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6.1 INTRODUCTION
Connections of structural steel members are of critical importance. An inadequate
connection, which can be the “weak link” in a structure, has been the cause of
numerous failures. Failure of structural members is rare; most structural failures
are the result of poorly designed or detailed connections.

Modern steel structures are connected by welding or bolting (either high-strength

or “common” bolts) or by a combination of both.

Welding has several advantages over bolting. A welded connection is often

simpler in concept and requires few, if any, holes (sometimes erection bolts may
be required to hold the members in position for the welding operation).
Connections that are extremely complex with fasteners can become very simple
when welds are used.

On the negative side, skilled workers are required for welding, and inspection can
be difficult and costly. This last disadvantage can be partially overcome by using
shop welding instead of field welding whenever possible. Quality welding can be
more easily ensured under the controlled conditions of a fabricating shop. When
a connection is made with a combination of welds and bolts, welding can be done
in the shop and bolting in the field.

In considering the behavior of different types of connections, it is convenient to

categorize them according to the type of loading. The tension member splices
shown in Figure a and b subject the fasteners to forces that tend to shear the shank
of the fastener. Similarly, the weld shown in Figure c must resist shearing forces.
The connection of a bracket to a column flange, as in Figure d, whether by
fasteners or welds, subjects the connection to shear when loaded as shown. The
hanger connection shown in Figure e puts the fasteners in tension. The connection
shown in Figure f produces both shear and tension in the upper row of fasteners.
The strength of a fastener depends on whether it is subjected to shear or tension,

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or both. Welds are weak in shear and are usually assumed to fail in shear,
regardless of the direction of loading.

Finally, there are two types of connections;

1. Simple connections; If the line of action of the resultant force to be resisted

passes through the center of gravity of the connection, each part of the
connection is assumed to resist an equal share of the load, and the
connection is called a simple connection. In such connections, illustrated
in Figure 7.3a, b, and c.
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2. Eccentric connections; are those in which the line of action of the load
does not act through the center of gravity of the connection. The
connections shown in Figure d and f are of this type. In these cases, the
load is not resisted equally by each fastener or each segment of weld, and
the determination of the distribution of the load is the complicating factor
in the design of this type of connection.

6.2 BOLTED SHEAR CONNECTIONS: FAILURE MODES

There are two broad categories of failure:
i. failure of the fastener

ii. Failure of the parts being connected.

1.1. Failure resulting from excessive tension, shear, or bending in the parts
being connected.
1.2. Failure of the connected part because of bearing exerted by the fasteners.

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6.3 PROCEDURE OF EVALUATING OF BEARING STRENGTH, SPACING, AND EDGE-

DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS (STANDARD HOLES).

a) Bearing strength:

𝑅𝑛 = 1.2 ℓ𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 ≤ 2.4 𝑑 𝑡𝐹𝑢

Where
ℓ𝑐
= 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑, 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓
𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙
𝑡 = 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡
𝑑 = 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠.
𝐹𝑢 = 𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠

For LRFD ∅𝑅𝑛 = 0.75𝑅𝑛

𝑅𝑛 𝑅𝑛
For ASD =
Ω 2.00

b) Minimum spacing and edge distance: In any direction, both in the line of
force and transverse to the line of force,

2
𝑆≥2 𝑑 , 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑦 ≥ 3𝑑
3

ℓ𝑒 ≥ 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝐼𝑆𝐶 𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐽3.4.

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For single- and double-angle shapes, the usual gage distances given in Table 1-
7A in Part 1 of the Manual may be used in lieu of these minimums.

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Example 1:-
The tension member shown in Figure is a PL 1⁄2 × 51⁄2 of A36 steel. It is
connected to a 3⁄8-inch-thick gusset plate (also A36 steel) with 3⁄4-inch-diameter
bolts.
a. Check all spacing and edge-distance requirements.
b. Compute the nominal strength in bearing.

Solution
a) Check all spacing and edge-distance requirements.
2 2 3
min 𝑆 = 2 𝑑 = 2 ( ) = 2′′ < 2.5′′ 𝑜. 𝑘
3 3 4

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min ℓ𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐼𝑆𝐶 𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐽3.4. = 1.0′′ < 1.5′′ 𝑜. 𝑘

b) Compute the nominal strength in bearing.

