Abstract：Based on static tensile tests of 20 Q460 high-strength steel bolted connections, the influences of material properties of high-strength steel and arrangement of bolts on shear capacity and deformation capacity of connection were studied. According to the equations established from equilibrium and deformation compatibility conditions, the mechanical behaviors of high-strength steel bolted connection were theoretically analyzed, and the applicability of relevant codes was investigated. Research results disclose that: when the bolts are arranged horizontally, both ultimate bearing capacity and deformation capacity of specimens increase with the increased spacing of bolts. When the edge distance is increased from 1.5d0 to 2d0 and the end distance is increased from 2d0 to 2.5d0, the ultimate bearing capacity of specimens can only be increased by 0.78% and 2.37%, implying that when the standard values for constitution are reached, the increases of edge distance and end distance have a little effect on the bearing capacity. When the bolts are arranged longitudinally, the ultimate bearing capacity may only increase linearly with the increased edge distance. When the design value of the bearing capacity of steel plate is taken as 1.26fu, the value is small for Q460 high strength steel. The research provides the scientific basis for the design theory and method of high-strength steel bolted connections.
