Journal of Constructional Steel Research xxx (xxxx) xxx

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Journal of Constructional Steel Research

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Experimental investigation of end-plate splices with multiple bolt

rows of large girders
Pawel Kawecki a, Aleksander Kozlowski b, *
a
Civil Engineering Office Mostostal Co., 28/34 Pie˛ kna, 00-547, Warsaw, Poland
b
Department of Building Structures, Rzeszow University of Technology, 2 Poznanska, 35-959, Rzeszow, Poland

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: An experimental investigation of four extended end-plate welded girder splices with M20-grade 10.9
Received 22 March 2019 bolts, multiple bolt rows, and multiple bolts per row was conducted. Two splices of beam (1.5 m depth
Received in revised form with 11 bolt rows and 2 or 6 bolts per row, and 2 splices 1.0 m high with 6 bolt rows and 4 bolts per row
23 August 2019
were investigated. In both these cases, the bolts were close to the tension flanges. All of these joints can
Accepted 4 November 2019
Available online xxx
be considered as rigid and partial-strength joints. Experimental research on such end-plate connections
has not been previously conducted; therefore, the understanding of the overall structural behaviour of
these types of connections is currently insufficient. The main objective of this study was to investigate
Keywords:
End-plate splice
the bolt-force distribution at the ultimate state of the bolt tension resistance in the connections. The
Multi-bolt row joints longitudinal strains of bolts in three investigated splices were measured in all rows until the bolts
Experimental tests ruptured. The test results for the splice with two bolts per row indicated that forces in bolts adjacent to
Forces in bolt the web (and distributed along the height of the beam web) were significantly smaller than the T-stub
Moment resistance resistance computed according to EN 1993-1-8. Further, the bending-moment resistance of such a
connection obtained using the component method overestimated the actual splice resistance. It is
concluded that Eurocode procedures do not satisfy safety requirements in the case of multi-bolt row
connections.
© 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction
End-plate bolted connections have been used in steel-frame
structures for more than half a century as preloaded beam-to-
column joints, and as beam splices carrying axial forces and/or
bending moments. Despite the thorough investigation of bolted
end-plate connections, the behaviour of such joints is not suffi-
ciently understood. In Europe, end-plate bolted connections are
popular as typical connections of hot-rolled profiles. In industrial
framed structures, end-plate connections have also been used for
compound, welded sections. The basic assumption in the design of
these connections at that time was that the bending moment is
transmitted only by bolt rows close to the tension flange of the
beam. Advancements in the manufacturing technology of steel
structures have enabled appropriate fitting of end plates used in tall
cross-section members of skeleton structures. The ultimate
bending capacity of such connections, which are calculated
considering only the bolt rows close to the tension flange, is often
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: kozlowsk@prz.edu.pl (A. Kozlowski).
too small. Therefore, designers must include more than two bolts in
each row or/and more bolt rows along the web of the beam (see
Figs. 1 and 12).
Regulations [1] consider the design of connections with many
bolt rows, assuming that in each row the ultimate resistance for the
T-stub may be achieved. This design method is based on the results
of many experimental tests of T-stubs under tension and connec-
tions of hot-rolled profiles subjected to bending. Nearly all these
tests were performed on typical skeleton structures with beam
heights up to 400e450 mm. In Ref. [1], there are no regulations
concerning the design of connections with more than two bolts per
row.
The insufficient understanding of the actual behaviour of the
end-plate joints is due to problems in determining the values of
forces caused by prying effects. Moreover, in preloaded connec-
tions, problems emerge in determining the values of bolt forces
immediately before the end plates separate. Forces in bolts deter-
mined via direct strain measurement after the plate separation
include the prying effects, and cannot be used to compute the
design moment resistance of the joint. Currently, the aforemen-
tioned problems can be solved using the finite-element method.
In experimental tests of T-stubs under axial tension, a good

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2019.105859
0143-974X/© 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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2 P. Kawecki, A. Kozlowski / Journal of Constructional Steel Research xxx (xxxx) xxx

Fig. 1. Design schemes of the investigated beam splices.

estimation of the ultimate bearing capacity and the prying effect
has been achieved. Zoetemeijer [2] identified three failure modes of
bolted end-plate connections: end-plate yielding, end-plate
yielding along with the rupture of bolts with the prying effect,
and bolt rupture without the prying effect (modes 1, 2, and 3 ac-
cording to EC3 [1]). Formulas describing these modes were used for
the estimation of the resistance of connections with only one or
two bolt rows close to the tension flange. In the following years,
many additional experimental tests of beam splices and beam-to-
column connections were performed. In Table 1, the specifications
of tests of beam splices with more than one bolt row in the tension
zone between the flanges are presented. In the experiments, joints
of hot-rolled I beams and welded I sections with heights ranging
400e1620 mm were investigated. Most of these tests [1,4e15] were
conducted in the USA to assess the design methods included in AISC
[16], but taking into account only three internal bolt rows below the
tension flange of the beam. In a few of the studies, the behaviour of
joints with more than three bolt rows between the flanges was
examined. Palme [17] and Augustyn [18] conducted experimental
tests with four bolt internal bolt rows in the splice of the beam. The
results of these tests indicate that the distributions of forces be-
tween particular bolt rows are not linear, and bolts near neutral axis
of the beam have a small influence on the bending-moment
resistance of the connection. According to this observation,
design methods assuming that only bolt rows adjacent to the ten-
sion flange carry the bending moment were developed, and are
included in most steel-joint specifications.
Table 2 presents the specifications of experimental tests of
bolted end-plate splices with four bolts in rows above and below
the tension flange. The objective of these studies was to determine

Table 1
Specifications of the investigations of beam splices with multiple bolt rows and two bolts per row.

