Analysis of bolted flange connections under tensile loading

This thesis aims to analyze general behavior and characteristics of bolted flange connections under tensile loading conditions. Twelve specimens, in total, were used in the experimental work to estimate the effect of the external load to the bolts and flange separation. Based on these data, several phenomena were analyzed such as prying action, relation between the external load and bolt force, and gap development.;Finally, a systematic and step-by-step design approach for the bolted rounded bar connection is suggested and an automatic design program has been developed using MATLAB.;After collecting the results mentioned above, they were compared with well-known T-stub connections to verify the applicability of a rounded bar connection. In order to arrive at a better understanding of the bolted connection, the finite element analysis was performed employing ABAQUS.