QM Aligned Course Design Template

Course Name: CE 3130: Steel Structures Design

Module 04: Title (Simple Connections: Introduction, Bolted Shear Connections – Failure Modes,
Bearing Strength, Spacing and Edge-Distance Requirements, Shear Strength, Slip-Critical and
Bearing-Type Connections)

Module Overview / Introduction (ST. 1 - 8)

Every structure is an assemblage of individual parts of members that must be fastened
together, usually at the member ends, by some means. Welding is one, the other is to use
fasteners, such as rivets and bolts. The types of connections used in steel structures are too
numerous. The most common connectors for steel structures are welds and bolts. (Rokach-1991).
High-strenghth bolts have for the most part replaced rivets as the principal means of making
nonwelded structural connections. (Salmon-2009).
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. The problem is compounded by the confusion that sometimes exists
regarding responsibility for the design of connections. (Segui-2013)
Modern steel structures are connected by welding or bolting (either high-strength or
“common” bolts) or by a combination of both. Until fairly recently, connections were either welded
or riveted. In 1947, the Research Council of Riveted and Bolted Structural Joints was formed, and
its first specification was issued in 1951. Since that time, high-strength bolting has rapidly gained
in popularity, and today the widespread use of high-strength bolts has rendered the rivet obsolete
in civil engineering structures. There are several reasons for this change. Two relatively unskilled
workers can install high-strength bolts, whereas four skilled workers were required for riveting. In
addition, the riveting operation was noisy and somewhat dangerous because of the practice of
tossing the heated rivet from the point of heating to the point of installation. Riveted connection
design is no longer covered by the AISC Specification, but many existing structures contain riveted
joints, and the analysis of these connections is required for the strength evaluation and
rehabilitation of older structures.

Module Learning Objectives (ST. 2 & 8)

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Understanding the basic concepts associated to design of bolted shear connections, lap joints,
bolts selections.
2. Selection of the materials, bolts dimensions in bolted connection or size of fillet in welded
connections.
3. Determinate the bearing strength in a bolted connections.
Instructional Materials (ST. 4 & 8)
Lesson 1: The Structural Engineer must always take into consideration the following:

1. Connection: The joining of structural members and joints used to transmit forces between or
more members (Mc Cormac-2012)
2. Simple Connection: A simple connection” is intended to provide only shear transfer at the
ends, is also called Simple Framing. (Salmon-2009)
3. LRFD: (Load and Resistance Factor Design) A method of sizing structural members such that
the design strength equals or is greater than the required strength of the members using
factored load. (Mc Cormac-2012)
4. ASD: (Allowable Strength Desing) Method of sizing structural members such that the allowable
strength equals or is greater than required strength of the member using service loads. (Mc
Cormac-2012)
5. Shear: A shear load is a force that tends to produce a sliding failure on a material along a plane
that is parallel to the direction of the force.
6. Bearing type Connection: Bolted connection where shear forces transmitted by the bolt
bearing against the connection elements. (Mc Cormac-2012)
7. Fastener: A term representing bolts, welds, rivets, or other connecting devices. (Mc Cormac-
2012)
8. Fillet Weld: A weld placed in the corner formed by two overlapping parts in contact with each
other. (Mc Cormac-2012)
Subtheme 1.1: Bolted Shear Connections

Before considering the strength of specific grades of bolts, we need to examine the various
modes of failure that are possible in connections with fasteners subjected to shear.

There are two broad categories of failure: failure of the fastener and failure of the parts being
connected. Consider the lap joint shown in Figure 2a. Failure of the fastener can be assumed to
occur as shown. The average shearing stress in this case will be:
𝑃 ___𝑃___
𝑓𝑣 = =
𝐴 𝜋𝑑 2
4
where P is the load acting on an individual fastener, A is the cross-sectional area of the fastener,
and d is its diameter. The load can then be written as:
𝑃 = 𝑓𝑣 𝐴
Although the loading in this case is not perfectly concentric, the eccentricity is small and can
be neglected. The connection in Figure 3b is similar, but an analysis of free-body diagrams of
portions of the fastener shank shows that each cross-sectional area is subjected to half the total
load, or, equivalently, two cross sections are effective in resisting the total load. In either case, the
load is 𝑃 = 2𝑓𝑣 𝐴, and this loading is called double shear. The bolt loading in the connection in
Figure 3a, with only one shear plane, is called single shear. The addition of more thicknesses of
material to the connection will increase the number of shear planes and further reduce the load on
each plane. However, that will also increase the length of the fastener and could subject it to
bending.

Figure 3. (a) Single Shear Connection; (b) Double Shear Connection. (Segui - 2013)
 Figure 4. Double Shear Connection. (Galambos - 1996)

Type of Bolts:

There are several types of bolts that can be used for connecting steel members. They are
described in the paragraphs that follow.

A piece of round ductile steel forged in place to join several pieces of steel together is called
a rivet. The rivet is manufactured with a special head, referred to as the manufactured head, and
is installed using a riveting hammer which forms another head during the installation. Figure 2a.
The rivets are heated by an fired furnace or a rivet heater. They are then insertedin the
punched or drilled holes of the steel pieces to be connected and the riveting hammer shapes the
head while pressure is exerted on the opposite side to hold the rivet in place. As the hot rivet is
drive in it plastic state, it ussually swells under the hammer load and fillsthe hole completely. Then,
as the rivet cools, it tends to shrink in size both lengthwise and diametrically.

