COMBINED TENSION AND SHEAR IN BEARING TYPE CONNECTIONS

In bearing type connections, the bolts are not pretensioned and the shear is resisted by bearing on the bolt hole. When these connections are subjected to both tension and shear, the interaction of these forces must be considered in the design.

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) provides guidelines for the analysis of combined tension and shear in bearing type connections in its Specification for Structural Steel Buildings. Here's a general outline of the process:

1. Determine the Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of the bolt is calculated based on the bolt area and the specified minimum tensile strength of the bolt material.

2. Determine the Shear Strength: The shear strength of the bolt is calculated based on the bolt area and the specified minimum shear strength of the bolt material.

3. Check the Interaction of Tensile and Shear Forces: The AISC specification provides an interaction equation that must be satisfied when both tension and shear are present. The combined effect of tension and shear should not exceed the bolt's capacity.

4. Consider the Effect of Bolt Holes: The strength of the connected material in the direction of load should be reduced to account for the effect of bolt holes. This is typically done by reducing the net area of the connected material.

5. Check the Bearing Strength: The bearing strength of the connected material should be checked. This is calculated based on the bearing area (the diameter of the bolt times the thickness of the material) and the specified minimum yield or tensile strength of the material, whichever is less.

6. Consider the Effect of Edge Distance and Bolt Spacing: The AISC specification provides minimum edge distance and bolt spacing requirements to ensure adequate strength and prevent tearing of the material.

Calculation Reference

Welding

Weld Strength LRFD

AISC