Strength of bolted moment connections in ferrocement construction

In continuation of an experimental investigation reported earlier by the authors on bolted moment joints in ferrocement construction, this study regards (1) further testing of ten such joints to broaden the range of the principal parameters – thickness of the connected ribs and location of bolts and (2) simple analytical modeling for design. Test results, as presented and discussed in this paper, indicate that the mode of failure of a joint depends on whether the applied moment is in the opening or closing mode. Under the closing mode, failure always occurs by shear punching of the bearing plates through the connected ribs. In contrast, failure in the opening mode occurs by bending failure of either the connected or the longitudinal rib. Based on observed failure modes, expressions have been derived for predicting the strength of such a joint. A comparison of theoretical predictions with present test results and those reported earlier shows good agreement.