Unfinished bolts are also called ordinary or common bolts. They are classified by the ASTM
as A307 bolts Figure 2b an are made from carbon steel with stress-strain characteristics very
similar to those of A36 steel. They are avaliable in diameters from 1/2 to 1-1/2-in in 1/8-in
increments

A307 bolts generally have square heads and nuts to reduce cost, but hexagonal heads are
sometimes used because they have a slightly more attractive appearance, are easier to turn and
to hold with the wrenches, and requiere less turning space. (Mc Cormac – 2012)

High-strength bolts are made from medium carbon heat-treated steel and from alloy steel
and have tensile strength two or more times those of ordinary bolts. There are two basics types,
the A325 Figure 2c (also heat-treated medium carbon steel) and the higher strength A490 bolts
Figure 2d (also heat-treated but made from alloy steel). High strength bolts are used for all types
of structures, from small buildings to skycrapers and monumental bridges. These bolts were
developed to overcome the weaknesses of rivets. High strength bolts may be tightened until they
have very high tensile stresses so that the connected parts are clamped tightly toguether between
the bolt and nut heads, permitting loads to be transferred primarily by friction.
 Figure 2. Type of fasteners available. (Bresler - 1990)

Lap joints

A lap joints is a simply a joint in which two members overlap and are connected to each
other with some type of fastener.The lap joint is not a desirable structural connection and should
be used only for a minor connections. The eccentricity of the loads causes secondary bending
stresses in the members and at least two fasteners should be used on each line.

Example 1.

A.- Two 0.25 in. x 8 in. A36 plates are to be connected using 0.75 in. A502 grade 1 rivets,
as show in figure. How many rivets are required to transfer a Dead Load of 20 kips and a Live Load
of 16 kips, shown in Figure 5.

Solution: Rivets are critical in single shear or

bearing (refer to AISC, Secs. J3.6 and J3.10)
Shear: 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡 = 0.75 𝑖𝑛.
2
𝜋𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡
𝐴𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡 = = 0.442 𝑖𝑛2
4

ø = 0.75 𝑘𝑠𝑖 ; 𝐹𝑣
= 25 𝑘𝑠𝑖 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐴𝐼𝑆𝐶 𝐽3.2
𝑃𝐷 = 20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 ; 𝑃𝐿 = 16 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 Figure 5
𝑃𝑢 = 1.2𝑃𝐷 + 1.6𝑃𝐿
= 49.6 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒂𝒅

𝑃𝑢 49.6 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
𝑛𝑟𝑒𝑞 = = = 5.988 (6 𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡𝑠)
ø𝐹𝑣 𝐴𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡 0.75 (25)(0.442)
Bearing at bolt holes (AISC Sec. J3.10)

𝐿𝑒 = 1.5 𝑖𝑛. 𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒.

𝑠 = 2.5 𝑖𝑛. 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒.
𝑡 = 0.25 𝑖𝑛. 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠.
𝐹𝑢 = 58 𝑘𝑠𝑖 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙

There are two rows of bolts in the line of force:

𝐸𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 1.5 𝑖𝑛. > 1.5 𝑥 𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 1.125 𝑖𝑛.
𝑅𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 2.5 𝑖𝑛. > 3 𝑥 𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 2.25 𝑖𝑛.

ø = 0.75 𝑅𝑛 = 2.4𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝐹𝑢

𝑃𝑢
𝑛𝑟𝑒𝑞 = = 2.534 < 5.99 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑔𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑠 − 𝑈𝑠𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑥 𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡𝑠.
ø𝑅𝑛

B.- Same as part A, except use 0.75-in A325 bolts in slip-critical connection (AISC Sec. J3.8)
Bearing is OK (identical to rivets). Use standard holes and design for limit state of slip at service
loads.

Solution:

𝑃𝑠 = 𝑃𝐷 + 𝑃𝐿 ; ø = 1.0 𝑃𝑠 = 20 + 16 = 36 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
𝐹𝑣 = 17 𝑘𝑠𝑖 (Table J3.6) 𝐴𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡 = 𝐴𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡

𝑃𝑠 36
𝑛𝑟𝑒𝑞 = = = 4.793 ; 𝑢𝑠𝑒 6 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑦.
ø𝐹𝑣 𝐴𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡 1(17)(0.442)

Failure Modes

There are two broad categories of failure: failure of the fastener and failure of the parts being
connected. Consider the lap joint shown in Figure 3a. Failure of the fastener can be assumed to
occur as shown. The average shearing stress in this case will be (Segui-2013).

Some of the possible limit states or failure modes that may control the strength of a bolted oint are
(Vinnakota-2006):
  Tensile fracture of the connected
plate elements. (b)
 Tensile yielding of the connected
plate elements. (c)
 Shear failure of the bolt. (d)
 Bearing failure of the connected plate
elements. (e)
o Ovalizationof bolt hole. (f)
o Sheat tear-out of the connected
plate elements. (g)
 Bearing failure of bolt.
 Stripping of bolt thread or nut thread.
 Tensile fracture of the bolt. (i)
 Bending failure of the bolt. (j)
 Slip of connected plate elements.

Figure 6. Limit states of failure bolted joint. (Vinnakota - 2006)

Subtheme 1.2: Bearing strength:

Bearing strength is independent of the type of fastener because the stress under
consideration is on the part being connected rather than on the fastener. For this reason, bearing
strength, as well as spacing and edge-distance requirements, which also are independent of the
type of fastener, will be considered before bolt shear and tensile strength.

