Abstract
Blind bolts are developed to be used in applications where access for installation is from one side of the connection only, as in the case of connecting the end-plate of a beam to a hollow column. Blind fasteners offer many advantages including strengths and sizes comparable to A325 fasteners, potential use in tension applications as well as in moment-resisting connections and ease of installation. In this study, reliability analyses are conducted in order to develop resistance factors for blind bolts designed following the AISC's LRFD specification. The limit state that is considered is the direct tension only. The applied loading consists of dead load, live load and wind. Probabilistic resistance models are developed for blind fasteners based on experimental test results. The statistics of load models on building structures are compiled from the available literature. The study considers a wide range of live-to-dead load ratios and several wind load intensities. The results of the reliability analysis indicate that a resistance factor in the order of 0.65 is adequate.