State-of-the-art review on the behaviour of T-stubs and prying action

An equivalent T-stub model is an essential tool for the prediction of the behaviour of steel bolted connections. It is usually employed to represent the tension-loaded components of bolted connections. Due to its importance, the T-stub model has been extensively investigated over the years, leading to design predictions for strength and stiffness. A common characteristic of the behaviour of the T-stub component is the prying effects which can develop due to the deformation of the flange of the T-stub. It can cause a substantial bolt force increase and bolt bending. The flexural engagement of bolts have been disregarded in most studies that investigated prying in bolted T-stubs. However, the combined action of tension and bending can be detrimental to the bolts. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of the experimental, numerical, and analytical studies on the behaviour of bolted T-stubs in general, and on prying action in particular.