MECH2400 9400: Mechanical Design 1

Lectorial – Bolted Connections

Figure 1.0
Layout Drawing of Bolted Connection with Four Bolts
A bolted connection is proposed to be manufactured from mild steel straps with a yield point of 240 MPa and
four M16 mild steel bolts (Grade 4.6) as illustrated in Figure 1.0. The applied load F to each of the 16mm
thick straps is 50KN. Consider Clause 9.3.2.1 from AS4100 to calculate if the proposed use of 4 off M16
Grade 4.6 bolts arranged as shown in Figure 1.0 are strong enough to accommodate the load imposed. Also
provide a brief comment advising on the suitability of the design. If the design is or is not suitable, discuss
how its load carrying capacity could be easily increased.

Refer to Figure 2.0 overleaf for the principal bolt areas.

Hint: Ensure that you can identify all of the variables in Clause 9.3.2.1 AS 4100 before beginning the Lectorial.
In this Lectorial you have not been asked to determine if the straps are of sufficient strength.
V* f =< φ V f Clause 9.3.2.1, AS 4100
where
φ = 0.8 (From Table No. 2)
Vf = nominal shear capacity of bolt (N)
= 0.62 f uf k r (n n Ac + n x A o )
f uf = minimum tensile strength of bolt (MPa)
kr = joint length factor 1.0 for lap connection lengths (L j ) of < 300 mm value from Table 9.3.2.1,
AS 4100, if (L j ) > 300 mm
nn = number of shear planes with threads intercepting the shear plane (1,2,3,4….)
Ac = minor diameter area of bolt (Table No. 6) (mm2)
nx = number of shear planes without threads intercepting the shear plane (1,2,3,4….)
Ao = nominal plain shank area of bolt (Table No. 6) (mm2)
 Figure 2.0
Principal Bolt Areas (Metric)

Table 2.0
Capacity Factors (φ) For Strength Limit States

Paul Briozzo
29/08/2019