Structural Behavior of Steel Bolted Connections Having Different Types of Corrosion Damage

Abstract

Today, the use of steel structural systems is increasing rapidly due to its features such as high strength, fast manufacturing and ductility. Despite to the superlative properties of steel material, there are also some disadvantages like the formation of corrosion. Corrosion damage in steel structural systems, especially in the connection regions, is of great importance. A major damage to the structural members or fasteners in the connection regions can cause serious harms to the structure. In this study, the structural behavior of 6 mm thick bolted joint plates having different corrosion damages which were made of S235 grade steel was investigated experimentally under the effect of axial tensile force. For the bolted connection test specimens three types of corrosion formation methods including accelerated corrosion only on the bolt, accelerated corrosion on both the plate and the bolt, and artificial corrosion damage only on the bolt were applied. The amount of corrosion was formed as uniform or artificial corrosion with a loss of material of 10% by mass. Structural behavior differences, changes in bearing capacity and ductility of bolted connected test specimens were investigated and the most ductile behavior were obtained in test specimens with corrosion on both plate and bolt.