Lateral Load Analysis of Stand-off Anchor Bolt Connections Using the Load-Distribution Method

Abstract

A comprehensive method was derived for the analysis of stand-off anchor bolt connections with various stand-off distances that are subjected to lateral loading. The procedure applied the load-distribution method that is commonly used for shear wall analysis in buildings, and the base plate was treated as a rigid diaphragm. The lateral load resistance provided by each anchor bolt within the anchor bolt group was calculated on the basis of its lateral stiffness, which was defined as a function of the stand-off distance. Close agreement with finite-element analysis solutions for various stand-off distance conditions was found. An irregular distribution of lateral resistive forces within the anchor bolt group was found for connections with uneven stand-off distances compared to the uniform distribution found for connections with even stand-off distances. The intensity of lateral resistive forces provided by the anchor bolts was found to be impacted by the proximity of the individual anchor bolt to the center of rigidity of the connection and the eccentricity of the center of rigidity to the centroid of the anchor bolt group.