Modeling steel structure

[rupika]

Hi,
I want to model IASC-ASCE benchmark structure. I want to model bolt connection also as I want to induce damage by loosening bolts in the connection. What type of elements should I use? Can you please help me? Thank you.

 

[rupika]

Hi all, I use ANSYS 11 for my modelling.

 

[flash3780]

If your deflections aren't excessive, ANSYS has a really nice bolt pretension feature which uses constraint equations. I think that you could adjust the pretension based on the load step.

The other way would be to adjust the contact offset underneath of the bolt head (to the flange) to get the right preload. I'm not sure if this can be changed with load step though.