Net cross-section design resistance and local ductility of elements made of high strength steel

Extensive experimental research on net cross-section failures of plates with holes (23 tests) and bolted connections (20 tests) made of high strength steel S690 is presented. The aim was to determine their local ductility and resistance. The verification of various strength functions and the determination of an appropriate partial factor γMγM was done by means of statistical analysis according to EN 1990, Annex D. Emphasis is given to the reliability of Eurocode provisions for the design resistance of net cross-sections.