Ref. Author and publication year Beam height [mm] Number of rows Ref. Author and Beam height [mm] Number of rows
(external/internal) publication year (external/internal)

[3] Douty R. et al., 1965 406 0/2, 0/3 [10] Rodkey R. et al., 1993 840 1/3
1/2
[17] Palme E. 1974 550 1/4 0/4 [11] Borgsmiller J. et al., 1995 1620 1/3
[18] Augustyn J. et al., 1982 400 0/2, 1/2 [12] Ryan J. et al., 1999 600 1/1
600 1/3 1400 1/1, 1/3
900 1/4
[4] Srouji R. et al., 1984 406 0/2 [13] Sumner E. et al., 2001 600 1/1
600 0/2 750 1/2, 2/2
900 2/2
[5] SEI 1984 1570 1/3 [14] Sumner E. et al., 2003 1560 1/1, 1/2
750 1/2
[6] Hendrick D. et al., 1984 406 0/2 [19] Katula L. 2009 1000 1/2 2/2
600 0/2
[7] Morrison S. et al., 1985 750 1/3 [15] Jain N. et al., 2015 914 0/2
1170 1/3 1524 1/3, 2/2
1570 1/3
[8] Bond D. et al., 1989 710 1/2 [17] Shi G. et al., 2017 800 2/2
900 1/2
[9] Abel M. et al., 1992 660 1/2

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Table 2
Specifications of experimental tests of end-plate connections with four bolts per row close to the tension flange.

Ref. Author and publication year Beam cross section Number of rows Number of samples Bolt diameter End-plate
(external/internal) and class thickness (mm)

[21] Konishi I. et al., 1966 h ¼ 374 0/1 2 M22e8.8 20

[22] Khalili D. 1972 IPE300 1/1 1 M20e10.9 12
[23] Thomsen et al., 1973 HEB220 1/1 4 M20e10.9 15e21
HEB300 1/1 3 M24e10.9 18e25
[24] Grundy P. et al., 1980 h ¼ 610 1/1 2 7/800 eA325 25; 32
[18] Augustyn J. et al., 1982 h ¼ 600 1/3 1 M20; M24 20
h ¼ 900 1/4 8 10.9
[14] Sumner E. et al. 2003a h ¼ 762 1/1; 1z/1b 2; 2 1¼” A325; 490 25; 28e25; 44
h ¼ 914 1/1; 1z/1 2; 2 1¼” A325; 490 32; 35e32; 63
[20] Schmidt B. 2008 HEA300 0/11/1; 4 M24 10.9 20; 35
HEA360 0/11/1 4 M20 10.9 15; 25
HEA400 4 M24 10.9 20; 35
HEA400 4 M24 10.9 15; 30
[19] Katula N. 2009 h ¼ 900 1/2 3 M20 12; 15; 20
1/1 2 8.8 and 10.9 20; 24
[15] Jain N. et al., 2015 h ¼ 914 0/2 4 ¾00 ; 11/800 20; 25
h ¼ 1524 2/3 4 A325
[25] Shi G. et al., 2017 h ¼ 800 2/2c 2 M27; M30 25; 32
2/2 2 10.9
a
Beam-to-column connection with stiffeners.
b
1z/1dsplices with external stiffeners.
c
All rows with four bolts.