The bolt spacing and edge distances in Example 1.0 are the same for both the
tension member and the gusset plate. In addition, the same material is used. Only
the thicknesses are different, so the gusset plate will control. In cases such as this
one, only the thinner component need be checked. If there is a combination of
differences, such as different thicknesses, edge distances, and grades of steel, both
the tension member and the gusset plate should be checked.

3 1
𝑑 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 = + = 0.8125′′
4 16

For the first four bolts, ℓ𝑐 = 3 − (0.8125) = 2.1875′′

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𝑅𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡

3
1.2 ℓ𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 1.2(2.1875) ( ) (58) = 57.1 𝑘
= 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 { 8
3 3
2.4 𝑑 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 2.4 ( ) ( ) (58) = 39.15 𝑘(𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙)
4 8

1
For the last two bolts, ℓ𝑐 = 1.5 − (0.8125) = 1.0938′′
2

𝑅𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡

3
1.2 ℓ𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 1.2(1.0938) ( ) (58) = 28.55 𝑘(𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙)
= 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 { 8
3 3
2.4 𝑑 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 2.4 ( ) ( ) (58) = 39.15 𝑘 𝑘
4 8
𝑅𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 6 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠 = 4(39.15 ) + 2(28.55) = 213.7 𝑘𝑖𝑝
LRFD ASD
𝑅 𝑅
∅𝑅𝑛 = 0.75𝑅𝑛 = 0.75(213.7) ASD 𝑛 = 𝑛 = 0.5(213.7) =
Ω 2.00
= 160.30 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
106.90 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

6.4 SHEAR STRENGTH OF BOLTS

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For LRFD, the resistance factor is 0.75, and For ASD, the safety factor is 2.00.

Example 2:-
Determine the strength of the connection shown in Figure below, based on
bearing and shear, for the following bolts:

a. A307
b. Group A, threads in the plane of shear
c. Group A, threads not in the plane of shear

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Solution
Since the edge distances are the same for both the tension member and the gusset
plate, the bearing strength of the gusset plate will control because it is thinner
than the tension member. For bearing strength computation, use a hole diameter
of
3 1 13
𝑑 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 = + =
4 16 16
1 13 35
For bolt nearest the edge of gusset plate , ℓ𝑐 = 1.5 − × =
2 16 32

𝑅𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡

35 3
1.2 ℓ𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 1.2 ( ) ( ) (58) = 28.55 𝑘(𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙)
= 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 { 32 8
3 3
2.4 𝑑 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 2.4 ( ) ( ) (58) = 39.15 𝑘
4 8

13 35
For the other bolt, ℓ𝑐 = 3 − =
16 16

𝑅𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡

35 3
) ( ) (58) = 57.1 𝑘
1.2 ℓ𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 1.2 (
= 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 { 16 8
3 3
2.4 𝑑 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 2.4 ( ) ( ) (58) = 39.15 𝑘 (𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙)
4 8
For bolts

3 2
𝜋 2 𝜋𝑥 (4)
𝐴𝑏 = 𝑑 = = 0.442 𝑖𝑛2
4 4
a) For A307, 𝑅𝑛 = 27𝐴𝑏 , 𝑅𝑛 = (27)(0.442) = 11.934 <
(28.55 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 39.15 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡)
In this case 𝑅𝑛 = 2𝑥 11.934 = 23.87 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

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LRFD ASD
𝑅 𝑅
∅𝑅𝑛 = 0.75𝑅𝑛 = 0.75(23.87 ) ASD 𝑛 = 𝑛 = 0.5(23.87 ) =
Ω 2.00
= 17.9 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
11.94 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

b. Group A, threads in the plane of shear

𝑅𝑛 = 54𝐴𝑏 , 𝑅𝑛 = (54)(0.442) = 23.868
< (28.55 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 39.15 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡)
In this case 𝑅𝑛 = 2𝑥23.868 = 47.74 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
LRFD ASD
𝑅 𝑅
∅𝑅𝑛 = 0.75𝑅𝑛 = 0.75(47.74 ) ASD 𝑛 = 𝑛 = 0.5(47.74 ) =
Ω 2.00
= 35.81 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
23.87 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

c. Group A, threads not in the plane of shear

𝑅𝑛 = 68𝐴𝑏 , 𝑅𝑛 = (68)(0.442) = 30.06
> 28.55 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡 (𝑢𝑠𝑒 28.55)
< 39.15 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡
In this case 𝑅𝑛 = 28.55 + 30.06 = 58.61
LRFD ASD
𝑅 𝑅
∅𝑅𝑛 = 0.75𝑅𝑛 = 0.75(58.61 ) ASD 𝑛 = 𝑛 = 0.5(58.61 ) =
Ω 2.00
= 43.96 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
29.31 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

All spacing and edge-distance requirements are satisfied. The minimum edge
distance required by AISC Table J3.4 is 1 inch, and this requirement is satisfied
in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The bolt spacing s is 3 inches,
which is greater than 22⁄3d = 2.667(3⁄4) = 2 in.

