The influence of high tensile bolts tightening torque on stress distribution in the bolted connection of rockfall barrier under impact load

The paper presents the finite element method approach to determine stress distribution in rockfall barrier post with end to end-plate connection, assembled with high tensile bolts under two different types of impact load. For the analysis purposes typical fixed to the foundation, rockfall barrier post is adopted with 2,50 m height and sixty degrees slope to the horizontal ground line. One post end is fixed (welded) to the base plate – anchored to foundation, the second end is supported via retaining rope. The impact load applied exactly in the post mid-height and boulder caught via net in the mid-distance between two consecutive post are discussed. Four different locations of end to end-plate connection are analysed measuring from the fixed support i.e. dimension varies in the range of 0,30 m up to 0,60 m with 0,10 m step. Six high tensile bolts, zinc coated with 12.9 grade strength have been adopted in the connection. The stated boundary problem was solved by means of SolidWorks software.