The stress distribution is definitely affected by load direction. In the staggard pattern shown if the load is vertical, the shadow effect of the rivet cross section subtracts more area from the nominal cross section of the lapped members and therefore higher net stress. If loaded horizontally the net stress is more nearly the same as the nonstaggard pattern but the first row of rivets must sustain more strain than subsequent rivets before they begin to share the load in this direction of loading. the equations for determining the optimum spacing are not unduly complex but the analysis is hardly rudimentary. Spacing between rivets and edge distance must be
considered. Generally the nonstaggard spacing is preferred but there are exceptions. It also depends on whether their is pressure involved causing hoop stress along with simple tension or shear stress superimposed. Jesus is THE life,
Leonard