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6.5 INSTALLATION OF HIGH-STRENGTH BOLTS

In certain cases, high-strength bolts are installed to such a degree of tightness that
they are subjected to extremely large tensile forces

A complete list of minimum tension values, for those connections in which a

minimum tension is required, is given in AISC Table J3.1, “Minimum Bolt
Pretension.” Each value is equal to 70% of the minimum tensile strength of the
bolt. The purpose of such a large tensile force is to achieve the clamping force
illustrated in Figure below. Such bolts are said to be fully tensioned.

As a nut is turned and advanced along the threads of a bolt, the connected parts
undergo compression and the bolt elongates. The free-body diagrams in Figure a
show that the total compressive force acting on the connected part is numerically
equal to the tension in the bolt. If an external load P is applied, a friction force
will develop between the connected parts. The maximum possible value of this
force is

𝐹 = 𝜇𝑁

Where 𝜇 is the coefficient of static friction between the connected parts, and N
is the normal compressive force acting on the inner surfaces.

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Thus each bolt in the connection is capable of resisting a load of P = F, even if

the bolt shank does not bear on the connected part. As long as this frictional force
is not exceeded, there is no bearing or shear. If P is greater than F and slippage
occurs, shear and bearing will then exist and will affect the capacity of the
connection.
A connection with high-strength bolts is classified as either a slip-critical
connection or a bearing-type connection. A slip-critical connection is one in
which no slippage is permitted—that is, the friction force must not be exceeded.
In a bearing type connection, slip is acceptable, and shear and bearing actually
occur.

The filler factor, hf, accounts for the presence of filler plates, which are sometimes
added to connections to bring elements into alignment. This can occur, for
example, when members of different depths are spliced.

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Example 3:-
The connection shown in Figure below, uses 3⁄4-inch-diameter Group A bolts
with the threads in the shear plane. No slip is permitted. Both the tension member
and the gusset plate are of A36 steel. Determine the strength of the connection.

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SOLUTION
Both the design strength (LRFD) and the allowable strength (ASD) will be
computed. For efficiency, the nominal strength for each limit state will be
computed before specializing the solution for LRFD and ASD.
1. Tension on the gross-area of tension member
1
𝑃𝑛 = 𝐹𝑦 × 𝐴𝑔 = 36 ( × 6) = 108.0 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
2
2. Tension on the net area of tension member.
All elements of the cross section are connected, so shear lag is not a factor and
Ae = An. For the hole diameter, use
1 3 1 7′′
ℎ=𝑑+ = + =
8 4 8 8
1 7 17
𝐴𝑒 = [6 − 2 ( )] =
2 8 8
17
𝑃𝑛 = 𝐹𝑢 × 𝐴𝑒 = 58 ( ) = 123.3 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
8
3. Block shear strength
The failure block for the gusset plate has the same dimensions as the block for
the tension member except for the thickness (Figure b). The gusset plate, which
is the thinner element, will control. There are two shear-failure planes:

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4. Shear strength for bolts

3 2
𝜋 2 𝜋𝑥 ( )
𝐴𝑏 = 𝑑 = 4 = 0.442 𝑖𝑛2
4 4
For group A threads in shear plane , 𝑅𝑛 = 54𝐴𝑏 = 54(0.442) = 23.9 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
5. Bearing strength for connected parts, the check will be done for gusset plate.
3 1 13
Of 𝑑 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 = + =
4 16 16
1 13 35
For holes nearest the edge of gusset plate, ℓ𝑐 = 1.5 − × =
2 16 32

𝑅𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡

35 3
1.2 ℓ𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 1.2 ( ) ( ) (58) = 28.55 𝑘(𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙)
= 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 { 32 8
3 3
2.4 𝑑 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 2.4 ( ) ( ) (58) = 39.15 𝑘
4 8
𝑅𝑛 = 28.55 > 23.9 ∴ 𝑢𝑠𝑒 23.9
13 35
For the other holes, ℓ𝑐 = 3 − =
16 16
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𝑅𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡

