The Effect of End Distance on the Bearing Strength of Bolted Connections

An experimental study on the effect of end distance on the bearing strength of bolted connections was undertaken. Single bolt and two-bolt lap splices were used in the study. Two different steels were used in the test program to determine the effect of steel strength on the end distance strength. One steel had high ultimate stress to yield stress ratio and the other steel had low ultimate stress to yield stress ratio. Experiments on lap splices with various clear end distances and clear spacings were carried out. It was determined that ultimate stress to yield stress ratio does not affect the strength at 1/4 in. displacement, and it is reconfirmed that the bearing strength is proportional to the ultimate stress. The results are compared with the strength predicted by the AISC-LRFD design equations and by a clear distance approach.