Experimental analysis of tensile and compressive failure load in single-lap bolted joint of green composites

In this study, bamboo/PLA green composites have been fabricated using a compression moulding to investigate the single-lap bolted joining behaviour of the developed composites. The factors affecting the strength of the joint such as hole quality and geometrical parameters have been experimentally investigated. The cutting parameters (feed and speed) and drill geometries have been optimised using Taguchi's method to obtain the lower drilling induced forces. The optimised parameters have been used for making hole in composite specimens to facilitate the bolted joint. The influence of the input parameters on the induced forces has also been analysed through analysis of variance (ANOVA). The behaviour of bolted joint specimens has been investigated by evaluating the tensile and compressive failure loads. The influence of width to diameter ratio (w/d) (2.5, 3.25, and 4), edge to diameter ratio (e/d) (1.5, 2.25, and 3.125), and bolt fastening torque (10, 15, and 20 N-m) on the failure load has been statistically analysed by performing ANOVA. Both tensile and compressive failure load was found to be increased at a higher value of w/d, e/d, and bolt fastening torque. From statistical analysis, w/d was found to be the most significant parameter followed by bolt fastening torque and e/d.