the distribution of forces in bolts in the same row; however, the
prying effect, geometric properties, and stiffness of the end plates
were not considered. Augustyn [18] performed further studies to
include these parameters in the empirical distribution coefficients
for the bolt rows and the bolts in the rows. Schmidt [20] distin-
guished the failure modes according to the ratio of the end-plate
thickness to the bolt diameter, and proposed a sophisticated
design method based on yield-line theory.
In most of the tests presented in Table 2, the following quantities
were of interest: the distribution of forces in the bolts, both in
specific rows and along the height of the beam; the strains of the
structural steel; the yielding of the end plates; the separation of the
end plates; and the overall deflection of the investigated samples.
To measure the bolt shank strains, strain gauges were glued on the
bolt shank or into a hole drilled in the axis of the bolt. The latter
configuration has less exposure to the bending of the bolts due to
the extensive deformation of the end plates close to the ultimate
bending resistance of investigated connections. The results of the
aforementioned measurements were corrected owing to the
yielding of the material. Methods for measuring strains in bolts and
the calibrating of the computed resultant axial forces were
described in Ref. [26]. In Refs. [12,19,20], and [25] finite-element
models used to extend the analysis were experimentally validated.
Withdrawn national codes, as well as the current versions of the
European and American standards, contain the following pro-
visions for the calculation of bolted end-plate connections sub-
jected to a bending moment.
transverse strain (end-plate thickness and distances from sup-
porting edges) and the preloading force.
- Withdrawn Polish code [28]dthe design resistance of the
connection is calculated considering the experimentally deter-
mined reduction coefficients of the bolt-force distribution, with
a maximum of three bolt rows between flanges.
- German catalogue [29]dthe design resistance of the connection
is obtained for only bolts around the tension flange.
- AISC Specification [16]dthe design resistance of the connection
is calculated with a maximum of three internal bolt rows. The
resistance of the bolt row group is determined according to the
conditions of end-plate yielding and bolt rupture with or
without prying action.
- European standard [1]dthe component method is applied [2],
in which the design bending-moment resistance is the sum of
the products of the design tensile resistances of individual or
groups of bolt rows and their distances to the compression
flange. The limitation of the bending capacity due to the failure
of the beam flange in compression and the web in tension ap-
plies. In certain cases, linear variable distributions of forces in
bolt rows are recommended.
The European standard [1] is the only design code that considers
many bolt rows placed below the neutral axis of the beam.
The objective of this study was to investigate whether the

- Withdrawn French code [27]dthe design tension capacity of

bolts in rows depends on the empirical criterion of the end-plate

Table 3
Material and geometric properties of the investigated connections.

Notation Beam Number of Number of End-plate

dimensions bolt rows bolts in thickness
rows around
the flange

W2-1 1500-12-400-16 11 4 16
W1-1 1500-12-400-16 11 12 16
W3-1 1000-12-400-16 6 8 16
W3-2 1000-12-400-16 6 8 20
Fig. 2. End plates during face milling.

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Fig. 3. Measurement points on the plates and the weld thickness for the W2-1 sample: a) photograph and b) placement of measurement points.

design procedures implemented in Eurocode 3 [1] based on the 2. Testing program

component method are also safe and applicable to splices of tall
beams with multiple bolt rows. The experiment was performed on four natural-scale extended
end-plate bolted splices of welded beams. All elements were made
of S355J2þN steel and connected using grade 10.9 M20 bolts. A
detailed description of the material and geometrical properties of
the analysed connections is presented in Table 3 and Fig. 1. The
cross sections of beams W1-1 and W2-1 were assigned to class 4,
and those of W3-1 and W3-2 were assigned to class 3, according to
the standard [30].
To eliminate the manufacturing imperfections and end-plate
surface roughness, the 5-mm oversize material of the end plates
was milled from the face of the end plates (Fig. 2). This process
allowed a flat surface of the beam splices to be manufactured and
an average target nominal thickness to be obtained. Applied bolted
connections were D category acc. to Ref. [1], where no preloading is
required, only hand tightening. Nevertheless, to get full contact

Table 4
Average values of the yield and tensile strength for the tested specimens.

Test specimen Destination ReH ¼ fy [MPa] Rm ¼ fu [MPa]

BL-20/1-5 End plates tp ¼ 16 mm 424 528

BL-25/1-5 End plates tp ¼ 20 mm 407 524
BL-16/1-5 Beam flanges tf ¼ 16 mm 418 554
BL-12/1-5 Beam webs tw ¼ 12 mm 429 560
series A and B Bolts 939 1132
Fig. 4. Tension coupon test of Bl-25/1.

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Fig. 5. Left: stressestrain behaviour of plates with the following thicknesses: a) 12 mm, b) 16 mm, c) 20 mm, and d) 25 mm. Right: steel coupons after testing.

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6 P. Kawecki, A. Kozlowski / Journal of Constructional Steel Research xxx (xxxx) xxx

Fig. 6. Bolt tension test of M20-10.9 with a preloaded splice.

Fig. 7. Bolt tension test of M20-10.9 with a non-preloaded splice.

between the end plates, before vertical loading was introduced, all
bolts were tightened to 20 kN force. The value of 20 kN turned out
to be sufficient to obtain an even pressure between end plates.
When tightening the bolts above the value of 20 kN, the forces in
the other bolts did not decrease, which indicated the adhesion of
the plates.
The locations of the reading points are shown in Fig. 3. Small
differences in the plate thickness were observed. The maximum
thickness differences in the tension zone were tenths of a
millimetre.

3. Material and bolt testing

3.1. Steel properties

Tension tests of steel S355J2þN (which was used for the sam-
ples) were performed using a testing machine (Instron 1200 kN-
J1D) according to Ref. [31] (see Fig. 4). Five coupon test specimens
Fig. 8. Forceestrain behaviour of the bolts.

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Fig. 9. Bolts in series A and B after the test.

Fig. 10. Design scheme of the test setup.

were cut from sheets of each plate thickness. The average values of
the yield and tensile strength obtained from these tests are pre-
sented in Table 4. The engineering stressestrain relationship for
each tested specimen is presented in Fig. 5. Sample BL16-5 was
excluded because of a measurement mistake.

