Adrian Bell

Determination of bolt forces in a circular flange joint under tension force

Formulae for the calculation of bolt forces in circular flange joints under tension are developed and tables and a chart are created to simplify their use. Bolt forces obtained can be used for the design of bolts and flanges in the joints. A range of joints with different dimensions and different bolt preloads are analysed using the formulae and very good agreement between the results and those obtained using finite element analyses has been found.

Experimental study of circular flange joints in tubular structures

Abstract Four circular bolted joints with blank flanges have been tested under static tension forces. Different tension forces and bolt preloads have been applied to the joints and bolt forces, displacements and stresses in the joints have been measured. The influences of bolt preloads and flange dimensions on the behaviour of the joints have been investigated. The results obtained have been compared with the results from finite element analyses and mathematical analyses and good agreement has been found.

Torsional Analysis of Lattice Towers

This paper is concerned with the calculation of forces and displacements arising from the torsion loading of lattice towers. Square, rectangular and triangular towers with parallel legs, sloping legs and combinations of parallel/sloping legs are considered. New formulae are presented for determining forces and displacements based on formulae similar to those used in torsional theory of thin-walled bars. The formulae are simple and accurate and can be used in practical situations, particularly at the initial design stage or during reassessment of structures for revised loading. The accuracy of the formulae has been confirmed by finite element analysis. Two examples are included to demonstrate the use of the formulae.