Bearing-strength of paper laminates in single bolt connections

This study is the first step of a research program organized to contribute to the dream of using recycled paper as a structural element for sustainable design in Civil Engineering. One of the important tasks is to understand the behavior of connections in paper materials. This study presents the results of experimental research carried out to investigate the behavior of paperboard laminate connections consisting of a single bolt in double shear. A simple and effective method to predict the bearing strength in bolted connection for paperboard laminates has been proposed. A total of 96 bolted connections were fabricated from paperboards oriented in both machine and cross direction. The effect of end distance and edge distance of bolt hole are investigated to address the limiting value for both variables. It was found that the failure is governed by both shear and bearing stresses developed around the hole. Finally, a straightforward design equation has been proposed for such connections. •Single bolt connections can be implemented on paperboard laminates.•Minimum end distance, and edge distance values should be 1.5 times the hole diameter.•Mixed-mode failure which is the combination of shear and bearing mode will govern.•Equation with max. radial compressive stress can be used conservatively for design.