3.2. Bolt properties

Bolt sets of M20  65 mm grade 10.9/10-K1 according to Ref. [32]

produced by the Friedberg company with a net area of As ¼ 245 mm2
were used in experiments. The bolts were tested in two series (each
comprising five bolts) with preloaded (A, Fig. 6) and non-preloaded
(B, Fig. 7) connections. In the A tests, the bolts were preloaded using
450 Nm moment to obtain a prestressing force of 160 kN. The grip
lengths of the bolts were taken as those for an end plate of thickness
20 mm. The strains in the bolts were monitored by strain gauges
glued to the bolt axes, as shown in Fig. 14. The total elongation of the
bolts was measured using an optical extensometer. Testing was
conducted according to Ref. [33]. The average values of the yield Fig. 11. Experimental bending test setup.

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8 P. Kawecki, A. Kozlowski / Journal of Constructional Steel Research xxx (xxxx) xxx
Fig. 12. Bending-test samples: a) W2-1 (two bolts per row); b) W1-1 (six bolts per row).
stress and the ultimate tensile strength were equal:
Rp,0,2 ¼ fyb ¼ 939 MPa and Rm,min ¼ fub ¼ 1132 MPa (see Table 4).
Using these values, the following tension resistances of the bolts
were calculated according to Ref. [1].
- design resistance Ft,Rd ¼ 0,72fub$As ¼ 200 kN
- characteristic resistance Ft, Rk ¼ Ft,0.9Ru ¼ 0,9fub$As ¼ 250 kN
- ultimate resistance Ft, Ru ¼ fub$As ¼ 277 kN
The forceestrain relationships for the tested bolts are presented
in Fig. 8. Fig. 9 shows the tested bolts after failure. Yielding of the
thread was observed for all the bolts except B4, in which failure
occurred owing to stripping of the thread.
4. Test setup and instrumentation
Experimental tests were conducted using a 19.2 m beam with
two replaceable specimens (W1-1, W2-1, W3-1, and W3-2) having
a total length of 3.6 m in the middle and two fixed elements of
length 78 m (Fig. 10). The specimens were connected to fixed ele-
ments by M30 10.9 bolts. The beam was subjected to two concen-
trated forces at a distance of 4.8 m, which were induced by
hydraulic jacks (Istron-Schenck) with a capacity of 650 kN. The
beam was protected against lateral displacements at six points. The
test setup is shown in Fig. 11, and the tested splices W2-1 and W1-1
are presented in Fig. 12.
During the tests, data were collected by the HBM computer
software which is used for continuous registration of measured
quantities. Additionally, a set of amplifiers (MX840A, Quantum X)
and the CATMAN EASY software were used. The following quanti-
ties were measured:
- the strains along the bolt axis
- the strains in the tension flange of the beam and in the web near
the bolts
- the strain in the compression flange (only for the W1-1 sample)
- the separation of the end plates
- the mid-span deflection of the beam and under the jacks
Each test was recorded by a video camera. Additionally, every
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30 s, the digital camera captured a photograph of the tested splices
and the test setup. The strain gauges and their locations are shown
in Fig. 13.
4.1. Determination of forces in bolts
The most effective method for determining the actual forces in
bolts is the placement of strain gauges along the axis of the bolts,
which limits the influence of bolt bending. Strain gauges 5 mm long
(TFs-5/120, Tenmex) were glued at a depth of approximately
33 mm (depth of the end-plate contact) in Ø4-mm holes drilled
along the bolt axis (Fig. 14).
The size ratio of the threaded bolt section to the net section
containing the hole was 0.8; thus, when the bolt ruptured, the
section with the strain gauge was still in an elastic state.
Each bolt was preliminarily tested using a testing machine, up to
a load of approximately 50 kN, and the measured force was
compared with the strain-gauge reading. For the 98 tested bolts
(Fig. 15) only four exhibited deviation and were rejected. Five bolts
were loaded until failure, and full agreement with the forces from
the testing machine was observed.
5. Tests sequence and results
Before the test, when the beam was supported in the midspan,
all bolts were preloaded to 20 kN, as was described in sec. 2. Value
of forces was obtained on the basis of tensometer readings each
bolt was equipped (see Fig. 14). Continuous monitoring (with
readings every 1 s) by all strain gauges and displacement trans-
ducers was performed during each test. After the removal of the
support, the bending moment caused by the beam weight was
determined.
The beam was preliminarily loaded to 100 kN at a rate of
5e10 kN/min, with the increase of the displacement. After 15 min,
the beam was unloaded. Final loading was applied at the same rate,
with stages every 100 kN, followed by a 15 min break. The beams
were loaded by a displacement control system, and the loading
forces were monitored. Speed of loading increment was based on
assumption that stresses increase be the same as in coupons tests
indicated in code [31].
 P. Kawecki, A. Kozlowski / Journal of Constructional Steel Research xxx (xxxx) xxx 9

Fig. 13. Locations of the strain gauges in the bolts and on the beam surface.

