Bolt spacing in Moment end plates (Design guide 16).

[malikasal]

when designing an end plate according to design guide 16, does the limitation for the max bolt spacing mentioned in chapter J of the specification need to be followed for the bolt spacing between the tension and compression bolts.



ôIf you don't build your dream someone will hire you to help build theirs.ö

Tony A. Gaskins Jr.

 

[Illbay]

By "compression bolts" do you mean the bolts at the compression flange of the beam? If so, they aren't actually "in compression" but rather experience only shear.

And unless you have a very shallow beam or quite a lot of bolts, why would your "upper" and "lower" bolt groups be close enough to worry about spacing?

 

[malikasal]

I am not worried about the min spacing , i am talking about the max spacing (305 mm) , the consultant insists that this limitation should be respected but i dont think that it applies in this case ? Any ideas guys ?

And yea i am talking about the bolts near the compression flange.



ôIf you don't build your dream someone will hire you to help build theirs.ö

Tony A. Gaskins Jr.

 

[nutte]

The design guide makes no mention of this maximum bolt spacing being applicable. Neither do the examples provided in the design guide. That seems like a pretty good indication that it does not apply.

Look at Design Guide 4, page 35 and 42. The final details for the example connections show 15.75" between the compression flange bolt and the tension flange bolt. If this maximum applies, then their own examples are in violation.

 

[canwesteng]

I believe maximum spacing for bolts is so that the plies are kept together such that debris and water cannot enter. You could probably make the case for the compression flange that this is always is compression therefore the plies will be kept in contact