, FE-models have been validated by the experimental results. Second, geometric influences were investigated. The fatigue strength of the welds has been assessed by the effective notch stress concept. Finally, a detail category recommendation is given.