Bolted Connections - 23.1 | 23. STEEL CONNECTIONS | Structural Engineering - Vol 2
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23.1 - Bolted Connections

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Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Introduction to Bolted Connections

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, we are going to discuss bolted connections and why they are preferred over rivets and welds.

Student 1
Student 1

What makes bolted connections so important?

Teacher
Teacher

Bolted connections are less labor-intensive than rivets and cause fewer issues than welds, like secondary cracks. The efficiency in installation is a significant advantage.

Student 2
Student 2

So, are there different types of bolts?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! The most common high-strength bolts used are A325 and A490. Their composition and tensile strengths differ.

Student 3
Student 3

What's the difference between A325 and A490 bolts?

Teacher
Teacher

A325 is made from heat-treated medium carbon steel, while A490 is made from an alloy of steel with a higher strength. A490 bolts are generally used where higher load capacity is needed.

Student 4
Student 4

Can you give us a quick way to remember them?

Teacher
Teacher

Sure! Think of A325 as 'Standard Strength' and A490 as 'Advanced Strength' - just remind yourself about the number of the grade.

Types of Bolted Connections

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's talk about the two types of bolted connections: bearing type and slip-critical connections.

Student 1
Student 1

What’s a bearing type connection?

Teacher
Teacher

A bearing type connection transmits the load through shear and bearing on the bolt. It's crucial that these bearings are aligned correctly.

Student 2
Student 2

And what about slip-critical connections?

Teacher
Teacher

Slip-critical connections rely on friction to hold the load without slipping. They are vital when you want to ensure connection stability under service loads.

Student 3
Student 3

How do we determine if a connection can slip?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! We need to ensure that the friction created by the clamping force is enough to resist the applied loads.

Student 4
Student 4

Can you summarize what we've learned about the types?

Teacher
Teacher

Sure! Bearing type uses shear and bearing load, while slip-critical uses friction to prevent slipping. Always design based on expected loads!

Strength of Bolts

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Teacher
Teacher

Next, let's calculate the nominal strength of individual bolts.

Student 1
Student 1

How do we do that?

Teacher
Teacher

We use the formula: R = Fb * An, where Fb is the tensile strength of the bolt and An is the tensile stress area. Remember, An is less than the gross area Ag.

Student 2
Student 2

So, if a bolt has a tensile strength of 120 ksi, how do I find its area?

Teacher
Teacher

Good! You'd refer to the nominal area table. For example, a 3/4" bolt has a nominal area of 0.4418 in².

Student 3
Student 3

If I use that in the formula, what do I get?

Teacher
Teacher

You will multiply that area by the tensile strength to find the nominal strength. So, R = 120 ksi * 0.4418 in².

Student 4
Student 4

Can you summarize that process?

Teacher
Teacher

Definitely! To find the nominal strength of a bolt, use the formula R = Fb * An and reference tables for areas based on bolt sizes!

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

Bolted connections are preferred in construction due to their efficiency over rivets and welds.

Standard

In building construction, bolted connections have become increasingly favorable compared to rivets and welds. Primary types of bolts, such as A325 and A490, are essential for structural integrity, while understanding the types of connections—bearing and slip-critical—is crucial for effective design.

Detailed

Bolted Connections

Bolted connections are crucial in modern structural engineering, replacing traditional methods like rivets and welding due to their efficiency and reliability. This section discusses different types of bolts commonly used, including A325 and A490, which have specific strengths and applications in construction. It also differentiates between two primary types of bolted connections: bearing type connections, which load the bolt through shear and bearing stress, and slip-critical connections, which rely on friction to prevent slipping under load. Understanding these categories and their nominal strength calculations is vital for ensuring adequate structural performance.

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Audio Book

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Introduction to Bolted Connections

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Bolted connections, Fig. 23.1, are increasingly used instead of rivets (too labor intensive) and more often than welds (may cause secondary cracks if not properly performed).

Detailed Explanation

Bolted connections have become a preferred method in construction and engineering because they are easier to install compared to rivets, which require more labor and time. Additionally, bolted connections are favored over welded connections as welds can lead to weaknesses in the material, known as secondary cracks, if not executed correctly. Therefore, the simplicity and reliability of bolted connections engage a lot of attention in structural applications.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a puzzle where pieces snap together with clips (bolted connections) instead of being glued (welded connections). Using clips allows you to easily take apart and reassemble the puzzle, while glue can sometimes result in broken pieces if not applied carefully.

Types of Bolts

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Most common high strength bolts are the A325 and A490. A325 is made from heat-treated medium carbon steel, min. Fb 81 92 ksi, Fb = 120 ksi. A490 is a higher strength manufactured from an alloy of steel, min. Fb 115 130 ksi, and Fb = 150 ksi. Most common diameters are 3/4", 7/8" for building constructions; 7/8" and 1" for bridges.

