23.1.1 - Types of Bolts
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Introduction to High-Strength Bolts
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today, we will discuss high-strength bolts, particularly A325 and A490 types. Can anyone tell me what these bolts are primarily used for?
They are used in various steel connections in construction, right?
Exactly! The A325 is made from heat-treated medium carbon steel with a tensile strength of between 81 to 92 ksi, while the A490 is made from an alloy of steel with a higher strength range of 115 to 130 ksi. Remember the acronym 'AHS' for A325 and A490, which stands for 'Aging, Heat Treatment, Strength.'
Why do we need different types of bolts? Can't we just use one?
Great question! Different projects have varying requirements for strength and load-bearing capacities. For example, A490 is often better for structures that face higher tension forces.
What about the sizes? I heard there are different diameters.
Yes, most common diameters for building constructions are 3/4" and 7/8". For bridges, 7/8" and 1" are typically used. Let's remember 'D72' where 'D' stands for 'Diameter' and '72' denotes the sizes most used.
Can we see that in a table format?
Absolutely! [Shows Table 23.1]. This table lists the nominal areas of these standard bolt sizes.
To summarize, we discussed A325 and A490 bolts, their significant strength ranges, and common diameters. Knowing these basics prepares us for understanding how they are applied in real-world connections.
Types of Bolted Connections
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now, let's dive into the two main types of bolted connections: bearing-type and slip-critical connections. Can anyone explain what a bearing-type connection is?
Isn't that where the load is transmitted through shear and bearing on the bolt?
Correct! In bearing-type connections, both shear and bearing stress allow for load transmission through bolts. Conversely, slip-critical connections transmit load by relying on friction. Who can tell me why that might be important?
Because they must prevent any slip during service loads? That seems crucial for stability.
Exactly! Understanding the differences between these connection types—bearing involves both shear and bearing stresses, while slip-critical prioritizes friction—is pivotal in structural design.
What happens if a slip-critical connection fails?
Great question! We would need to consider the ultimate loads and prevent any potential slip during service loads. It's all about safety in design.
As a recap, we covered the bearing-type and slip-critical connections, focusing on how loads are transmitted and the importance of friction in maintaining stability.
Failure Modes and Structural Integrity
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Last, let’s talk about possible failure modes or limit states in bolted connections. What do you think they might be?
Could they be related to excessive loads causing bolt failure?
Exactly! The integrity of the connection must remain intact under various loads. It's essential to consider these modes during design.
What kind of testing can check for these failure modes?
Good point! Engineers often perform tension tests and load tests to ensure that connections can handle anticipated stresses. Remember, it's better to prevent failure before it happens!
In summary, understanding failure modes related to bolted connections is critical for maintaining structural integrity and safety in construction.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section outlines the various types of high-strength bolts, specifically A325 and A490, detailing their compositions, strength characteristics, and common diameters. Furthermore, it introduces two categories of bolted connections and the associated modes of load transmission.
Detailed
Types of Bolts
In modern construction, bolted connections have surged in popularity compared to rivets and welds. This section focuses on the most commonly used high-strength bolts, specifically the A325 and A490 types. The A325 bolt is made from heat-treated medium carbon steel and comes with a minimum tensile strength of between 81 and 92 ksi, while the A490 bolt, manufactured from an alloy of steel, boasts higher strength values ranging from 115 to 130 ksi. In construction, the typical diameters of these bolts are generally 3/4” and 7/8” for standard buildings and 7/8” to 1” for bridges. The nominal areas of various bolt sizes are tabulated to assist in understanding the mechanical aspects of bolt selection in structural connections. Additionally, the section introduces two major types of bolted connections: bearing-type connections, which transfer load through shear and bearing forces on the bolts, and slip-critical connections, which depend on friction to transmit load without slipping. Finally, failure modes related to bolted connections highlight considerations for maintaining structural integrity.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Common High Strength Bolts
Chapter 1 of 4
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Most common high strength bolts are the A325 and A490.
Detailed Explanation
A325 and A490 are specialties in the realm of high-strength bolts used in construction and engineering. The A325 bolt is made from heat-treated medium carbon steel and has a minimum tensile strength of 81 ksi, while the A490 is a higher strength bolt made from an alloy of steel, featuring a minimum tensile strength of 115 ksi. These specifications denote the ability of the bolts to withstand various loads, making them reliable components in structural applications.