The AISC Specification provisions for bearing strength, as well as all the requirements for
high-strength bolts, are based on the provisions of the specification of the Research Council on
Structural Connections (RCSC, 2009). The following discussion, which is based on the commentary
that accompanies the RCSC specification, explains the basis of the AISC specification equations
for bearing strength.

A possible failure mode resulting from excessive bearing is shear tear-out at the end of a
connected element, as shown in Figure 7a.

If the failure surface is idealized as shown in Figure 7b, the failure load on one of the two
surfaces is equal to the shear fracture stress times the shear area, or:
 𝑅𝑛
= 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝑙𝑐 𝑡
2

Where:
0.6𝐹𝑢 = shear fracture stress of the connected part.
𝑙𝑐 = 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 from edge of hole to edge of connected part.
𝑡 = thickness of connected part.

The total strength is:

𝑅𝑛 = 2(0.6𝐹𝑢 𝑙𝑐 𝑡) = 1.2𝐹𝑢 𝑙𝑐 𝑡 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝟏.

Figure 7. Bearing failure mode.

(Segui-2013)
This tear-out can take place at the edge of a connected part, as shown, or between two
holes in the direction of the bearing load. To prevent excessive elongation of the hole, an upper
limit is placed on the bearing load given by Equation 1. This upper limit is proportional to the
projected bearing area times the fracture stress, or:
𝑅𝑛 = 𝐶 𝑥 𝐹𝑢 𝑥 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝐶𝐹𝑢 𝑑𝑡 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝟐.
Where:
𝐶 = a constant ; 𝑑 = 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 ; 𝑡 = 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡

The AISC Specification uses Equation 1 for bearing strength, subject to an upper limit given
by Equation 2. If excessive deformation at service load is a concern, and it usually is, C is taken
as 2.4. This value corresponds to a hole elongation of about 1⁄4 inch (RCSC, 2009). In this book,
we consider deformation to be a design consideration. The nominal bearing strength of a single
bolt therefore can be expressed as:
𝑅𝑛 = 1.2𝑙𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 ≤ 2.4𝑑𝑡𝐹𝑢
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 the connected part.
𝑑 = bolt diameter.
𝐹𝑢 =ultimate tensile stress of the connected part (not the bolt)
 Figure 8, further illustrates the distance 𝑙𝑐 When
computing the bearing strength for a bolt, use
the distance from that bolt to the adjacent bolt or
edge in the direction of the bearing load on the
connected part. For the case shown, the bearing
load would be on the left side of each hole. Thus
the strength for bolt 1 is calculated with 𝑙𝑐
measured to the edge of bolt 2, and the strength
Figure 8. Edge-distance & Spacing of holes. for bolt 2 is calculated with 𝑙𝑐 measured to the
edge of the connected part.
For the edge bolts, use 𝑙𝑐 = 𝑙𝑒 - h/2. For other bolts, use 𝑙𝑐 = s – h,
where:
𝑙𝑐 = edge-distance to center of the hole.
𝑠 = center-to-center spacing of holes.
ℎ = hole diameter.
AISC Equation J3-6a is valid for standard, oversized, short-slotted and long-slotted holes
with the slot parallel to the load. We use only standard holes in this book (holes 1⁄16-in larger than
the bolt diameter). For those cases where deformation is not a design consideration, and for long-
slotted holes with the slot perpendicular to the direction of the load, AISC gives other strength
expressions.
When computing the distance 𝑙𝑐 , use the actual hole diameter (which is 1⁄16-in larger than
the bolt diameter), and do not add the 1⁄16 in as required in AISC B4.3b for computing the net area
for tension and shear. In other words, use a hole diameter of:
1 1 1
ℎ=𝑑+ 𝑖𝑛 not 𝑑 + 𝑖𝑛 (although if 𝑑 + 𝑖𝑛 were used, the slight error would be on the
16 8 8
conservative side).

Subtheme 1.3:Spacing and Edge-Distance Requirements:

Before minimum spacing and edge distances can be discussed, it is necessary for a few
terms to be explained. The following definitions are given for a group of bolts in a connection are
show in Figure 9.
 Figure 9. Spacing and Edge-Distance. (Mc Cormac-2012)

(p) Pitch is the center-to-center distance of bolt in a direction parallel to the axis of the member.
(g) Gage is the center-to-center distance of bolt lines perpendicular to the axis of the member.
The edge distance is the distance from the center of a bolt to the adjacent edge of a member.
The distance between bolts is the shortest distance between fasteners on the same or different
gage lines. (Mc Cormac-2012)

Minimum spacing

Bolts should be placed a sufficient distance apart to permit efficient installation and to
prevent bearing failures of the members between fasteners. The AISC Specification (J3.3) provides
a minimum center-to-center distance for standard, oversized, or slotted, fastener holes, For
standard oversized, or slotted, fastener holes, the minimum distance should not be less than 2 23
diameters (with three diameters being preferred). Minimum distance in any direction is show in
Table 1 (J3.4 AISC Specification). Test results have clearly shown that bearing strengths are
directly proportional to the center-to-center spacing up to a maximum of 3d. No additional bearing
strength is obtained when spacing greater than 3d are used. (Mc Cormac-2012)

Table 1. Spacing and Edge-Distance. (J3.4 AISC Specification)

Example 2. Check bolt spacing, edge distances, and bearing for the connection shown in Figure 10.

From AISC J3.3, the minimum spacing in any direction

is:
2 2 3
2 3 𝑑 = 2 3 (4) = 2 𝑖𝑛.

