ABSTRACT
This paper presents the calibration of a numerical model to simulate bolted connections using a damage criterion for ductile materials. The motivation for this investigation is related to the difficulties in obtaining the ultimate load in connections with large deformations using a simple static analysis. The analyzed models consist of bolted connections made of the stainless steel grade 430 with a single bolt under double shear, where the weak part is located in the internal plate. A comparison of the results with the performed experimental tests made possible to check the efficiency of the developed model. The obtained results indicated a good correlation, both in terms of maximum load and associated failure modes, between the simulated and tested bolted connections.