35 3
) ( ) (58) = 57.1 𝑘
1.2 ℓ𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 1.2 (
= 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 { 16 8
3 3
2.4 𝑑 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 2.4 ( ) ( ) (58) = 39.15 𝑘 (𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙)
4 8
𝑅𝑛 = 39.15 > 23.9 ∴ 𝑢𝑠𝑒 23.9
So the nominal strength based on shear and bearing strength is
𝑅𝑛 = 4(23.9) = 95.6 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
6. Slip-critical strength
Because no slippage is permitted, this connection is classified as slip-critical.
From AISC Table J3-1, the minimum bolt tension is Tb = 28 kips. From AISC
Equation J3-4,

𝑅𝑛 = 𝜇𝐷𝑢 ℎ𝑓 𝑇𝑏 𝑛𝑠 = 0.3(1.13)(1.0)(28)(1.0) = 9.492

For 4 bolts 𝑅𝑛 = 4(9.492) = 37.97 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

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Strength LRFD ASD

Tension on the gross- 108.0 × 0.9 = 97.2 𝑘 108.0
= 64.7 𝑘
area of tension member 1.67

Tension on the net-area 123.3 × 0.75 = 92.5 𝑘 123.3

= 61.7 𝑘
of tension member 2

Block shear strength 119.1 × 0.75 = 89.3 119.1

= 59.6
2
Shear and bearing 95.6 × 0.75 = 71.7 95.6
strength of bolts = 47.8
2
Slip-critical strength 37.97 × 1 = 37.97 37.97
= 25.31 𝑘
1.5
Control 37.97 kips 25.31 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

6.6 Tables for Bolt Strength

Manual Tables 7-1 through 7-5 give values for bolt shear, tensile, and slip-critical
strengths and bearing strength at bolt holes. Their use will be illustrated in
Example below.

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Example 4:-
A 5⁄8-inch-thick tension member is connected to two 1⁄4-inch splice plates, as
shown in Figure below. The loads shown are service loads. A36 steel and 5⁄8-
inch-diameter, Group A bolts will be used. If slip is permissible, how many bolts
are required? Each bolt centerline shown represents a row of bolts in the direction
of the width of the plates.

Solution
These bolts are in double shear. From Manual Table 7-1,
Solving using LRFD method

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Since, a certain type of high strength A bolt is not indicated. Average value will
be assumed
22.1 + 27.6
∅𝑣 𝑟𝑛 = = 24.9
2

Assume that shear controls and then check bearing. The required strength of the
connection is
𝑃𝑢 = 1.2𝐷 + 1.6𝐿 = 1.2(30) + 1.6(25) = 76 𝑘
𝑃𝑢 76
𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠 = = = 3.1 ∴ 𝑢𝑠𝑒 4 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
∅𝑣 𝑟𝑛 24.9
Try four bolts, two per line, on each side of the splice.

Bearing: The bearing force on the 5⁄8-inch-thick tension member will be twice as
large as the bearing force on each of the 1⁄4-inch splice plates. Because the total
load on the splice plates is the same as the load on the tension member, for the
splice plates to be critical the total splice plate thickness must be less than the
thickness of the tension member—and it is. For the inner holes and a spacing of
3 inches, Manual Table 7-4 gives

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1 1
∅𝑣 𝑟𝑛 = 65.3𝑡 = 65.3 ( + ) = 32.65 𝑘 > 24.9, 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠 24.9 𝑘
4 4

For the holes nearest the edge of the plate, we will conservatively use an edge
distance of 1 1⁄4 inches to find the bearing strength from Manual Table 7-5.

1 1
∅𝑣 𝑟𝑛 = 47.3𝑡 = 47.3 ( + ) = 23.65 𝑘 < 24.9 𝑜. 𝑘
4 4

To obtain the strength of the connection based on shear and bearing;

∅𝑅𝑛 = 2(24.9 ) + 2(23.65) = 97.1 > 76 𝑜. 𝑘

Use four bolts, two per line, on each side of the splice. A total of eight bolts
will be required for the connection.

