Recently, the use of duplex stainless steel which has a two-phase microstructure consisting of grains of ferritic and austenitic stainless steel has been increased in a variety of industrial fields. Especially, STS329FLD with lower nickel content and higher yield strength compared with austenitic stainless steel has been developed. In this paper, experiments have been conducted to investigate the structural behaviors of single shear duplex stainless steel(STS329FLD) bolted connection with four bolts. Specimens with relatively long end distance failed by block shear fracture accompanied with curling (out-of-plane deformation) and the curling reduced the ultimate strength.

This study focused on the ultimate strength and curling effect on the strength of single shear bolted connection with austenitic sainless steel (STS201) using finite element analysis. The validation of finite element analysis was verified through the comparisons of ultimate strength and fracture mode between existing test results and numerical predictions. Curling (out-of-plane deformation) was observed in both test and analysis and it reduced the ultimate strength of single shear bolted connections with relatively long end distances. Strength reduction ratio caused by curling was estimated quantitatively by maximum 19%, 32%, respectively for specimens with edge distance, 48mm and 60mm compared with strengths of uncurled connections with restrained out-of-plane deformation.

Ultimate behaviors such as ultimate strength and fracture mechanism of fillet-welded connections with TIG(tungsten inert gas) welding have been investigated through test results. Main variables of specimens are weld length and welding direction against loading and ultimate strengths were compared according to the variables. Ultimate strengths were compared with current design predictions and modified design equations were proposed to consider the strength difference according to welding direction.

This paper is to investigate the stress-strain curves for STS 201 austenitic stainless steel over the full strain range. Ramberg-Osgood expression can be used to predict the stress-strain curve up to the 0.2% proof stress. Rasmussen and Shin have developed the approach for stress-strain curve of stainless steels beyond 0.2% proof stress based on the Ramberg-Osgood concept. However, for STS201 stainless steel, two existing concepts were not available for predicting the curves and therefore modified method was discussed in this paper.

Generally, bolted connection was used in stainless steel structural basic design for stainless steel bolted connection is similar to that of carbon steel connection. However, stainless steel with high ductility can be more beneficial if the mechanical characteristics are well used. Experimental and analysis studies had conducted. Curling was observed in some specimens with a relatively long end distance and affected strength reduction of bolted connection. Besides, finite element model had developed and its validation was verified through comparison with test results. In this paper, parametric analysis was performed using proven FE model. Key variables are the end distance and plate thickness of bolted connection. Ultimate strength and curling effect were also investigated.