Experimental testing of joints for seismic design of lightweight structures. Part 2: Bolted joints in straps

An experimental testing campaign on tensile bolted joints between straps is reported. Two dominant failure modes are identified: (1) tilting, bearing and tearing of the sheets (TS) and (2) tilting, bearing and net-section failure (NSF). The analysis in terms of ductility and strength shows that bolted connections are less adequate than screwed connections (reported in Part 1 of this paper) for the seismic design of X-braced shear walls in lightweight structures. NSF joints are more ductile than TS joints in the sense that they undergo larger displacements before failure. However, if washers are not used, both types of connections fail before energy dissipation through yielding of the diagonal straps can occur. Some design recommendations to improve the seismic performance of bolted joints, including the use of washers, are given. The accuracy of Eurocode 3 formulas to predict the ultimate load is also analyzed.