An experimental investigation on the net cross-section failure of damaged plates containing holes

In Eurocode 3, a design rule is given for predicting the ultimate resistance of net cross-section at bolt holes. This based on average stress evaluated in cross-section, and contains both reduction factor 0.9 partial factor. According to previous research, this makes over-conservative uncracked components. There are indications that conservatism accounts possible presence small cracks Very limited experimental research has been conducted influence potential hole, particularly notch root. paper presents few results load pre-cracked notched plate specimens made S275JR grade steel. Four specimens, with crack depths ranging from 1 7mm, have tested their compared one non-pre-cracked exhibiting lower ductility as undamaged specimens. However, despite significant pre-cracking, strength slightly than calculated considering mean material properties excluding Moreover, assessed using constraint-corrected version failure assessment diagram validating its prediction results.