Experimental study on steel joints with oversized holes and reinforced resin injected bolts

This paper presents the results of tests dealing with steel joints made using reinforced resin injection bolts set in oversized bolt holes. Joints of this type may be applied in the cases where increased assembly tolerances are required. A RenGel SW404 + HY2404 epoxy resin was used to inject the holes. The results have been compared against joints with standard size bolt holes. Obtained results have been supplemented with material tests performed on unreinforced resin. Two alternative options for reinforcing joints were considered in the cases where nonstandard oversized circular holes were applied. An addition of silicon carbide varying in granularity was proposed as the first option using two application modes. Reinforcement with steel bars was proposed as the second option. The tests performed have shown, that that the standard joints and the joints with oversized holes reinforced with steel bars behave satisfactorily when subjected to both short and long term loads. Manufacturing defects and substantial dispersion of results were observed in joints with oversized bolt holes injected with unreinforced resin. Values of basic strength and material parameters are given for both reinforcement options. Manufacturing issues pertaining to execution of joints with reinforced resin are discussed as well.