Actual spacing = 2.50 in ≥ 2 in. OK

From AISC Table J3.4, the minimum edge distance in

any direction is 1 inch. Figure 10.
1
Actual edge distance : 1 4 𝑖𝑛 > 1 𝑖𝑛. 𝑶𝑲

For computation of the bearing strength, use a hole diameter of:

1 3 1 13
ℎ=𝑑+ =( + )= 𝑖𝑛.
16 4 16 16
Check bearin on both the tension member and the gusset plate. For the tension member and the holes nearest the
edge of the member.

ℎ 13⁄
𝑙𝑐 = 𝑙𝑒 − = 1.25 − 16 = 0.8438 𝑖𝑛.
2 2
𝑅𝑛 = 1.2𝑙𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 ≤ 2.4𝑑𝑡𝐹𝑢
1
1.2𝑙𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 1.2(0.8438) ( ) (58) = 29.36 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
2
Check upper limit:
3 1
2.4𝑑𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 2.4 ( ) ( ) (58) = 52.20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
4 2
29.36 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 < 52.20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 ∴ Use 𝑅𝑛 = 29.36 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠/𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡.
(This result means that 𝑙𝑐 is small enough so that it must be accounted for.) For the other holes:
13
𝑙𝑐 = 𝑠 − ℎ = 2.5 − = 1.688 𝑖𝑛.
16
𝑅𝑛 = 1.2𝑙𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 ≤ 2.4𝑑𝑡𝐹𝑢
1
1.2𝑙𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 1.2 − (1.688) ( ) (58) = 58.74 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
2
Upper limit (the upper limit is independent of 𝑙𝑐 and is the same for all bolts):
2.4𝑑𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 52.20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 < 58.74 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 ∴ Use 𝑅𝑛 = 52.20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠/𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡.
(This result means that 𝑙𝑐 is large enough so that it does not need to be accounted for. Hole deformation controls)
The bearing strength for the tension member is:
𝑅𝑛 = 2(29.36) + 2(52.20) = 163.1 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
For the gusset plate and the holes nearest the edge of the plate:
 ℎ 13⁄
𝑙𝑐 = 𝑙𝑒 − = 1.25 − 16 = 0.8438 𝑖𝑛.
2 2
𝑅𝑛 = 1.2𝑙𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 ≤ 2.4𝑑𝑡𝐹𝑢
3
1.2𝑙𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 1.2(0.8438) ( ) (58) = 22.02 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
8
Upper limit=
3 3
2.4𝑑𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 2.4 ( ) ( ) (58) = 39.15 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 < 22.02 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 ∴ Use 𝑅𝑛 = 22.02 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠/𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡.
4 8
For the other holes:
13
𝑙𝑐 = 𝑠 − ℎ = 2.5 − = 1.688 𝑖𝑛.
16
𝑅𝑛 = 1.2𝑙𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 ≤ 2.4𝑑𝑡𝐹𝑢
3
1.2𝑙𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 1.2(1.688) ( ) (58) = 44.06 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
8
Upper limit=
2.4𝑑𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 39.15 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 < 44.06 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 ∴ Use 𝑅𝑛 = 39.15 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠/𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡.
The bearing strength for the gusset plate is:
𝑅𝑛 = 2(22.02) + 2(39.15) = 122.3 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
The gusset plate controls. The nominal bearing strength for the connection is therefore:
𝑅𝑛 = 122.3 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
The design strength is ø𝑅𝑛 = 0.75(122.3) = 91.7 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
The required strength is:
𝑅𝑛 = 1.2𝐷 + 1.6𝐿 = 1.2(15) + 1.6(45) = 90 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 < 91.7 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑶𝑲
𝑅𝑛 122.3
ASD Solution: The allowable strength is = = 61.2 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
Ω 2.00

The required strength is: 𝑅𝑛 = 𝐷 + 𝐿 = 15 + 45 = 60 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 < 61.20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 (𝑶𝑲)

Answer: Bearing strength, spacing, and edge-distance requirement are satisfied.

Subtheme 1.4: Shear Strength

The shear strength design of the bolts A325 and A490 is ø𝑅𝑛 , where the resistance factor
is ø=0.75. As a common bolts, the nominal shear strength of high-strength bolts is given by the
multiplied ultimate shear stress by the nominal bolt area. However, in contrast to the A307 bolts,
the shear strength of the A325 and A490 bolts depends on whether the threads are in a shear
plane. Instead of using a reduced cross-sectional area when the threaded portion is subjected to
shear, the ultimate shear stress is multiplied by a factor of 0.75, which is the approximate ratio of
the threaded area to the unthreaded area. The strengths are given in table J3.2 of AISC, and are
summarized in Table 2. Table J3.2 of the AISC refers to threads in a shear plane as "not excluded
from shear planes" and refers to threads not in a shear plane, as "excluded from shear planes."
First category, threads included in the shear plane, is sometimes called Type "N", and an A325
 bolts of this type can be denoted as A325-N bolts the designation "X", is used to indicate that the
threads are excluded from the shear plane, for example A325-X bolts. (Segui-1998)

While bearing strength is independent of the type of

fastener, shear strength is not, we saw that the shear
load on a bolt is
𝑃 = 𝑓𝑣 𝐴𝑏
where 𝑓𝑣 is the shearing stress on the cross-
sectional area of the bolt and 𝐴𝑏 is the cross-
sectional area. When the stress is at its limit, the
shear load is the nominal strength, given by:
𝑅𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛𝑣 𝐴𝑏
Where:
𝐹𝑛𝑣 = nominal shear strength (expressed as a
stress)
𝐴𝑏 = cross-sectional area of the unthreaded part of
the bolt (also known as the nominal bolt area or
nominal body area)

High-strength bolts are available in two groups,

defined by the strength of the bolts in those groups.

