CONNECTIONS 1

SALIENT FEATURES OF
CONNECTIONS

2
 SALIENT FEATURES OF CONNECTIONS

• 1. Necessity for Connections.

 Limited Length of Members.
 Rolling & Transportation Constraints.
 Larger Size of Structures.
• 2. Importance of Connections.
 Structure is only as strong as the weakest link.
 Connection failure to be avoided before member
failure.
 The full strength of members is to be utilised.
 Connection failure is usually not ductile.

3
3. Requirements of Connection Designs.
 Strength, Stiffness and Ductility.
 Deflection control and stability under service loads.
 Large Defection and Ductility at Ultimate load.

4. Connections are Complex.

 They are more complex to design than members.
 They have greater potential for variation in behaviour
and strength.
 Most vulnerable component of a structure.
 Failure of a connection often leads to failure of the
structure.

4
COMPLEXITY OF CONNECTIONS

5
 COMPLEXITY OF GEOMETRY

Bolts
Column Bracket
Tee

Beam

Angle Flange Plate

Stiffener

Bolted Connection Welded Connection

6
COMPLEXITY OF CONNECTIONS

7
BASED ON CONNECTION RIGIDITY

8
 SIMPLE CONNECTIONS
• Also known as Hinged or Pinned or
Simple Shear Connections.
• Offers no restraint to rotation.
• Original angle between members
changes during loading.
• Ideally connected by single rivet/bolt
or pin.
• Transfers shear and/or axial forces
but no moments.
9
 RIGID CONNECTIONS
• Transfers not only the axial and shear
forces but also moments.
• Transfers significant moment to the
supporting structure and undergoes
negligible deformation at the joint.
• Original angle between members
remains same even on loading .i.e. does
not allow relative rotation between
members, even though the joint may
undergo rotation after loading.
10
 SEMI RIGID CONNECTIONS

• Transfers the axial and shear force

fully but moments only partially.
• In reality, all connections are semi-
rigid.

11
DIAGRAMMATIC REPRESENTATION

B
A
M ϴ AA’

A’

ϴ CC’

C’ C
12
TYPES OF CONNECTIONS

13
14
 Types of Connectors
1. Rivets:

Round Head Rivet Countersunk Rivet

15
CE-409: Lecture 04 Prof. Dr. Akhtar Naeem Khan
 RIVETTED CONNECTIONS

• Becoming Obsolete.
• Requires Pre-heating.
• More Labour (Skilled).
• Supervision.
• Noise Polluting

16
BOLTED CONNECTIONS

17
18
 BOLTED CONNECTIONS
• Bolts connecting structural members are broadly
classified into two types:
1. Black Bolt –
(a) Made from mild steel rods.
(b) Square or hexagonal head.
(c) Ordinary, rough, unfinished and
commonly used bolts.
(d) Least expensive.
(e) Mainly used for light structures.
(f) Not recommended for connections subjected to
impact, fatigue or dynamic loads.
19
 BOLTED CONNECTIONS

2. High Strength Bolt –

(a) Made from bars of medium carbon steel.
(b) Possesses induced initial tension and thus
develops clamping force at the interfaces of the elements
being joined.
(c) HSFG (High Strength Friction Grip) Bolts
commonly used.
(d) Expensive.
(e) Commonly used in Steel construction.
(f) Recommended for connections subjected to
impact, fatigue or dynamic loads. 20
 BOLTS
Two common types of bolts are:

Unfinished (A307)

• A307 is known by names unfinished,

rough, common and ordinary.

• They are made of low carbon steel.

21
 BOLTS

High Strength Bolt (A325,A449,A490)

• A325 is made of medium carbon steel whose

tensile strength decreases with increase in
dia.

• High strength bolts can be tightened to large

tensions.