Solution using the ASD method

From Table(7.1), the shearing force for bolts

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𝑟𝑛 14.7 + 18.4
= = 16.55
Ω𝑣 2
𝑃𝑎 = 𝐷 + 𝐿 = 30 + 25 = 55 𝑘
𝑃𝑎 55
𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠 = 𝑟 = = 3.32 ∴ 𝑢𝑠𝑒 4 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
𝑛 16.55
Ω𝑣
Try four bolts, two per line, on each side of the splice.
For inner holes,

𝑟𝑛 1 1
= 43.5𝑡 = 43.5 ( + ) = 21.75 𝑘 > 16.55, 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠 21.75 𝑘
Ω𝑣 4 4

For outer holes

𝑟𝑛 1 1
= 31.5𝑡 = 31.5 ( + ) = 15.75 𝑘 < 16.55 𝑜. 𝑘
Ω𝑣 4 4

To obtain the strength of the connection based on shear and bearing;

𝑅𝑛
= 2(16.55 ) + 2(15.75) = 64.6 > 55 𝑜. 𝑘
Ω

Use four bolts, two per line, on each side of the splice. A total of eight bolts will
be required for the connection.

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Example 5:-
The C8 × 18.75 shown in Figure 7.15 has been selected to resist a service dead
load of 18 kips and a service live load of 54 kips. It is to be attached to a 3⁄8-inch
gusset plate with 7⁄8-inch-diameter, Group A bolts. Assume that the threads are
in the plane of shear and that slip of the connection is permissible. Determine the
number and required layout of bolts such that the length of connection L is
reasonably small. A36 steel is used.

LRFD
SOLUTION

𝑃𝑢 = 1.2𝐷 + 1.6𝐿 = 1.2(18) + 1.6(54) = 108 𝑘

We will select the number of bolts based on shear and verify that the bearing
strength is adequate once a final bolt layout has been determined. From Manual
Table 7-1, the shear strength is

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Although five bolts will furnish enough capacity, try six bolts so that a
symmetrical layout with two gage lines of three bolts each can be used, as shown
in Figure below. (Two gage lines are used to minimize the length of the
connection.) We do not know whether the design of this tension member was
based on the assumption of one line or two lines of fasteners; the tensile capacity
of the channel with two lines of bolts must be checked before proceeding. For the
gross area,

The exact length of the connection is not yet known, so Equation 3.1 for U cannot
be used. Assume a conservative value of U = 0.60.

The member capacity is therefore adequate with two gage lines of bolts. Check
the spacing and edge distance transverse to the load. From AISC J3.3,

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For the holes nearest the edge of the gusset plate, use Manual Table 7-5 and an
edge distance of 1 1⁄4 inches.

The tentative connection design is shown in Figure below and will now be
checked for block shear in the gusset plate (the geometry of the failure block in
the channel is identical, but the gusset plate is thinner).

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The simplest way to increase the block shear strength for this connection is to
increase the shear areas by increasing the bolt spacing or the edge distance; we
will increase the spacing. Although the required spacing can be determined by
trial and error, it can be solved for directly, which we do here. If we assume that
the upper limit in AISC Equation J4-5 does not control, the required design
strength is
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Use the connection detail as shown in Figure

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H.W:- repeat the previous example using the ASD method.

6.7 COMBINED SHEAR AND TENSION IN FASTENERS

If inclined force passes through the center of gravity of the connection. The
vertical component of the load will put the fasteners in shear, and the horizontal
component will cause tension (with the possible inclusion of prying forces). Since
the line of action of the load acts through the center of gravity of the connection,
each fastener can be assumed to take an equal share of each component.

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In slip-critical connections subject to both shear and tension, interaction of shear

and tension need not be investigated. However, the effect of the applied tensile
force is to relieve some of the clamping force, thereby reducing the available
friction force. The AISC Specification reduces the slip-critical strength for this
case. The reduction is made by multiplying the slip-critical strength by a factor
ksc as follows:

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Example:-
A WT10.5 × 31 is used as a bracket to transmit a 60-kip service load to a W14 ×
90 column, as previously shown in Figure below . The load consists of 15 kips
dead load and 45 kips live load. Four 7⁄8-inch-diameter Group A bolts are used.
The column is of A992 steel, and the bracket is A36. Assume all spacing and
edge-distance requirements are satisfied, including those necessary for the use of
the maximum nominal strength in bearing (i.e., 2.4dtFu), and determine the
adequacy of the bolts for the following types of connections: (a) bearing-type
connection with the threads in shear and (b) slip-critical connection with the
threads in shear.

