Revisiting the Net-Section Tensile Rupture Strength Limit State of Single-Bolt Connections in Pultruded Structures

Abstract

An in-depth assessment is conducted to examine the analytical and experimental results that formed the basis of the net-section tensile rupture strength of single-bolt connections, stipulated in the ASCE Pre-Standard for Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) for Pultruded Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Structures. As a result of our findings, we propose that current ASCE net-tension tensile strength design criteria be consolidated and revised to a simple form attractive for routine uses by practicing engineers. The proposed simplified nominal resistance equation and the results from single-bolt double-lap connection experiments were used to determine the resistance factor ϕ with a target reliability index of 4.5.