22
 ADVANTAGES OF BOLTS OVER
RIVETS AND WELDS IN CONNECTIONS

1. Requires simple tools and unskilled labour.

2. No specialised equipment required.
3. Minor discrepancies in dimensions get
eliminated.
4. Noiseless.
5. Saves time for cooling.
6. Progress of work is fast.
7. Easy to dismantle and reuse the materials
23
 24
Typical High Strength Bolt
BOLT

25
 NET TENSILE STRESS AREA

• The ratio of the net tensile area at the threads

to the nominal plain shank area, As of the
bolt is taken as 0.78.
• IS 800 specifies that where the net tensile
stress area is not defined, it shall be taken as
the area at the root of the threads.
• Where it can be shown that threads do not
occur in the shear plane, the area may be
taken as the cross sectional area As at the
shank.
26
 PROPERTY CLASS OF BOLTS

• Property class of bolts are expressed

symbolically as a.b
• In property class number, ‘a’ represents
1/100th of the nominal ultimate strength of
the bolt in N/mm2 and ‘.b’ represents the
ratio of the yield stress to the ultimate
stress.
• Example: What does Class 4.6 represent ?

27
 DEFINITIONS AND
DETAILING OF BOLTS (10.2)
• Gross Cross Sectional Area Ag.
• Net Effective Cross Sectional Area An.
• Pitch p.
• Minimum pitch = 2.5 d, where d is the nominal
diameter of the bolt.
• In tension members, the pitch shall not exceed 16t or
200mm, whichever is less.
• In compression members, pitch shall not exceed 12t
or 200mm, whichever is less, where t is the thickness
of the inner plate
28
 DEFINITIONS AND
DETAILING OF BOLTS (10.2)
• Gauge g
• Edge Distance
• End Distance
• Bolt Holes – Diameter of the hole shall be
taken as 2 mm more than the diameter of
the bolt.

29
30
 TYPES OF JOINTS

• LAP JOINT
– Chain bolted lap joint
– Zig zag bolted lap joint

• BUTT JOINT
• Single cover butt joint
• Double cover butt joint

31
LAP JOINT

32
TYPES OF JOINTS

33
 FAILURE OF A BOLTED JOINT

• Shear failure mode – shear failure of bolt

or tearing failure of plate.

• Tensile failure mode – Tensile failure of

bolt or tensile failure of plate.

• Bearing failure mode – Bearing failure of

bolt or bearing failure of plate.

34
FORCES ACTING ON A BOLT

35
 BOLT FAILURE - SHEAR
One failure Two failure
plane planes

Single Shear Double Shear

Af u
Theoretical failure load given by  0.6 Af u
3
Area acting in shear
(given in codes)
37
38
39
40
TEARING FAILURE OF PLATE

41
BOLT FAILURE - TENSION
Connection
force

Reaction
force

Larger bolt force

PLATE FAILURE DUE TO TENSION

Section failure End failure

PLATE FAILURE DUE TO TENSION

44
TENSILE FAILURE OF BOLT

45
PLATE FAILURE - BEARING

Bolt pulls through

plate or element

Bearing
 PLATE FAILURE - BEARING

47
BEARING FAILURE OF PLATE

48
BEARING FAILURE OF BOLT

49
 DESIGN STRENGTH OF BOLT
1. BOLTS IN SHEAR.

2. BOLTS IN TENSION.

3. BOLTS IN BEARING.

4. TENSION CAPACITY OF PLATE.

5. COMBINED SHEAR AND TENSION.

50
 BOLTS IN SHEAR (10.3)
• The Nominal Shear capacity of the Bolt is given by:
Vnsb = (fub/√3)(nnAnb + nsAsb)
Where,
Asb – Nominal plane shank area of the bolt.
Anb – Net shear area of bolt at threads, may be taken as the
area corresponding to the root diameter at the thread.
fub – Ultimate tensile strength of a bolt.
nn – No of shear planes with threads intercepting the shear
plane.
ns – No of shear planes without threads intercepting the
shear plane.
51
Design Shear Capacity of Bolt, Vdsb = Vnsb/γmb
 STRENGTH OF BOLT IN BEARING
• Design bearing strength of bolt is given by,