Detailed Explanation

High strength bolts, specifically A325 and A490, are essential for ensuring structural integrity. The A325 bolts are made from medium carbon steel and have specified tensile strengths, which are the maximum load allow for them before they fail. A490 bolts, on the other hand, are even stronger and are crafted from an alloy, making them suitable for high-load applications. Knowing the right type and size of bolt is crucial for construction, particularly in buildings and bridges where safety and durability are paramount.

Examples & Analogies

Think of these bolts as different types of shoe laces for various sports. A325 bolts are like general fitness laces meant for casual running, while A490 bolts are akin to specialized laces designed for professional athletics—stronger and more durable for high-stakes situations.

Nominal Areas of Standard Bolts

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Bolt Diameter (in.) Nominal Area (in²)
5/8 0.3068
3/4 0.4418
7/8 0.6013
1 0.7854
1 1/8 0.9940
1 1/4 1.2272

Detailed Explanation

The nominal area refers to the effective cross-sectional area of the bolt, which plays a crucial role in determining the load a bolt can handle. This chart shows various bolt diameters along with their respective nominal areas, which can be used for calculating the strength of a bolted connection. For instance, a larger diameter generally means a larger area that can withstand more tension and shear forces.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine comparing water pipes of different diameters. A larger pipe can carry more water—just like a wider bolt can handle more stress. So, knowing the nominal area helps engineers design buildings and bridges that are safe and efficient, much like ensuring plumbing can support enough water flow.

Types of Bolted Connections

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There are two types of bolted connections: Bearing type which transmits the load by a combination of shear and bearing on the bolt, Fig. 23.2. Slip-critical transmits load by friction, Fig. 23.3. In addition to providing adequate ultimate load, it must not slip during service loads.

Detailed Explanation

Bolted connections serve two main functions: the bearing type relies on both shear (the force acting parallel to the surface of the bolt) and bearing (the compressive load pressing on the bolt) to transfer the load effectively. The slip-critical connection relies solely on friction to resist the loads it experiences, and it is essential for the connection to maintain grip to prevent slipping under service loads. Understanding these types is vital for engineers to choose the right connection for different applications.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a hand grasping a mug. When you lift it (bearing type), your grip (like shear and bearing) holds it securely. Now, if you are sliding something on a smooth surface, like pushing a box (slip-critical), your grip must prevent it from moving. In both cases, the method of load transfer is different, impacting how safely and efficiently the load is handled.

Nominal Strength of Individual Bolts

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The nominal strength R of one fastener in tension is R = FbA, where Fb is the tensile strength of the bolt and A is the area through the threaded portion, also known as ensile stress area. The ratio of the tensile stress area to the gross area A ranges from 0.75 to 0.79.

Detailed Explanation

The nominal strength of a bolt can be calculated using a straightforward formula: R = FbA, where R is the nominal strength, Fb is the tensile strength (maximum load) and A is the area through the bolts' threads. This calculation is vital for determining whether the bolt can handle the loads it will encounter. The mention of the tensile stress area ratio indicates that the threaded section is less than the entire bolt area, which is important for safety and design purposes.

Examples & Analogies

It's like using a thread in sewing. If the thread is strong (high tensile strength) but too thin (small area), it might break under pressure. As a craftsman, you need to balance the thickness and strength to ensure your stitching holds together, just like engineers must ensure bolts are capable of withstanding expected forces.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Bolted Connections: Efficient and reliable methods for joining structural elements.

  • Types of Bolts: A325 for medium strength, A490 for high strength applications.

  • Bearing vs. Slip-Critical: Two primary connection types based on load transfer mechanisms.

  • Flexibility: Bolted connections allow for future disassembly and adjustments.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • In steel bridge construction, A490 bolts are often used to ensure strong and secure connections under heavy loads.

  • In high-rise buildings, using slip-critical connections helps maintain stability during wind loads, preventing any movement.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • A325, strong and right, keeps our structures strong and tight!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a bridge held together by bolts that don't slip. One day, a strong wind blew, and because it was a slip-critical connection, the bridge held tight, standing firm against nature's might.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember 'B-S' for Bearing and Slip-critical, two main types of bolted connections.

🎯 Super Acronyms

BOLT - Bearing or Slip-critical, Origin of Load Transfer.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: A325 Bolt

    Definition:

    A high-strength bolt made from heat-treated medium carbon steel.

  • Term: A490 Bolt

    Definition:

    A high-strength bolt manufactured from an alloy of steel with a higher tensile strength.

  • Term: Bearing Type Connection

    Definition:

    A type of bolted connection that transmits load through shear and bearing on the bolt.

  • Term: SlipCritical Connection

    Definition:

    A type of bolted connection that transmits load through friction to prevent slipping.

  • Term: Nominal Strength

    Definition:

    The calculated strength of an individual bolt based on its tensile strength and area.

  • Term: Tensile Strength

    Definition:

    The resistance of a material to being pulled apart.

  • Term: Stress Area

    Definition:

    The area through the threaded portion of the bolt that resists tensile stress.