CBFEM for steel connections

Andrea · December 2023

Hi!
This method (CBFEM - https://www.cbfem.com/) is used by HILTI, IDEAStatica and other web applications for calculating steel connections. Showing the mesh is clear that there is an offset between the shells but I didn't understand how is simulated the bolt (traction and shear and bearing for plate holes) ...see attached pictures.
Some idea?
Regards

Victor · December 2023

It might have a special kind of load like a force couple between surfaces for that? I don't think there's an easy way to do that with Mecway.

You could model the bolts as solids and use Pre-tension section on them, and connected to the plates by Contact.

barmin · December 2023

IS models bolt as a series of springs- they have some paper about this iirc. Also the weld is modelled using some propertiary FE (some kind of link)

Mishal · December 2023

I am not a fan of IS, it is very difficult to get any sort of technical (theoretical) information on the product. I find that most software designed for structural engineers are developed very poorly and often follow different formulations compared to traditional FE software, thus making them difficult to work with if you are intending to perform advanced things.

jvrajadell · December 2023

Idea Statica is not the only software that does CBFEM analysis. The first was the Italian software
https://www.steelchecks.com/connections/whatis.asp
Then came Idea Statica and spanish
https://info.cype.com/es/software/cype-connect/
and the german
https://www.dlubal.com/en/products/add-ons-for-rfem-6-and-rstab-9/connections/steel-joints/steel-joints-features

jvrajadell · December 2023

The book
https://www.amazon.es/Steel-Connection-Analysis-Paolo-Rugarli-ebook/dp/B079VSGMD8/ref=sr_1_12?qid=1703078116&refinements=p_27:Paolo+Rugarli&s=books&sr=1-12

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CBFEM for steel connections

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