Vdpb = Vnpb/ γmb

Vnpb = 2.5.kb.d.t.fub
where,
Vnpb – Nominal Bearing Strength of Bolt
γmb – Partial Safety Factor of mtrl of bolt = 1.25
t – sum of the thicknesses of the cover plates or thickness of
the main plate, lesser.
d – Nominal Diameter of the bolt.
kb – Least of e/3dh, (p/3dh – 0.25), fub/fu, 1.0
e, p – end and pitch distances of the fasteners along bearing52
 BOLTS IN TENSION (10.3.5)
• Nominal Tension capacity of Bolts is given by:
Tnb = 0.9fubAn, < fybAsb(γmb/γmo)
Where,
An – Net Tensile stress area
Asb – Shank area of the bolt
fub – Ultimate tensile stress of bolt
fyb – Yield stress of bolt

• Design Tensile Strength Tdb = Tnb/γmb

53
 BOLT VALUE, Bv
• Bolt Value (Strength of Bolted Joint)
For Bolt in Shearing and Bearing. Bolt Value is
the lesser value of design strength of bolt obtained
due to shearing of the bolt and bearing of the bolt.
For Bolt in Shearing and Tension. Bolt Value is
the lesser value of design strength of bolt obtained
due to shearing of the bolt and tensile strength of
the bolt.
• Number of Bolts = Load/Bv
54
 REDUCTION FACTORS

THE DESIGN SHEAR CAPACITY GETS REDUCED DUE TO:

1. Long joints.
2. Long grip length.
3. Packing plates.

1. Long Joints. When the distance between the first and last row of
bolts in a joint measured in the direction of load transfer exceeds
15d, the Nominal Shear capacity shall be reduced by βlj to
account for the non uniform distribution of load.

55
10.3.1.1 Reduction factor in shear for Long Joints

β lj  1.075 - (l j /200d)
but 0.75  β lj  1.0

10.3.1.2 Reduction factor in shear for Large Grip Lengths

When the total thickness of the connected plates (i.e. Grip
length) is greater than 5d, the design shear capacity of the
bolt shall be reduced by:
lg = 8 d /(3 d+lg)

As the grip length increases, the bolt is subjected to greater

bending moment due to shear force action on them and hence
reduction in strength.
56
10.3.2.3 Reduction factor for Packing Plates

When the thickness of the packing plates exceeds 6mm, the

design shear capacity shall be reduced by:

pk = (1 - 0.0125 tpk)

Where tpk is the thickness of the THICKER PACKING PLATE.

57
 STRENGTH OF PLATE
• A number of times, the width of the plate or
member is not known. In such cases, the
shearing strength/tensile strength is calculated
per gauge width as shown below:
• Design Strength due to rupture of critical
section:
Tdn = 0.9 * fu * An / m1
where,
An = [g – dh] t
58
 EFFICIENCY OF BOLTED JOINT

η = [Strength of Bolted Joint

/ Strength of Solid Plate] x 100

η - Efficiency of Bolted Joint

Strength of Solid Plate = 0.9fuAg/γm1

59
60
 PROBLEM 1

• A double cover butt joint is bolted as shown in

figure. Determine the strength of the joint and
its efficiency if M16 grade bolts of property
class 4.6 are used. The grade of plate material
is Fe 410.

