Abstract
Steel plate bolted connections are commonly employed in composite bamboo structures made of bamboo scrimber. However, determining the ultimate capacity of these connections has proven to be a challenge. In this paper, a method is proposed to calculate the load-carrying capacity of bolted steel-bamboo scrimber-steel (SBSS) connections. Firstly, formulas were derived to calculate the load-carrying capacity of bolted SBSS connections for various failure modes, based on the double shear connection yield mode. To further assess the mechanical properties of these connections, a test was conducted under combined torque and shear, and the results were carefully recorded and analyzed. A finite element model (FEM) was then developed to closely simulate the test conditions, and the accuracy of this model was validated by comparing it with the test results. Additionally, the parameter Kad,min, an important factor in the theoretical equations, was examined and modified based on values obtained from FEM parametric analysis. Finally, all of the suggested formulas were validated using the available bolted SBSS connection test results, which are applicable to the most commonly used bamboo scrimber types from neosinocalamus affinis and phyllostachys pubescens. Overall, this investigation provides a reliable model for calculating the load-carrying capacity of bolted SBSS connections in bamboo scrimber structures, and offers valuable insights for the design of such structures.
•We proposed a method to load-carrying capacity of bolted steel-bamboo scrimber-steel connections.•The method can be used to calculate the minimum carrying capacity of the connection in unknown yield modes.•The scope of application of the method is analyzed and presented.