Group A: ASTM A325, F1852, A352, A354 Grade

BC, and A449.
Group B: ASTM A490, F2280, and A354 Grade BD.
Table 2. Nominal Strength of fastener and threaded parts.
(AISC – 14th ed.)

Example 3. Determine the strength of the connection shown in Figure 11, based on bearing and
shear, for the following bolts:
a) A307.
b) Group A, threads in the plane of shear.
c) Group B, threads not in the plane of shear.
The connection can be classified as a simple
connection, and each fastener can be considered to resist
an equal share of the load. Because the bearing strength
will be the same parts a, b and c, it will be calculated first.
Figure 11.
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 tension member. For bearing strength computation, use
a hole diameter of:
1 3 1 13
ℎ=𝑑+ =( + )= 𝑖𝑛.
16 4 16 16
For the hole nearest the edge of the gusset plate:

ℎ 13⁄ 3
𝑙𝑐 = 𝑙𝑒 − = 1.50 − 16 = 1.094 𝑖𝑛. ; 𝑅𝑛 = 1.2𝑙𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 1.2(1.094) ( ) (58) = 28.55 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
2 2 8
Subject to a maximum of:
3 3
2.4𝑑𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 2.4 ( ) ( ) (58) = 39.15 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 < 28.55 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 ∴ Use 𝑅𝑛 = 28.55 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡.
4 8
For the other hole:
13 3
𝑙𝑐 = 𝑠 − ℎ = 3 − = 2.188 𝑖𝑛 ; 𝑅𝑛 = 1.2𝑙𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 1.2(2.188) ( ) (58) = 57.11 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
16 8
The upper limit is:
2.4𝑑𝑡𝐹𝑢 = 39.15 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 < 57.11 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 ∴ Use 𝑅𝑛 = 39.15 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡.
Note that the upper limit is independent of 𝑙𝑐 and is the same for all bolts.
The bearing and shear strength of a bolted connection cannot be considered independently. The individual
strength at a given bolt location is the minimum of the bearing and shear strengths at that location. This is explained
in AISC Section J3.6 and J3.10.

a.- The bolts in this connection are subject to single shear, and the nominal strength of one bolt is:
𝑅𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛𝑣 𝐴𝑏
2
𝜋𝑑2 𝜋 (3⁄4)
The nominal bolt area is: 𝐴𝑏 = = = 0.4418 𝑖𝑛2
4 4
For A307 bolts, the nominal shear strength is 𝐹𝑛𝑣 = 27 𝑘𝑠𝑖, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅𝑛 = 27(0.4418) = 11.93 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
This value is smaller than the bearing strength at each hole, so the total nominal strength for the connection is
𝑅𝑛 = 11.93 + 11.93 = 23.86 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
Answer:
For LRFD: The design strength is ø𝑅𝑛 = 0.75(23.86) = 17.9 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
𝑅𝑛 23.96
For ASD: = = 12.0 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
Ω 2.00

b.- For Group A bolts with the threads in the plane of shear (Type N), the nominal shear strength is 𝐹𝑛𝑣 = 54 𝑘𝑠𝑖.
𝑅𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛𝑣 𝐴𝑏 = 54(0.4418) = 23.86 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.

As in Part a, this value is smaller than the bearing strength at each hole, so the total nominal strength for the
connection is: 𝑅𝑛 = 23.86 + 23.86 = 47.72 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
For LRFD, the design strength is: ø𝑅𝑛 = 0.75(47.72) = 35.8 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
 𝑅𝑛 47.72
For ASD, the allowable strength is: = = 23.9 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
Ω 2.00
c.- For Group A bolts with the threads not in the plane of shear (type X), the nominal shear strength is: 𝐹𝑛𝑣 =
68 𝑘𝑠𝑖. And: 𝑅𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛𝑣 𝐴𝑏 = 68(0.4418) = 30.04 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
At the hole nearest the edge, the bearing strength of 28.55 kips is less than the shearing strength of 30.04 kips. At
the other hole, the shearing strength is smaller. The total strength is therefore:
𝑅𝑛 = 28.55 + 30.04 = 58.59 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
Answer For LRFD: the design strength is: ø𝑅𝑛 = 0.75(58.59) = 43.9 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
𝑅𝑛 58.59
For ASD, the allowable strength is: = = 29.3 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
Ω 2.00
All spacing and edge-distance requirements are satisfied. The minimum edge distance required by AISC Table
J.3.4 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 2 2⁄3 𝑑 = 2.667(3⁄4) = 2 𝑖𝑛.

Subtheme 1.5: Slip-critical and bearing-type connections

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. In some types of
structures, notably bridges, the load on connections can undergo many cycles of reversal. In such cases, fatigue of
the fasteners can become critical if the connection is allowed to slip with each reversal, and a slip-critical connection
is advisable. In most structures, however, slip is perfectly acceptable, and a bearing-type connection is adequate.
(A307 bolts are used only in bearing-type connections.) Proper installation and achievement of the prescribed initial
tension is necessary for slip-critical connections. In bearing-type connections, the only practical requirement for the
installation of the bolts is that they be tensioned enough so that the surfaces of contact in the connection firmly bear
on one another. This installation produces the snug-tight condition referred to earlier in the discussion of the turn-
of-the-nut method. (Segui-2013)

As discussed earlier, the resistance to slip will be a function of the coefficient of static friction and the normal
force between the connected parts. This relationship is reflected in the provisions of the AISC Specification. The
nominal slip resistance of a bolt is given by:

