Split Set / Swellex

Split Set and Swellex bolt types can be modeled in Unwedge. These allow you to model a fully bonded frictional bolt type, where the face plate capacity is assumed to be zero.

Swellex or Split Set bolt model

Split Set and Swellex are presented as two different bolt types in Unwedge, for modeling convenience. However, the two bolt types are implemented in exactly the same way in the Unwedge analysis. The only difference between the two selections, is that the default Bond Strength is higher for Swellex than for Split Set. This value can of course be changed by the user.

Furthermore, the implementation of the Swellex / Split Set models in Unwedge is essentially the same as the Grouted Dowel model, with the following conditions:

Except for this difference, the implementation of the Swellex / Split Set and Grouted Dowel models are the same. For details, please see the Grouted Dowel topic.

Bolt Force Diagram

A Force diagram for a Swellex Bolt, which exhibits all three failure modes, is shown below. In this case, the bond capacity at either end is sufficient to equal the tensile capacity of the bolt, so that tensile failure will occur if a wedge plane intersects the bolt in the middle portion of the bolt. Note: because there is no Plate Capacity, the origin of the force diagram is at zero force.

Tensile bolt force diagram for swellex bolt

A Force diagram for a Split Set Bolt is shown below. For this example, the bond capacity at either end is NOT sufficient to equal the tensile capacity of the bolt. Therefore the bolt cannot fail in tension -- only stripping or pullout can occur.

Tensile bolt force diagram for split set bolt