Solution:-
(a) bearing-type connection with the threads in shear
a-1 LRFD
𝑃𝑢 = 1.2𝐷 + 1.6𝐿 = 1.2(15) + 1.6(45) = 90 𝑘
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1- computing the nominal bearing strength; the flange of Tee-section

controls
7
𝑅𝑛 = 2.4 𝑑 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 2.4 ( ) (0.615)(58) = 74.91 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
8
2- computing the nominal shear strength
𝜋 7 2
𝑅𝑛 = 54𝐴𝑏 = 54 ( ( ) ) = 32.47 𝑘 < 74.91 𝑢𝑠𝑒 32.47 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑙𝑠
4 8
The total strength for 4 bolts is
∅𝑅𝑛 = 0.75 ∗ 4 ∗ 32.47 = 97.41
The applied shear force is
3
𝑉𝑢 = ∗ 90 = 54 < 97.41 𝑜. 𝑘
5
3-determine the available tensile strength
𝐹𝑛𝑡
́ = 1.3𝐹𝑛𝑡 −
𝐹𝑛𝑡 𝑓 ≤ 𝐹𝑛𝑡
∅𝐹𝑛𝑣 𝑟𝑣
𝐹𝑛𝑡 = 𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐽3.2 = 90 𝑘𝑠𝑖
𝐹𝑛𝑣 = 𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 54 𝑘𝑠𝑖
54/4
𝑓𝑟𝑣 = 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡 = = 22.46 𝑘𝑠𝑖
𝜋 7 2
4 ( 8)
𝐹𝑛𝑡 90
́ = 1.3𝐹𝑛𝑡 −
𝐹𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑣 = 1.3 ∗ 90 − ∗ 22.46 = 67.1 < 90 𝑜. 𝑘
∅𝐹𝑛𝑣 0.75 ∗ 54
The tension strength for one bolt is
𝜋 7 2
́ 𝐴𝑏 = 67.1 ∗ ( ) = 40.35
𝑅𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛𝑡
4 8
The total tension stress is
∅𝑅𝑛 = 4 ∗ 40.35 ∗ 0.75 = 121.04 𝑘
The applied tension force is
4
𝑇𝑢 = ∗ 90 = 72 < 121.04 𝑜. 𝑘
5

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The connection is adequate as a bearing-type connection according to LRFD

methods.

(b) slip-critical connection with the threads in shear.

The shear and bearing strength are checked above, only slip critical will
be checked
From AISC Table J3.1, the prescribed tension for a 7⁄8-inch-diameter
Group A bolt is
Tb = 39 kips
If we assume Class A surfaces, the slip coefficient is m = 0.30, and for
four bolts,
𝑅𝑛 = 𝜇𝐷𝑢 ℎ𝑓 𝑇𝑏 𝑛𝑠 = 0.3(1.13)(1.0)(39)(1)(4) = 52.88 𝑘
∅𝑅𝑛 = 1.0 ∗ 52.88 = 52.88

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Since there is a tensile load on the bolts, the slip-critical strength must be
reduced by a factor of
𝑇𝑢 72
𝑘𝑠𝑐 = 1 − =1− = 0.59
𝐷𝑢 𝑇𝑏 𝑛𝑏 1.13 ∗ 39 ∗ 4
The reduced strength is therefore
𝑘𝑠𝑐 ∗ ∅𝑅𝑛 = 0.59 ∗ 52.88 = 31.2 < 54 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑜. 𝑘

The connection is inadequate as a slip-critical connection

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Example:-
A concentrically loaded connection is subjected to a service-load shear force of

50 kips and a service-load tensile force of 100 kips. The loads are 25% dead load
and 75% live load. The fasteners will be in single shear, and bearing strength will
be controlled by a 5⁄16-inch-thick connected part of A36 steel. Assume that all
spacing and edge distances are satisfactory, including those that permit the
maximum nominal bearing strength of 2.4dtFu to be used. Determine the required
number of 3⁄4-inchdiameter Group A bolts for the following cases: (a) a bearing-
type connection with threads in the plane of shear and (b) a slip-critical
connection with threads in the plane of shear. All contact surfaces have clean mill
scale.

Consider this to be a preliminary design so that no consideration of prying action

is necessary.

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