Finite-element analysis of unstiffened flush end-plate bolted joints

This paper reports part of the results of an investigation devoted to the analysis of unstiffened flush end-plate steel-bolted joints by means of the finite-element technique. the flush end-plate joint represents an extremely complex and highly indeterminate analytical problem with a large number of parameters affecting its structural behavior. With the advent of high-speed computers and powerful finite-element software packages, the finite-element method offers an ideal tool for tackling such a complex problem. A sophisticated three-dimensional model of the joint is developed and a nonlinear analysis, using the LUSAS finite-element package, is presented. Full-scale tests of a number of flush end-plate joints have been performed. Finally, comparison between computed and measured values has been carried out, which allows the accuracy of the finite-element prediction model to be highlighted.