Load-carrying capacity of bolted end-plate connections with elastomeric interlayer

For the design of bolted end-plate connections with elastomeric interlayer, according to Eurocode 3, only the flanges can be considered for a transmission of the internal forces. Our investigations show that the webs should be taken into account as well. They contribute to a more even stress distribution in the elastorneric bearing and, thus, enable higher loads with constant dimensions. The FE simulations are based on one- and two-dimensional tensile and compression tests to determine the complex material behavior of the elastomeric interlayer. Good agreement between measurement and simulation is obtained, which in particular can be attributed to the material law: a nonlinear viscoelastic approach combined with the hyperelastic Marlow model. It has been found that the friction coefficient and the Poisson's ratio of the elastomeric interlayer have a significant influence on the load carrying capacity of bolted end-plate connections. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd.