Enhancing Connection Performance for a Sustainable Built Environment: A Comparative Investigation of Prying Forces

Abstract

Bolted steel connections play a critical role in structural reliability, material efficiency, and the long-term sustainability of the built environment. This paper investigates prying forces in bolted connections through a comparative evaluation of theoretical models from major international standards and detailed Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The study highlights significant discrepancies between code-based predictions and numerical simulations, with implications for over-design, unnecessary material use, and the overall sustainability of steel construction. Results show that while the Eurocode method provides upper-bound estimates based on full plasticity assumptions, it does not capture prying force evolution across loading stages, potentially leading to conservative—and material-intensive—design outcomes. The AISC method, though simple, underestimates prying due to empirical assumptions, whereas the IS 800 approach exhibited excessive sensitivity to secondary geometric parameters. The SANS 10162 criterion, which considers prying forces acceptable below 30% of the applied tension, demonstrated good alignment with FEA results. Overall, the findings confirm that increasing flange or section thickness effectively mitigates prying action; however, unnecessary thickening can be avoided through improved analytical-numerical alignment. The study therefore supports more accurate prediction methods as a pathway to optimised steel usage, resource efficiency, and sustainable structural design.

Keywords: Sustainable Steel Construction, Prying Forces, Bolt Connection

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007895