Hello
Question:
How does the “RCSA” calculate the “bolt factor” for considering thick fillers in bolted joint?
Discussion:
According to the AISC360-16 Sect.J.5.2. the reduction factor is equal to:
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Similarly, AISC360-05 gives as same as this equation, with a little difference in boundaries.
In my model, I chose AISC360-16 as the design code.
The thickness of the filler is approximately 25mm, because of difference between upper shaft depth and the bottom shaft.
t,filler = (∆d,shafts)/2=25mm
So we should have:
Bolt factor = 1-0.0154(25-6)=0.707→use 0.85
but, Instead of 0.85, the "Ram connection" uses 0.712 for reduction of the shear capacity of bolt group. why?
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Furthermore, I would thank you if explain to me, how the “RCSA” determine the filler thickness. in the 3D/2D views, there is always a gap between the splice plate and the filler surface.
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