Application of Eurocode 3 to steel connections with four bolts per horizontal row

Eurocode 3 Part 1-8 provides detailed application rules for the design of bolted end-plate connections. Although these rules apply to connections with any number of bolt rows, they are limited to configurations with two bolts in each row. However, it is sometimes more economical to place four bolts in one row. This configuration is commonly met in different countries in Europe and, in particular, in Germany. The theoretical model on which the Eurocode 3 application rules are founded is general and can be potentially applied to connections with four bolts per row. However, specific design rules need to be developed. In the present paper, easy-to-apply analytical design rules aimed at predicting the mechanical properties of connections with four bolts per row and in full agreement with the Eurocode 3 approach are detailed. Validations through comparisons to experimental test results recently performed in the framework of a German national project are also presented.