Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Thread Geometry on the Seismic Behavior of Bolted Connections under Near-Fault Earthquakes

Authors

https://doi.org/10.48314/ijrceai.v2i3.54

Abstract

Bolted connections are critical components in steel structures, and their performance under near-fault earthquake loading is of great importance. This study investigates the effect of thread geometry on the mechanical behavior of high-strength bolts subjected to dynamic seismic loads. Finite Element Analyses (FEA) were performed in ABAQUS under nonlinear conditions using three near-fault earthquake records: 1) Northridge, 2) Loma Prieta, and 3) Imperial Valley. Three thread geometries—triangular (Metric), square, and trapezoidal (ACME)—were examined for bolt diameters of 5 mm, 30 mm, and 56 mm. The results indicate that for small-diameter bolts (5 mm), triangular threads produced the lowest average von Mises stress of 365 MPa and showed approximately 18% greater stress uniformity than other thread types. For medium-diameter bolts (30 mm), square threads exhibited the best dynamic performance by reducing stress concentration by 22% and increasing pressure uniformity by up to 29% compared to triangular threads. In large-diameter bolts (56 mm), trapezoidal (ACME) threads provided superior seismic resistance, with an average von Mises stress of 480 MPa and a 31% reduction in stress fluctuation. Overall, the findings suggest that using square threads for medium-diameter bolts and trapezoidal threads for large bolts can effectively reduce stress concentration, enhance fatigue life, and improve seismic performance under near-fault earthquakes.

Keywords:

Bolted connections, Thread geometry, High-strength bolts, Near-fault earthquakes, Finite element analysis, von Mises stress, Seismic performance

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Published

2025-09-25

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): International Journal of Researches on Civil Engineering with Artificial Intelligence (IJRCEAI)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Zakizadeh, H. (2025). Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Thread Geometry on the Seismic Behavior of Bolted Connections under Near-Fault Earthquakes. International Journal of Researches on Civil Engineering With Artificial Intelligence , 2(3), 157-181. https://doi.org/10.48314/ijrceai.v2i3.54

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