Numerical modeling of structural capacity of corroded bolted assembly Rachid Radouani and Mohamed Essahli Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Environment, University Hassan 1st, Settat, Morocco, and Younes Ech-Charqy Laboratory of Materials, Mechanics and Civil Engineering, National School of Applied Sciences, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco Abstract Purpose – Validate the resistance of bolted connections in terms of stresses, resistant moment and contact pressure. Design/methodology/approach – Finite element modeling of corroded bolted joint. Findings – The three types of corroded assemblies are resistant to the applied loads. Originality/value – The research is original, it studies the stress corrosion cracking of a bolted assembly’s end plate by the finite element method. Keywords Bolted assembly, Finite element modeling, Corrosion rate, Resistant moment, Contact pressure Paper type Research paper 1. Introduction Corrosive damage is one of the most common problems for any kind of steel structures which by nature is more aggressive in chemical plants like framed steel structures in salt manufacturing plant and structures built along a coast line. Corrosion damage can result in an increased stress, change in geometric properties and a reduction in member cross section properties, such as section modulus or increase in slenderness ratio (Czarnecki and Nowak, 2008). Millions of dollars are spent worldwide in the repair and rehabilitation of steel structures which are exposed to severe corrosive environments. Therefore, it is all the more important to understand the different forms of corrosion and their effects on structural steel components. It is apparent that the loss of thicknesses (corrosion deterioration) in either the flanges or web of a structural I-beam or in end plate thickness leads to loss in cross sectional properties which can eventually lead to the reduction in the load carrying capacity of the member (Gowda, 2016). The end plate in beam to column bolted connections is considered one of the most important elements that provide resistance for this type of bolted connection. However, the corrosion of the end plate can cause instability of the assembly and subsequently large deformations and large displacements can appear on the entire structure. Following the loads applied to the assembly and the mass losses of the corroded end plate, stress corrosion cracking (SCC) will take place causing an increase in stress and deformation in the stress concentration zones (contact zone between the bolt head and end plate surface) Figure 1. Choosing the proper fastener alloy is one of the most important considerations to negate the effects of stress corrosion cracking. It is relatively simple to choose a fastener with adequate strength and good (general) corrosion resistance. However, knowing the particular type of stress corrosion cracking issues that may be at work in the application is an important step in achieving a resistant fastener material. In certain environments, it may be necessary to choose a material that will experience some general corrosion since general corrosion is Structural capacity of corroded bolted assembly The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/1573-6105.htm Received 24 May 2020 Revised 30 August 2020 Accepted 18 September 2020 Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures © Emerald Publishing Limited 1573-6105 DOI 10.1108/MMMS-05-2020-0121