FRICTION COEFFICIENT DETERMINATION BETWEEN METAL PLATES

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2026-1-21
Chashemov, Dayanch
This study investigates the friction coefficient (slip factor) between coated steel plates used in slip-critical bolted connections, which are essential for structural integrity under dynamic and cyclic loading conditions. Accurate determination of the slip factor is critical for ensuring compliance with international design standards such as Eurocode EN 1993-1-8 and BS EN 1090-2:2018. The research experimentally evaluates the slip factor for specific coating materials and steel plate combinations following Annex G of BS EN 1090-2:2018. A custom test setup capable of applying up to 1600 kN was designed to perform tensile-shear tests on multiple specimen configurations, including variations in bolt orientation and coating thickness. The experimental program also incorporates statistical adjustments for small sample sizes to derive characteristic slip factors. Complementary finite element simulations using SAP2000 were conducted to validate experimental results and analyze contact mechanics, preload distribution, and slip behavior. The findings highlight the influence of coating thickness, surface preparation, and evaluation criteria on slip resistance. Thicker coatings tend to reduce slip factors due to increased deformability, while stricter slip definitions (e.g., 0.15 mm displacement per EN 1090-2) yield lower friction coefficients compared to alternative standards. The study provides practical recommendations for optimizing coating application and bolt pretension to enhance structural reliability. These results contribute to improving design practices for slip-critical connections in steel structures, ensuring safety, durability, and compliance with international standards.
Citation Formats
D. Chashemov, “FRICTION COEFFICIENT DETERMINATION BETWEEN METAL PLATES,” M.S. - Master of Science, Middle East Technical University, 2026.