62
 Solution 1

Observations.
1. The bolt connection is under bearing and
shearing.
2. Width of the member or plate is not given.
Hence the strength of the joint is found per
guage width.
3. The cover plate = 6 + 6 = 12 mm and the
main plate is 10 mm thick, hence the value of
t = 10 mm.
63
 Solution 1
Given Data.
1. Bolts – M16 Class 4.6
2. Nominal dia of bolt, d = 16 mm.
3. Dia of hole, dh = 16 + 2 = 18 mm.
4. Gauge, g = 50 mm.
5. Edge Distance, e = 30 mm.
6. fub = 400 MPa.
7. fu = 410 MPa.
Objective.
1. Strength of Joint.
2. Design shearing strength of bolt. (Vdsb)
3. η 64
 Solution 1
Step 1.
1. Assuming that the shearing plane will lie in the shank area of the
bolt.
2. No. of shearing planes = 2.
Vdsb = (fub/√3)(nn Anb + nsAsb) /γmb
= (400/√3)(0 + 2.π/4.16.16)/1.25
= 74.29 kN
Step 2. Design bearing strength of bolt.
Vdpb = Vnpb/ γmb
Vnpb = 2.5.kb.d.t.fub
= 2.5.0.55.16.10.400/1.25
= 70.4 kN
65
 Solution 1
Step 3. Tensile Strength of Plate
An = [g – dh] t
= [50 – 18]10
= 320 mm2
Tdn = 0.9 fu An / m1
= 0.9.320.410/1.25
= 94.46 kN
Now, the strength of the joint is taken as the lesser value of
the bolt and the plate .i.e. 70.4 kN

66
 Solution 1
Step 4. Efficiency of Joint.
η = [Strength of Bolted Joint
/ Strength of Solid Plate] x 100

Strength of Solid Plate = 0.9fuAg/γm1

Ag = 50 X 10 = 500 mm2

η = 47.69 %
67
 Problem 2

Design a lap joint for two plates 12 mm and 18

mm thick to transmit a pull of 100 kN. Use
M16 bolts of property class 4.6 and plate
material is of grade Fe 410.

68
 Solution 2
Given Data.
1. Bolts – M16 Class 4.6
2. Nominal dia of bolt, d = 16 mm.
3. Dia of hole, dh = 16 + 2 = 18 mm.
4. Gauge, g = 50 mm.
5. Edge Distance, e = 30 mm (approx)
6. fub = 400 MPa.
7. fu = 410 MPa.
Objective.
1. Design the Lap Joint. (No. of holes reqd)
2. Lap Length 69
 Solution 2
Step 1. To find the Bolt Value.
1. Assuming that the shearing plane will lie in the shank area of the
bolt.
2. No. of shearing planes = 01.
Vdsb = (fub/√3)(nn Anb + nsAsb) /γmb
= (400/√3)(0 + 1.π/4.16.16)/1.25
= 37.15 kN
3. Design bearing strength of bolt.
Vdpb = Vnpb/ γmb
Vnpb = 2.5.kb.d.t.fub
= 2.5 x 0.55 x 16 x 12 x 400/1.25
= 84.48 kN
70
 Solution 2
Step 2. No. of Bolts required. (NB)

NB = P/BV

= 150/37.15
~ 5 (approx)
Ref page 78, Clause 10.5.1.2 – Lap Joint.
Lap length should not be less than 4t or 40 mm.
In this case, it is 260 mm.
71
 Problem 3

• Two plates having thickness of 8 mm and 16

mm are to be joined together by a double cover
butt joint using 6 mm thick cover plate. Design
the joint for full strength of the thinner plate. It
is presumed that the shearing plane of the bolt
lies in the shank. The grade of the plate material
is Fe 410.

72
 Solution 3
Given Data.
fu = 410 MPa.
Objective.
Design of butt joint using packing plate.
Step 1. To find the diameter of the bolt
Using UNWIN’s formula,
d = 6.05√t
where, t is the thickness of the thinner plate
d = 6.05 √8 = 18 mm (approx)
dh = 18 + 2 = 20 mm
p = 2.5 d = 2.5 x 18 = 45 mm.
e = 1.5 dh = 1.5 x 20 = 30 mm.

