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No description available.

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the behavior of snug tight ASTM A325 bolts in moment end-plate connections for use in single story buildings. Wind loading was deemed to be the critical loading on snug tight bolt, moment end-plate connections. A test loading sequence was established based on a statistical analysis of the 50-year wind loading on low rise buildings. Eleven specimens, representing six end-plate configurations, were tested under cyclic loading covering expected wind loads in the range of 33 to 100 percent of the connection design (allowable stress design) moment. Following the cyclic loading, the specimens were statically loaded to failure, and the experimental strengths were compared with predicted strengths for connections with fully tightened A325 bolts. Additionally, the effect of snug tight bolts on connection stiffness are considered. Finally, recommendations for the use of snug tight bolts in moment end-plate connections were provided. / Master of Science

The work contained herein is in pursuance of the Development of the SMART aircraft bolt. Failure of the bolt in the aircraft wing is taken for granted in the project, and the consequent repairs are presently very costly. The SMART material investigated in this work is the TRIP steel, and any reference to SMART material, in this work, shall at all time mean TRIP steel. Investigation of the stresses pertaining to bolts in general is carried out, based on the bolt theories and using the finite element analysis. An optimal bolt based on impact resistance only has also been suggested. Metallurgical behaviour of materials similar to TRIP materials is also investigated, including a section dedicated only to TRIP steels. Therefore, the work contained herein acts as a good base for further research. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.