Progresses of loading behavior of bolted joints used in aluminum alloy structures

Abstract

The current development of the static loading behavior and design methods of bolted joints used in aluminum alloy structures are summarized in this paper. The review includes the progresses of the experimental investigation, collapse mechanism, loading behavior, loadbearing capacity, numerical simulation and design methods of the bolted joints. The loading behavior of the bolted joints used in aluminum alloy structures has been widely investigated in many developed countries till now. Some suitable design methods and/or directions are obtained and adopted in current related specifications. Then because of almost rare application in civil engineering, the loading behavior and the design methods of bolted joints of the aluminum alloy structures are not investigated deeply and thoroughly in China. And the collapse mechanism of the joints has not been thoroughly understood yet. No applicable standards or references can be adopted for actual design now. Therefore, both numerical analysis and experimental investigation of the bolted joints used in aluminum alloy structures need to be conducted further. It can provide a theoretical basis for aluminum alloy structure design.