Nonlinear interaction effect on main cable clamp bolts tightening in suspension bridge

Elastic interaction effect commonly exists in the assembly of multi-bolted joint. It is defined as loss tension forces some bolts due to progressively tightening neighboring bolts. Main cable clamp a large size bolted joint used suspension bridge. Investigation on bolt has seldom been reported. This article presents field experiment study tightening. In experiment, three types and sequences were included. Then, finite element models considering actual nonlinear transverse compressed behaviour main cables devised simulate procedures, thus providing an effective numerical tool understand The experimental results provide validations for subsequent studies, showing that modeling method can effectively predict deformation residual force Moreover, efficiency different sequeces are discussed based results. Conclusions be drawn clamps with much longer length more rows bolts, degree tends higher. side-to-centre sequence than centre-to-side sequence.