𝑅𝑛 = 𝜇𝐷𝑢 ℎ𝑓 𝑇𝑏 𝑛𝑠 (𝐴𝐼𝑆𝐶 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐽3 − 4)

Where:
𝜇 = mean slip coefficient (coefficient of static friction) = 0.30 for Class A surfaces.
𝐷𝑢 = 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛.
ℎ𝑓 = 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟.
𝑇𝑏 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑓𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝐴𝐼𝑆𝐶 𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐽3.1
𝑛𝑠 = 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑝 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑠 (𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑠)

A Class A surface is one with clean mill scale (mill scale is an iron oxide that forms on the steel when it is
produced). The Specification covers other surfaces, but in this book we conservatively use Class A surfaces, which
are assigned the smallest slip coefficient.

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. Recent
research has shown that the presence of fillers can affect the slip resistance of a connection (Borello, D. J., Denavit,
M. D., and Hajjar, J. F., 2009).
The Specification gives the following values for the filler factor:
• Where bolts have been added to distribute loads in the filler, ℎ𝑓 = 1.0
• Where bolts have not been added to distribute loads in the filler and one filler is used, ℎ𝑓 = 1.0
• Where bolts have not been added to distribute loads in the filler and two or more fillers are used, ℎ𝑓 = 0.85.
For standard size and short-slotted holes perpendicular to the direction of the load:
ø = 1.00 (𝐿𝑅𝐹𝐷) Ω = 1.50 (𝐴𝑆𝐷)
For oversized and short-slotted holes parallel to the direction of the load:
ø = 0.85 (𝐿𝑅𝐹𝐷) Ω = 1.76 (𝐴𝑆𝐷)
For long-slotted holes:
ø = 0.70 (𝐿𝑅𝐹𝐷) Ω = 2.14 (𝐴𝑆𝐷)
Filler plates are covered in more detail in the Commentary to AISC Section J3.8. In this lessons, we do not
use fillers in any connections, so we will always use ℎ𝑓 = 1.0
The resistance factor for LRFD and the safety factor for ASD are different for different types of bolt holes.
For standard holes (the only type considered in this book), these factors are:
ø = 1.00 and Ω = 1.50
Although slip-critical connections are designed to not slip, if slip does occur because of an overload, the
bolts must be capable of resisting shear and bearing. AISC J3.8 requires that shear and bearing be checked in slip-
critical connections.

Example 4. For the lap joint shown in Figure 12, the axial service loads are 𝑃𝐷 = 27.5 kips and 𝑃𝐿 =
40 kips . Determine the number of 1-in A325 slip-critical bolts in standard-size holes needed for the limit state of
slip if the faying surface is Class A. The edge distance is 1.75 in, and the c. to c. spacing of the bolts is 3 in. 𝐹𝑦 =
50 𝑘𝑠𝑖. 𝐹𝑢 = 65 𝑘𝑠𝑖.
Solution:
LRFD
𝑃𝑢 = 1.2(27.5) + 1.6(40) = 97 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
ASD
𝑃𝑎 = 27.5 + 40 = 67.5 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.

Nominal strength of bolt 1: Figure 12

𝑅𝑛 = 𝜇𝐷𝑢 ℎ𝑓 𝑇𝑏 𝑛𝑠 (𝐴𝐼𝑆𝐶 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐽3 − 4)
𝜇 = 0.30 for Class A surfaces.
𝐷𝑢 = 1.13 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑟.
ℎ𝑓 = 1.00 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟.
𝑇𝑏 = 51 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛. (𝐴𝐼𝑆𝐶 𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐽3.1)
𝑛𝑠 = 1 .0 = 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑝 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑠.
𝑅𝑛 = 0.30(1.13)(1)(51)(1) = 17.29 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠/𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡.
a) Slip-critical design to prevent slip:
LRFD ø=1.00 ASD Ω=1.50
Ø𝑅𝑛 = (1.00)(17.29) = 17.29 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑅𝑛 17.29
97 = = 11.53 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
No. of bolts required = 17.29 = 5.61 Ω 1.50
67.5
Use 6 bolts. No. of bolts required = 11.53 = 5.86
Use 6 bolts.
Bearing strength of 6 bolts:

1
1 1+8
𝑙𝑐 = 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 3 − (1 − ) = 1.875 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑟 1.75 − = 1.187 𝑖𝑛
8 2

5
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑅𝑛 = (6)1.5𝑙𝑐 𝑡𝐹𝑢 ≤ (6)(2.4 𝑑𝑡𝐹𝑢 ) = (6)(1.5)(1.187 𝑖𝑛 ) ( 𝑖𝑛) (65 𝑘𝑠𝑖) = 434 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
8

5
434 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 < (6)(2.4(1.00 𝑖𝑛) ( 𝑖𝑛) (65 𝑘𝑠𝑖) = 585 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
8

LRFD ø=0.75 ASD Ω=2.00

Ø𝑅𝑛 = (0.75)(434) = 326 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 > 97 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑶𝑲. 𝑅𝑛 434

= = 217 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 > 67.5 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑶𝑲
Ω 2.00

Shearing strength of 6 bolts (single shear)

𝑅𝑛 = 6𝐹𝑛𝑣 𝐴𝑏 = (6)(68 𝑘𝑠𝑖)(0.785 𝑖𝑛2 ) = 320.3 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.