73
 Solution 3
Step 2. To find the full strength of thinner plate.
An = p x t
= 45 x 8
= 360 mm2
Tdn = 0.9 fu Ag / m1
= 0.9.360.410/1.25
= 106.27 kN
Step 3. To find the Bolt Value.
(a)Design strength of Bolt in Shearing.
(i) Assume that M 18 bolts of property class 4.6 are being used.
(ii) Since the thickness of the packing plate is greater than 6 mm,
a reduction factor, βpk , will be used. (Cl 10.3.3.3 pg 75)
74
 Solution 3
βpk = (1 – 0.0125tpk) = (1 – 0.0125 x 8) = 0.9
No. of shearing planes = 02.
Vdsb = [(fub/√3)(nn Anb + nsAsb) /γmb]βpk
= [(400/√3)(0 + 2.π/4.18.18)/1.25] 0.9
= 84.62 kN
(b) Design bearing strength of bolt.
Vdpb = Vnpb/ γmb

Vnpb = 2.5.kb.d.t.fub
Vdpb = 2.5 x 0.5 x 18 x 8 x 400/1.25
Vdpb = 57.6 kN
75
Hence, the Bolt Value Bv = 57.6 kN.
 Solution 3

Step 4. No. of Bolts required. (NB)

NB = P/BV
= 106.27/57.6 = 1.84
~ 2 Bolts (approx)
In Butt joints, take 2 bolts on either side.

76
 PROBLEM 4

A truss joint details at the bottom chord are as

shown in the figure. Using M 16 bolts class 4.6,
design the joint. The thickness of gusset plate
used is 8 mm and the grade of angle section is
Fe 410. Design the truss joint at the bottom
chord.

77
 Solution 4
Given Data.
1. Bolts – M16 Class 4.6
2. Nominal dia of bolt, d = 16 mm.
3. Dia of hole, dh = 16 + 2 = 18 mm.
4. Gauge, g = 2.5 d = 2.5 x 16 = 40 mm.
5. Edge Distance, e = 1.5 dh = 1.5 x 18 = 30 mm (approx)
6. fub = 400 MPa.
7. fu = 410 MPa.
Objective.
To design the truss joint at the bottom chord. (Number of
Bolts) 78
 Solution 4
Step 1. Design Shear Strength of Bolt.
Note: 1. The single angles connected to the gusset plate will be in
single shear. The double angles connected on opposite sides of the
gusset plate will be in double shear.
2. Assuming that the shearing plane will lie in the shank area
of the bolt.
(a)Strength of Bolt in Single Shear (ns = 01).
Vdsb = (fub/√3)(nn Anb + nsAsb) /γmb
= (400/√3)(0 + 1.π/4.16.16)/1.25
= 37.15 kN
(b) Strength of Bolt in Double Shear (ns = 02).
Vdsb = (fub/√3)(nn Anb + nsAsb) /γmb
= (400/√3)(0 + 2.π/4.16.16)/1.25
= 74.3 kN
79
 Solution 4
(c) Design bearing strength of bolt.
Vdpb = Vnpb/ γmb
Vnpb = 2.5.kb.d.t.fub
Vdpb = 2.5 x 0.49 x 16 x 8 x 400/1.25
Vdpb = 50.18 kN
Step 2. Bolt Value.
(a) Bolt Value for single shear,
BV1 = 37.15 kN
(b) Bolt Value for double shear,
BV2 = 50.18 kN
80
Step 3. No. of Bolts required.
(a) For member carrying force P = 98 kN
NB = P/BV1
= 98/37.15 = 2.63 ~ 03 Bolts
(b) For member carrying force P = 150 kN
NB = P/BV1
= 150/37.15 = 4.03 ~ 05 Bolts
(a) For member carrying force P = 180 kN
NB = P/BV2
= 180/50.18 = 3.58 ~ 04 Bolts
(a) For member carrying force P = 197 kN
NB = P/BV2
81
= 197/50.18 = 3.92 ~ 04 Bolts
 PROBLEM 5

A truss joint details at a top chord is as

shown in the fig. Using M20, 5.6 property
class bolts, design a joint. The thickness of
the gusset plate used is 10 mm and grade of
the angle section is Fe 410.

82
 Thank You

83