Examples & Analogies
Think of A325 and A490 bolts as different types of athletes in a competition. The A325 is like a strong but not overly large football player, while the A490 is like an elite track and field athlete—both can perform well, but the A490 has a higher capacity to handle extreme pressure, just like the track athlete is faster and more agile.
Manufacturing Material and Strength
Chapter 2 of 4
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
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.
Detailed Explanation
Material selection for bolts directly influences their strength. A325 bolts utilize heat-treated medium carbon steel, enhancing durability and strength under load, indicated by their strength specifications: with a minimum tensile strength ranging from 81 to 92 ksi. In contrast, A490 bolts, made from steel alloys, provide even greater strength, with minimum tensile strengths starting at 115 ksi and reaching up to 150 ksi. This difference illustrates the trade-offs in material choices within engineering.
Examples & Analogies
Consider these bolts like the materials used in houses. A325 bolts are similar to wooden beams used in basic homes—they are strong and sufficient for standard needs. Meanwhile, A490 bolts are akin to high-grade steel used in skyscrapers, designed to support much heavier loads and endure more challenging conditions.
Sizes of Bolts
Chapter 3 of 4
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Most common diameters are 3/4", 7/8" for building constructions; 7/8" and 1" for bridges.
Detailed Explanation
The diameter of bolts is crucial for their application. In building construction, the most commonly used diameters are 3/4 inch and 7/8 inch, while in bridge construction, you may find 7/8 inch and 1 inch bolts prominently used. The larger diameter bolts can bear more stress and provide better load transfer, which is essential in infrastructure that supports heavy traffic.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine using different sizes of screws to build a piece of furniture. A smaller screw (like the 3/4 inch bolt) is fine for a lightweight bookshelf, but if you're constructing a sturdy dining table, you'll need a larger screw (like the 1 inch bolt) to ensure stability and safety as it holds more weight.
Nominal Areas of Bolts
Chapter 4 of 4
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
The nominal areas of standard bolts are as follows:
- 5/8: 0.3068 in²
- 3/4: 0.4418 in²
- 7/8: 0.6013 in²
- 1: 0.7854 in²
- 1 1/8: 0.9940 in²
- 1 1/4: 1.2272 in².
Detailed Explanation
Each bolt size has a nominal area, which is the effective area available for load transfer. The larger the nominal area, the more load the bolt can handle without yielding. For example, a 1 inch bolt has a nominal area of 0.7854 in², which indicates how well it can perform under tension or shear loads compared to smaller bolts.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a garden hose. A wide hose has a greater area for water flow compared to a narrow one; similarly, a bolt with a larger nominal area can handle higher stress loads. Think of these areas as the 'pathways' through which strength is conveyed in structural applications.
Key Concepts
-
A325 and A490: Two common high-strength bolt types used in construction.
-
Bearing-type Connection: Connection type that transmits load through shear and bearing.
-
Slip-critical Connection: Connection type that relies on friction to transmit loads without slipping.
Examples & Applications
Example 1: A325 bolts are commonly utilized in the construction of large commercial buildings due to their adequate strength and cost-effectiveness.
Example 2: A490 bolts are preferred in seismic applications where higher strength is essential for safety.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
A325 is cheaper, holds the medium tight; A490's the strength, for loads that are right.
Stories
Imagine two contractors discussing their projects; one chooses stronger bolts for a bridge against the wind, while the other opts for cost-effective bolts in a warehouse.
Memory Tools
Remember 'AHS' for 'A325 - Heat-treated, A490 - Strength'.
Acronyms
BLS stands for 'Bearing, Load, Slip', summarizing the connection types.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- A325 Bolt
A high-strength bolt made from heat-treated medium carbon steel with a tensile strength between 81 to 92 ksi.
- A490 Bolt
A higher strength bolt made from an alloy of steel with a minimum tensile strength of 115 to 130 ksi.
- Bearingtype Connection
A bolted connection where the load is transmitted through shear forces and bearing on the bolt.
- Slipcritical Connection
A connection that transmits loads primarily through friction, requiring no slip during service loads.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.