LRFD ø=0.75 ASD Ω=2.00

ø𝑅𝑛 = (0.75)(320.3) = 𝑅𝑛 320.3

= =
240.2 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 > 97 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑶𝑲. Ω 2.00
160.2 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 > 67.5 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑶𝑲
Use 6 bolts. Use 6 bolts.

Subtheme 1.6: Welded connections:

Welding is a process by which metallic parts are connected by heating their surfaces to a
plastic or fluid state and allowing the parts to flow together and joint (with or without the addition
of other molten metal) (Segui-2013)

Of the various welding procedures, four are acceptable in structural work: shielded metal
arc, submerged arc, flux-core arc, and gas metal arc. All four involve fusion welding by an electric
arc process; that is, the heat of an electric arc simultaneously melts an electrode (or welding rod)
and the adjacent steel in the parts being joined. The joint is formed from the cooling and
solidification of the fused material. The American Welding Society Structural Welding Code-Steel
(AWS D1.1) specifies the electrode classes and welding processes that can be used to achieve
"matching" weld metal, that is, weld metal that has a nominal tensile strength F6y;,- similar to that
of the base steel being connected. (Rokach-1991)
 As illustrated in Figure 13, three types of structural welds are normally used in building
construction: groove (complete and partial penetration), fillet (longitudinal and transverse), and plug
or slot welds.

Figure 13. Structural welds: (a) complete-penetration groove weld; (b) partial –
penetration groove weld; (c) longitudinal fillet weld; (d) transverse fillet weld; (e) plug or
slot weld. (Rokach-1991)

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.
The welded version, however, is elegant in its simplicity. 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 the single-plate beam-to-column
connection, the plate is shop-welded to the column flange and field-bolted to the beam web.
(Segui- 2013).

Fillet welds

The design and analysis of fillet welds is based on the assumption that the cross section
of the weld is a 45° right triangle, as shown in Figure 14.
Any reinforcement (buildup outside the hypotenuse of the triangle) or penetration is
neglected. The size of a fillet weld is denoted w and is the length of one of the two equal sides of
this idealized cross section.
 Standard weld sizes are specified in increments of
1⁄16 in. Although a length of weld can be loaded in any
direction in shear, compression, or tension, a fillet weld is
weakest in shear and is always assumed to fail in this mode.
Specifically, failure is assumed to occur in shear on a
plane through the throat of the weld. For fillet welds made with
the shielded metal arc process, the throat is the perpendicular
distance from the corner, or root, of the weld to the
hypotenuse and is equal to 0.707 times the size of the weld.
(The effective throat thickness for a weld made with the
submerged arc welding process is larger. In this lessons, we
conservatively assume that the shielded metal arc welding Figure 14. Fillet weld.
process is used.) Thus, for a given length of weld L subjected
to a load of P, the critical shearing stress is:
𝑃
𝑓𝑣 = Where: w= weld size.
0.707𝑤𝐿

If the weld ultimate shearing stress, 𝐹𝑛𝑤 , is used in this equation, the nominal load
capacity of the weld can be written as:
𝑅𝑛 = 0.707𝑤𝐿𝐹𝑛𝑤
The design strengths of welds are given in AISC Table J2.5. The ultimate shearing stress
𝐹𝑛𝑤 , in a fillet weld is 0.6 times the tensile strength of the weld metal, denoted 𝐹𝐸𝑋𝑋 . The
nominal stress is therefore
𝐹𝑛𝑤 = 0.60𝐹𝐸𝑋𝑋
The minimum permissible size fillet welds of the AISC Specifications are given in Table J2.4.
They vary from 1/8 in for 1/4 in or thinner material up to 5/16 in for material over ¾ in in thickness.
The smallest practical weld size is about 1/8 in, and the most economical size is probably about
1/4 or 5/16 in. The 5/16 in weld is about the largest size that can be made in one.

Table 3. Minimum size of fillet welds (AISC Specification 14th ed.)

Example 5. a) Determine the design strength of 1-in length of a 1/4 in fillet weld formed by the
shielded metal arc process (SMAW) and E70 electrodes with a minimum tensile strength 𝐹𝐸𝑋𝑋 =
70 𝑘𝑠𝑖. Asumme that load is to be applied parallel to the weld length.

Solution:
𝑅𝑛 = 0.707𝑤𝐿𝐹𝑛𝑤
𝐹𝑛𝑤 = 0.60𝐹𝐸𝑋𝑋
1
𝑅𝑛 = 0.707𝑤𝐿𝐹𝑛𝑤 = 0.707(1.00) ( 𝑖𝑛) (0.60)(70 𝑘𝑠𝑖) = 7.42 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠/𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑔.
4

LRFD ø=0.75 ASD Ω=2.00

Ø𝑅𝑛 = (0.75)(7.42) = 5.56 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠⁄𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑔. 𝑅𝑛 7.42

= = 3.71 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠⁄𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑔.
Ω 2.00

Type of connections:
Steel connections area categorized by AISC-B3.6 depending on the amount of restraint
developed by the connections. These classifications are:

Figure 15. Beam-to-column connections: (a) simple (shear) connections; (b) moment
connections (Rokach-1991).

