Behavior of Fasteners and Plates with Holes

The behavior of the individual components of bolted or riveted joints is analyzed and evaluated. The results of plate calibration tests of A7 steel and tests of A440 steel are presented. General stress-strain relationships are developed for a plate with holes in the elastic range and beyond. The relationships are shown to be valid for carbon steels such as A7 and A36, high-strength steel such as A440, and high-strength low-alloy steels such as A242 and A441. Also, the relationships account for changes in specimen geometry. In addition, a load-deformation relationship is developed for mechanical fasteners in shear. The shape of the curve was observed to be governed by the ultimate shear strength and two empirical parameters. The analytical model was compared with test data for A502-grade 1 steel rivets and A502-grade 2 steel rivets and A325 and A490 high-strength bolts. The model was in good agreement with the test data.