U bolts

[scarecrow55]

Anyone know where I can get info on strength of U bolts (with flat ends to go round something like RHS tube). I would think unless the contour of the inside edge of the bolt conforms to the outside of the section it's going on, then as you tighten it the top edges will try to bend.

 

[haggis]

Scarecrow55,

A little more info on your application might be helpful. The strength of the U bolt depends mainly on the material and grade thereof from which it is made. I assume that RHS is referring to Rectangular Hollow Section as the bolts you are using have flat ends rather than circular and yes, the contour of the bolt should conform to the profile of the section.

My use of U bolts has been limited to non critical connections such as securing Unistrut sections to machinery components or building steel, however, the use of U bolts is in no way restricted to such. Leaf springs and truck axle connections for example cannot be considered non critical.

Try an internet search for catalogs.

 

[scarecrow55]

The application is to hold the axle to a small trailer. The top end of the U bolt will go around the RHS. I could apply normal bolt calcs but was worried what happened at the corner of the U bolt