The test results for each splice are presented in the following
figures, as the applied load versus
- the average forces in particular bolt rows (Figs. 17e20),
- the stresses in the flange and webs in the connection zone
(Figs. 21e24),
- the end-plate separation at the tension flange axis (Figs. 25e28),
- and the beam deflection at the midspan and under the jacks
(Figs. 29e32).
In these figures, the loading of the splice, whereby the average
force in the bolts of row 2 subjected to the largest load was
determined, is indicated by the following moments.
- MB,ddwhen the design resistance of the bolt (Ft,Rd ¼ 200 kN)
was reached
- MB,kdwhen the characteristic ultimate resistance of the bolt
(Ft,Rk ¼ 250 kN) was reached
- MB,udwhen the ultimate resistance of the bolt (Ft,Ru ¼ 277 kN)
was reached
5.1. Assessment of bolt-force distribution in beam splices with
h ¼ 1500 mm (W2-1 and W1-1)
In the initial stage of the loading of the W2-1 splice, up to the
moment MB,d, the increase in the forces in the bolt rows was nearly
linear. Significant changes in the bolt-force distribution occurred
above loading of MB,k. The most visible change was the rapid in-
crease in the forces in bolt row 1, which led to the alignment of the
forces in rows 1 and 2 via loading of MB,u. However, in row 1, the
prying effect and bolt bending were significant, possibly affecting

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Fig. 14. Bolt preparation: a) bolt vertical section (M20-65 10.9 HV) with axial strain
gauge; b) bolt with an axial strain gauge fastened by glue.

the results. The failure of the W2-1 splice was indicated by the
sudden rupture of the bolts in row 2 and thread stripping in the
bolts of row 1 (Fig. 16). However, in the subsequent rows, rapid
rupture of the bolts did not occur: with increasing loading, the
rupture occurred gradually.
Fig. 17 shows the force distribution in the bolt rows (Fig. 17), and
the characteristic resistance Mj, Rk of the tested splice calculated
via the component method of EC3 [1] is indicated. This value is
significantly higher than the actual ultimate value obtained from Fig. 16. a) Tension flange area of splice W2-1 after the failure of the bolts in rows 2 and
1.; b) thread stripping screws of row 1.
the test.
In splice W1-1, in relation to W2-1, increasing the number of
bolts in rows 1 and 2 from two to six (Fig. 18) led to a sufficient
rows 2, 1, and 3, followed by rupture in the subsequent rows.
increase of the resistances MB,d and MB,k. In this test, the bolts were
The failure of splice W3-2 with a 16 mm end plate (Fig. 20)
not destroyed because of the lack of capacity of the jacks. In the
involved thread stripping in the bolts of row 2, followed by the
loading interval MB,deMB,k, the essential equilibrium of the forces
rapid rupture of all the bolts simultaneously after the force
between the bolt rows and the bolts in the rows was not observed.
redistribution. A comparison of the test results reveals a small
difference in capacity MB,k between the splices with end plates
5.2. Assessment of bolt-force distribution in beam splices with 20 and 16 mm and a significantly higher ultimate resistance MB,u
h ¼ 1000 mm (W3-1 and W3-2) for the splice with the 20 mm end plate. Application of flexible
end plates allows more uniform redistribution of forces to in-
The failure of splice W3-1 (Fig. 19) involved rapid bolt rupture in ternal bolt rows. Despite the prying effect, the forces in bolt row

Fig. 15. Set of 98 bolts with axial strain gauges.

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Fig. 17. Specimen W2-1: moment vs. bolt-force distribution (the strain-gauge symbols correspond to those in Fig. 13).

Fig. 18. Specimen W1-1: moment vs. bolt-force distribution (the strain-gauge symbols correspond to those in Fig. 13).

1 for splice W3-1 with the 20 mm end plate did not exceed the plate and the distance to the axis of the compressed flange. The
forces in row 2. The experimental results indicate that the force distribution between the bolts in each row depended on the plate
distribution in bolt rows depended on the stiffness of the end stiffness at the bolt locations.

Fig. 19. Specimen W3-1: moment vs. bolt-force distribution (the rightmost vertical line corresponds to bolt failure).

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Fig. 20. Specimen W3-2: moment vs. bolt-force distribution (the rightmost vertical line corresponds to bolt failure).

Fig. 21. Specimen W2-1: moment vs. cross-section stress (the strain-gauge symbols correspond to those in Fig. 13).

Fig. 22. Specimen W1-1: moment vs. cross-section stress.

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Fig. 23. Specimen W3-1: moment vs. cross-section stress.

Fig. 24. Specimen W3-2: moment vs. cross-section stress.

