Numerical analyses of corroded bolted connections

Abstract The interaction between fatigue and corrosion is the phenomena that is called Corrosion Fatigue (CF) and regarding steel structures subjected to cyclic loads. The S-N curves proposed by the main International Standards for fatigue life assessment do not take into account the state of degradation of the detail. For this reason, in this paper, a local approach is used to determine the fatigue life of corroded bolted joint with preload high strength bolts. In particular, fatigue life estimates are presented using the strain life method based on numerical analysis conducted on the joint, assuming that the crack nucleation phase is predominant in the whole fatigue life. The models used to simulate bolted joint are implemented using solid and contact elements and the geometry is realized taking into account the geometric imperfections produced by pitting corrosion. These imperfections were measured by surface surveys with a 3D profilometer. In conclusion, the results of the numerical analysis conducted on corroded joint model were compared with the experimental results obtained from cyclical tests.

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