摘要
Steel connection design using pre-tensioned bolts depends significantly on the value of the Prying forces exerted from the end plate. The Egyptian Code ECP （205） suggested a formula that can determine the Prying force value. In this research, the Prying force is numerically computed in a T-Stub connection using nonlinear finite element techniques. The model uses plane stress four node elements with two degrees of freedom per node to simulate the flange of the T-Stub. The bolts are simulated using a truss element with large deformation capability to allow modeling of the pretension force. Surface to surface gap elements are used in order to simulate the contact between the T-Stub and the supporting element. Parametric study on the end plate thickness, bolt size, bolt arrangement and pretension forces is performed in order to calibrate the Code formula. The parametric study covers all the practical ranges of the variables. The study revealed that the Code formula, inaccurately, determines the Prying force in a certain range. Moreover, a new equation for the prying force is developed using regression analysis on the finite element results.