5.3. Assessment of normal stress distribution in beam cross sections prying forces.

The stress distribution in the beam cross sections (Figs. 21e24)
indicates that the flanges and webs remained in an elastic state.
However, in W3-1 under loading of MB,u, plastic states were
observed in the web close to bolt row 3 and in the flange (Fig. 23).
The distribution of the stresses in the web is similar to the observed
distribution and increments of forces in the bolts. The forces in the
web in zones of particular bolts calculated using these stresses are
not comparable to the forces in the bolts, because of essential
5.4. Assessment of end-plate separation
The separation of the splice plates measured along the tension
flange axis (Figs. 25e28) tended to increase after the loading
exceeded MB,k. A rapid increase in the separation after loading of
MB,u occurred because of the steep thread deformation in the bolts
and nuts. The separation under the resistance of MB,d was 1 mm,
and that under MB,k did not exceed 2 mm. These values indicate
that the tested connection was rigid. To show the inaccuracy of the
characteristic resistance Mj,Rk of W2-1 calculated according to EN

Fig. 25. Specimen W2-1: moment vs. end-plate separation. Fig. 26. Specimen W1-1: moment vs. end-plate separation.

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14 P. Kawecki, A. Kozlowski / Journal of Constructional Steel Research xxx (xxxx) xxx

Fig. 27. Specimen W3-1: moment vs. end-plate separation. Fig. 28. Specimen W3-2: moment vs. end-plate separation.

1993-1-8 (see Appendix A), Mj,Rk is indicated in Fig. 25. 5.6. Comparison of test results with EN 1993-1-8/6.2.7.2(9)
provision

5.5. Assessment of setup beam deflections The experimental tests of multiple-bolt row splices indicated

(Figs. 29e32) present the setup beam deflections of the 19.2 m
span. The deflection under the hydraulic jacks (DF1 and DF2) and
end plates (D1 and D2) was measured by displacement transducers.
To protect the equipment, the deflection measurements were
terminated before splice failure.
- the actual force distributions in the bolt rows under increasing
loading,
- the resistance state of the bolts subjected to the largest load, and
- the rupture state resulting from bolt shank or thread failure.

Fig. 29. Specimen W2-1: moment vs. setup beam deflection.

Fig. 30. Specimen W1-1: moment vs. setup beam deflection.

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 P. Kawecki, A. Kozlowski / Journal of Constructional Steel Research xxx (xxxx) xxx 15

Fig. 31. Specimen W3-1: moment vs. setup beam deflection.

Fig. 32. Specimen W3-2: moment vs. setup beam deflection.

There were unknown remaining internal bearing forces on the the bending moment, and cannot be used to verify the bolt-row
end plates due to the local prying effect, affecting the forces in the resistance in the design calculation.
bolts. The forces in the bolts obtained via measurement of the bolts Table 5 presents the values of the forces obtained in the
strains were not these ones, which acted in the bolt rows to balance experimental tests for the bolt rows (FT,k,i). The moment resistance

Table 5
Bolt forces at the characteristic limit (MB,k) in the bending tests and the EC3 characteristic resistances of the W2-1 splice, for comparison.

Bolt row no hi e(m) W2-1 W1-1 Bolt row no. hi e(m) W3-2 W3-1
c a c
FT,k,i Ft,Rk,i FT,k,i FT,k,ic FT,k,ic

1 1.537 362.8 380.2 1144 1 1.037 873.6 895.4

2 1.431 499.6 470.5 1203 2 0.931 924.0 949.6
3 1.331 281.2 344.4 322.2 3 0.831 323.0 284.2
4 1.231 199.3 344.4 285.6 4 0.731 259.0 226.8
5 1.131 174.1 344.4 238.0 5 0.631 191.6 163.4
6 1.031 148.8 344.4 193.4 6 0.531 136.4 111.2
7 0.931 104.6 344.4 151.2
8 0.831 73.6 344.4 111.6
9 0.731 67.1 344.4 76.6
10 0.631 49.3 82.4 49.4
11 0.531 35.9 0 42.4
Moment resistance 2090 d 3795 b 3830 d 1965 d
2065 d

Mj,Rk/MB,k 1.82
a
Ft,Rkdbolt row characteristic resistances according to EN 1993-1-8/6.2.7.2 (9).
b
Mj,Rkdcharacteristic moment resistance according to EN 1993-1-8/6.2.7.2.
c
FT,k,Idbolt-row forces at the characteristic limit of loading MB,k, obtained from tests.
d
MB,kdcharacteristic limit state of loading.
e
hiddistance to the compression flange axis.

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16 P. Kawecki, A. Kozlowski / Journal of Constructional Steel Research xxx (xxxx) xxx

Acknowledgements

The authors express gratitude for the kindness and involvement

of the manufacturer of the tested elementsdMostostal Siedlce
(Rudnik branch)dand the research staff at the Design Research

w University of Technology, Poland.
Laboratory of the Rzeszo

Appendix A. Supplementary data

Supplementary data to this article can be found online at

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2019.105859.