Fully Restrained (FR) Moment Connections. Also called “rigid frame” or continuous
connection, (Galambos-1996) This situation occurs when full continuity is provides essentially
constan during loading of the structure; i.e., with rotational restraint on the order of 90% or more of
that necessary to prevent any angle change. Figure 1b.
Simple Connections (also called Simple Framing). This situation occurs where rotational
restraint at the ends of members is a little as practicable. For beams, a “Simple Connection” is
intended to provide only shear transfer at the ends. A “Simple Connection” is usually assumed to
exist when the original angle between intersecting members may change approximately 80% or
more of the aount it theoretically would change if frictioneless hinged connections could be used.
When a simply supported beam is designed, “Simple Connections” must be used. When plastic
analysis is used, continuity is inherently assumed; therefore in that case it is inappropiate to use
“Simple Connections”. Figure 1a.
Partially-Restrained (PR) Moment Connections Formerly called semi-rigid framing, this
situation occurs when the connection transfer moment accompanied with rotation between
connected members. The moment-rotation response charateristics of the connection must be.
Partially-Restrained connection occurs when rotational restraint is approximately between 20% and
90% of that necessary to prevent relative angle change. This means that with partially-restrained
connection the moment transmitted across the joint is neither zero (or a small amount) as in a
“simple connection”, not is it the full continuity moment as assumed in elastic rigid-frame analysis.
(Salmon-2009).

Conclusion
The shear strength of the A325 and A490 bolts depends on whether the threads are in a
shear plane or not. (Segui-2013)
Possible failure connection: Failure can occur either in the bolt or in the plate; The bolt can
fail only in shear; the plate can fail in three different ways: either in tension failure, bearing failure,
shear out failure. (Kuzmanovic-1977)
The principal causes for rivet obsolescence have been the advent of high-strength bolts
and development of welding techniques. (Salmon-1980)
The shearing strength is assumed uniform over connectors section. (Salmon-1980)
The bearing strength is assumed uniform over a nominal contact surface. (Salmon-1980)
The bending in connector is neglected. (Salmon-1980)
In welded connections “fabrication costs are reduced because fewer part is handled and
operations such as punching, reaming, and drilling are eliminated. (Galambos-1999)
Welded connections have the advantage of weight reduction in steel structures (Bresler-
1968)
Learning Activities and Learner Interactions
Activity 1.1 (ST. 3, 5, 6 & 8) Please read Notes 3-4 for more information about the activities
Objective:
Upon completion this activity you will be able to determinate the shear strength of connection
member’s shown.
Students Instructions:
1) This activity is a multiple selection.
2) You can realize this assessment once.
3) This exercise is worth 5 points; however, it is important to make it to reinforce your learning.
4) The deadline is indicated on “Calendar”, which is located in “Tools” in the Blackboard platform
Question:
Determine the design strength of the connection shown in Figure 16. Investigate the shear strength
bearing and tensile strength of the member. Screws are Ø 7/8 in. A325. with threads not in the
shear plane. Steel A572 Gr. 50 is used.

a) 55.06 kips.
b) 48.80 kips.
c) 70.00 kips.

Figure 16
Activity 1.2 (ST. 3, 5, 6 & 8) Please read Notes 3-4 for more information about the activities
Objective:
Upon completion this activity you will be able to determinate the shear strength of connection
member’s shown.
Students Instructions:
1) This activity is a multiple selection.
2) You can realize this assessment once.
3) This exercise is worth 5 points; however, it is important to make it to reinforce your learning.
4) The deadline is indicated on “Calendar”, which is located in “Tools” in the Blackboard platform
Question:
How many 3/4-in A325 bolts in standard-size holes with threads excluded from the shear plane are
required for the bearing-type connection shown in Figure 17?. Use 𝐹𝑢 = 58 𝑘𝑠𝑖. And assume
edge distances to be 2in and the distance center-to-center of holes to be 3in. Assume that
deformation at bolt holes is a design consideration. 𝑃𝑢 = 345 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 (𝐿𝑅𝐹𝐷). 𝑃𝑎 =
230 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. (𝐴𝑆𝐷).

a) 4 bolts.
b) 6 bolts.
c) 8 bolts.

Figure 17.
Activity 1.3 (ST. 3, 5, 6 & 8) Please read Notes 3-4 for more information about the activities
Objective:
Upon completion this activity you will be able to determinate the strength design of connection
member’s shown.
Students Instructions:
1) This activity is a multiple selection.
2) You can realize this assessment once.
3) This exercise is worth 5 points; however, it is important to make it to reinforce your learning.
4) The deadline is indicated on “Calendar”, which is located in “Tools” in the Blackboard platform
Question:

What is the design strength of the connection shown in Figure 18 if the plates consist of A572 Gr.
50 steel (𝐹𝑢 = 65 𝑘𝑠𝑖.)? E70 electrodes were used, and the 7/16-in fillet welds were made by the
SMAW process.

a) LRFD=190.6 kips/pulg. ASD=120.1 kips/pulg.

b) LRFD=210.21 kips/pulg. ASD=138.7 kips/pulg.
c) LRFD=194.9 kips/pulg. ASD=129.9 kips/pulg.
d) LRFD=187.2 kips/pulg. ASD=112.5 kips/pulg.

Figure 18
References (ST. 4 & 8)

Required Resources:

Steel Design, 5TH. Ed.; William T. Segui – The University of Memphis, USA 2013.

Additional Resources:
Steel Structures Design, 5th. Ed. Mc Cormac, Prentice Hall, 2012..
Steel Structures, Behavior and LRFD. 1st. Ed., S. Vinnakota, McGraw-Hill. USA 2006.
Steel Structures – Design and Behavior, Harper & Row, Publishers, 2nd. Ed. C. Salmon – J.
Johnson. 1980-2002.
Basic Steel Design, Johnston, Lin, Galambos, 3er. Ed., Prentice Hall, USA 1988.
Steel Structures Design, Bresler, Lin & Scalzi, 2nd. Jonh Wiley & Son. 1968