Identify the number and location of potential bolt shear planes from the arrangement of connected plates and joint layers.
| Plane | Location | Adjacent Layer | Interface Position | Approx. Depth | Interpretation |
|---|
A typical lap joint consists of two overlapping members connected by a bolt. The relative sliding between the two members produces one primary shear plane through the bolt.
The bolt is therefore commonly described as being in single shear.
In a typical clevis-type connection, an inner plate is positioned between two outer plates. Relative movement can place the bolt in shear at two interfaces.
The two shear planes are generally located at the two sides of the inner connected member.
A multi-layer joint can contain several interfaces. The calculator lists the interfaces between consecutive connected plates as potential locations to inspect when establishing the actual bolt load path.
Not every interface in a complex joint necessarily represents an active bolt shear plane. The actual shear planes depend on how the members are arranged and how the load is transferred.
The number of shear planes is important when evaluating bolt shear resistance, because different joint arrangements can place a bolt in single or double shear.
This calculator does not apply a design-code shear-resistance equation because the required bolt material, thread condition, shear location, design standard and resistance factors vary by application.
What is a shear plane?
A shear plane is a section through which a bolt is subjected to shear as connected members tend to move relative to one another.
How many shear planes does a single-lap joint have?
A typical two-member lap joint has one primary shear plane through the bolt.
How many shear planes does a double-shear connection have?
A typical clevis arrangement has two shear planes, one on each side of the inner member.
Are shear planes always the same as plate interfaces?
No. Plate interfaces help identify possible locations, but the actual active shear planes depend on the physical arrangement and load path.
Does this calculate bolt shear capacity?
No. It identifies potential shear-plane locations only. Bolt shear capacity requires additional fastener and material information.
Can I use this for a multi-plate connection?
Yes. Up to six plate layers can be entered, and the calculator identifies the interfaces between the entered layers as potential locations.