Appendix A
Fig. 33. Bolt-row force distribution at the splice in the characteristic limit state MB,k
and bolt-row design resistances according to EN 1993-1-8 for W2-1. Calculation of characteristic capacity of W2-1 splice (see Fig. 1)
via component method EN 1993-1-8
of the splices MB,k (in the state of achievement in one of the bolt Data:
pairs, the average value of the ultimate limit tension resistance was End-plate steel (Table 4):fy ¼ 424 MPa;fu ¼ 528 MPa;
0.9fub) is shown. For the W2-1 splice, the characteristic resistance Beam section: I 1500-12-400-16
of the bolt rows Ft,Rk,i, which are the forces effectively transferring Beam: hb ¼ 1500 mm; bfb ¼ 400 mm; tfb ¼ 16; 0 mm;
the bending moment, and the characteristic resistance of the
connection Mj,Rk determined in accordance with EN 1993-1-8/ twb ¼ 12; 0 mm; ab ¼ 10; 0mm;
6.2.7.2 (9), are presented.
In Table 5, the values of the forces in the bolt rows and the tension End-plate tp ¼ 16; 0mm; bp ¼ 430 mm; hp ¼ 1602 mm;
resistances of the bolt rows are not directly comparable but can be Bolt distances: w ¼ 100 mm; e ¼ 165 mm;
used for general assessment. The ratio of the characteristic resistance
ex ¼ 42 mm; a1 ¼ 45mm; a2 ¼ 61mm;
for the splice obtained via EN 1993-1-8 to the resistance obtained in
the experimental test (1.82) indicates that by using the calculation
method given in EN 1993-1-8 [1], the safety of the joint is not provided p1 ¼ 106 mm; p210 ¼ 100mm; p11 ¼ 250mm;
in the calculation of the beam splices with multiple bolt rows. Welds: aw;w ¼ 7mm; aw;f ¼ 10mm;
Comparing the values of the forces in individual rows (Fig. 33) reveals
Bolts M20- 10.9; according to tests: fub ¼ 1140 MPa;
that this difference was due to the adoption of the Eurocode pro-
fyb ¼ 908 MPa;
cedure, which allowed an excessive design resistance of the bolt rows
Tension resistance of bolt:
adjacent only to the web, located far from the tension beam flange.
0; 9fu;b As 0; 9$1132; 87$245
6. Conclusions Ft;Rk ¼ ¼ ¼ 2498; 0N
gM;2 1; 00

According to the results, the following conclusions are drawn. ¼ 249; 8kNz250; 0kN

Resistance of compression zone:

1. The tensile resistance, which depended on the rigidity of the T-
Steel (Table 4): fy ¼ 418 MPa, fu ¼ 554 MPa;
stub and the distance from the axis of the compression flange,
had a decisive influence on the bending resistance of multi-bolt ftb bfb fy;fb 400$16$418
end-plate splices (in failure mode 2). Fc;fb;Rk ¼ ¼ $103 ¼ 3344; 0 N
0; 8 0; 8
2. The distribution of forces in individual bolt rows or among
multiple bolts in a row observed in the tests was nonlinear and Resistance of tension zone:
varied with the increase of the loading. It depended on the
stiffness of the end plate and the distance from the analysed bolt  Resistance of bolt row 1
row to the axis of the compression flange. pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
3. The criteria for the distribution and the reduction of the resis- mx ¼ a1  0; 8aw;f 2 ¼ 45  0; 8$10$ 2 ¼ 33; 7mm; e ¼ 165mm
tance of bolt rows determined using the component method ex ¼ 42mm; n1 ¼ minðex ; 1; 25mx Þ ¼ ð42; 1; 25$33; 7Þ
according to point 6.2.7.2 (9) of [1] did not agree with the dis- ¼ ð42; 42; 1Þ ¼ 42; mm
tribution of the tensile forces in the bolts obtained via experi-
mental tests (see Fig. 33). Tests of the W2-1 specimen (height of Effective lengths according to PN-EN 1993-1-8/tabl.6.6, with
1500 mm, with 11 bolt rows) indicated that bending-moment bolt rows considered individually:
resistance of the connection obtained using the component
method overestimated the actual splice resistance (see Table 5). - Circular patterns: leff ;cp ¼ pmx þ w ¼ p$33; 7 þ 100 ¼
4. As a criterion for achieving the limit state of the bolt capacity in
a multi-bolt end-plate splice, the characteristic value of the ul- 205; 9 mm
timate bolt resistance according to Ref. [1] (Ft,Rk ¼ 0.9fubAs) - Non-circular patterns: leff ;nc ¼ 0; 5w þ 2mx þ 0; 625ex ¼
should be used. Above this value, the redistribution of forces
between the bolt rows becomes unstable. 0; 5$100 þ 2$33; 7 þ 0; 625$42 ¼ 143; 6 mm
5. Conclusions regarding the necessary correction of the compo-
nent method employed in Ref. [1] for end-plate splices with For Mode 1: leff ;1 ¼ min ðleff ;cp ; leff;nc Þ ¼ min ð205; 9; 143; 6Þ ¼
multiple bolt rows and/or multiple bolts in a row may be drawn
143; 6 mm
after extensive analysis of validated finite-element models with
a larger number of connections.

