ENGINEERING – TRUCTURAL ENGINEERING β BEAM & FRAME CALCULATOR
Bolt Bearing Capacity
A precise tool.
What is the Bolt Bearing Capacity & How does it work?
Bolt bearing capacity governs the load a bolted connection can transfer through the contact pressure between the bolt shank and the supporting plate. The bearing stress is a function of the material properties of the plate and the geometry of the bolt hole.
Design codes prescribe an allowable bearing stress, sigma_{b}, based on the ultimate tensile strength of the plate material and a safety factor. The bearing capacity of a single bolt is obtained by multiplying sigma_{b} by the projected bearing area, which is the product of the plate thickness, t, and the bolt diameter, d.
When multiple bolts share the load, the total capacity is the sum of the individual capacities, assuming uniform load distribution and that the bolts are spaced sufficiently to avoid interaction effects.
P = \sigma_{b}, t, d
\sigma_{b} = allowable bearing stress, t = plate thickness, d = bolt diameter
Parameters
Result
β
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bolt bearing capacity?
Bolt bearing capacity is the load a bolted connection can transfer through contact pressure between the bolt shank and supporting plate.
How is allowable bearing stress determined?
Allowable bearing stress, Οβ, is based on the ultimate tensile strength of the plate material and a safety factor prescribed by design codes.
What factors affect bolt bearing capacity?
Bolt bearing capacity is affected by material properties of the plate, geometry of the bolt hole, and the allowable bearing stress.
How do you calculate the bearing capacity of a single bolt?
Multiply the allowable bearing stress, Οβ, by the projected bearing area of the bolt shank.
What is the purpose of the safety factor in bearing stress calculations?
The safety factor reduces the ultimate tensile strength to account for material variability and other uncertainties in design.
Can this calculator be used for any type of bolted connection?
This calculator is suitable for general engineering applications where bolted connections are used, but specific adjustments may be needed for unique designs.
What units should I use when inputting values into the calculator?
Ensure consistent units throughout your inputs; typically, metric (SI) units like Newtons and meters are preferred in engineering calculations.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.