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 P. Kawecki, A. Kozlowski / Journal of Constructional Steel Research xxx (xxxx) xxx 17

For Mode 2: leff ;2 ¼ leff;nc ¼ 143; 6 mm

 
4Mpl:1Rk
Failure Mode 1: FT;1:Rk ¼ mx min 226; 8; 288; 8 ¼ 226; 8 mm

fy 424
Mpl;1:Rk ¼ 0; 25leff ;1 t 2p ¼ 0; 25$143; 6$16; 02 $ ¼ 3896729; 6 Nmm
gM0 1; 0
4$3896729; 6
FT;1Rk ¼ $103 ¼ 462; 2 kN
33; 7

Failure Mode 2:

fy 424
Mpl;1;Rk ¼ 0; 25leff ;1 t 2p ¼ 0; 25$143; 6$16; 02 $ ¼ 3896729; 6 Nmm
gM0 1; 0
X
2Mpl;2;Rk þ n1 Ft;Rk 2$3896729; 6 þ 42$2$249800
FT;2;Rk ¼ ¼ $103 ¼ 380; 1 kN
mx þ n1 33; 7 þ 42

P
Failure Mode 3: FT;3;Rk ¼ Ft;Rk ¼ 2$249800$103 ¼ 499; 6 kN
Resistance of bolt row 1:
  fy 424
Ft;ep;Rk ¼ min FT;1;Rk ; FT;2;Rk ; FT3;Rk Mpl:1:Rk¼0;25leff :1 t 2p ¼0;25$226;8$16;02 $ ¼615444;8Nmm
gM0 1;0
¼ minð462; 2; 380; 1 ; 499; 6Þ ¼ 380; 1 kN
4$615444;8
FT;1Rk¼ $103 ¼682kN
36;1

 Resistance of bolt row 2 Failure Mode 2:leff ;2 ¼leff;nc ¼288;8mm

pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
w  twb  2$0; 8$ 2$aw;w 100  12; 0  2$0; 8$ 2$7
m¼ ¼ ¼ 36; 1 mm;
2 2
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
m2 ¼ a2  tfb  0; 8aw;f $ 2 ¼ 61  16  0; 8$10$ 2 ¼ 33; 7 mm
e ¼ 165 mm; n ¼ minðe; 1; 25mÞ ¼ ð165; 1; 25$36; 1 ¼ ð165; 45; 1Þ ¼ 45; 1 mm

pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
m2 ¼ a2  tfb  0; 8aw;f $ 2 ¼ 61  16  0; 8$10$ 2 fy 424
Mpl;2;Rk ¼ 0; 25leff ;2 t 2p ¼ 0; 25$288; 8$16; 02 $
gM0 1; 0
¼ 33; 7 mm
¼ 7836877Nmm
Effective lengths according to PN-EN 1993-1-8/tabl.6.6, with
bolt rows considered individually: P
2Mpl;2;Rk þn Ft;Rk 2$7836877þ45;1$2$249800
FT;2;Rk ¼ ¼ $103
- Circular patterns: leff ;cp ¼ 2pm ¼ 2$p$36; 1 ¼ 226; 8 mm mþn 36;1þ45;1
- Non-circular patterns: ¼470;5kN
P
Failure Mode 3:FT;3;Rk ¼ Ft;Rk ¼2$251400$103 ¼499;6 kN
m 36; 1 m2 33; 7 Resistance of bolt row 2 for end-plate bending:
l1 ¼ ¼ ¼ 0; 18; :l2 ¼ ¼
m þ e 36; 1 þ 165 m þ e 36; 1 þ 165  
¼ 0; 17 Ft;ep;Rk ¼ min FT;1;Rk ; FT;2;Rk ; FT3;Rk
¼ minð682; 0 ; 470; 5 ; 499; 6Þ ¼ 470; 5 kN
According to PN-EN 1993-1-8/Fig. 6.11, a ¼ 8; leff ;nc ¼ am ¼ 8$
36; 1 ¼ 288; 8 mm Resistance of beam web for tension (PN-EN 1993-1-8/6.2.6.8):
Failure Mode 1: leff ;1 ¼ min ðleff ;cp ; leff ;nc Þ ¼ Steel (Table 4):fy ¼ 431 MPa;

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18 P. Kawecki, A. Kozlowski / Journal of Constructional Steel Research xxx (xxxx) xxx

 Mj;Rk ¼ 1; 537$380; 1 þ 1; 431$470; 5 þ 1; 331$344; 4

226; 8$12; 0$431
Ft;wb;Rk ¼ beff ;t;wb tfb fy;fb gM0 ¼ $103 þ 1; 231$344; 4 þ 1; 131$344; 4 þ 1; 031$344; 4þ; 931$344; 4þ
1; 0
¼ 1173 kN þ 0; 831$344; 4 þ 0; 731$344; 4 þ 0; 631$82; 4 ¼ 3795; 3kNm

Resistance of bolt as the resistance of the weakest component:

Ft;2;Rk ¼ min ðFt;ep;Rk ;
Ft;wb;Rk ; Fc;fb;Rk Ft;1;Rk Þ ¼ minð470; 5; 1173; 0; 3344; 0 380; 1Þ ¼
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