What is the difference between bolt plowing and bolt bearing? 1

[onlym112]

Hello,

Can anyone please explain to me what the difference is between bolt plowing and bolt bearing? I am reading a paper from Larry Muir and William Thornton on "The Development of a New Design Procedure for Conventional Single-Plate Shear Connections" that talks about how bolt plowing and bolt deformation in a conventional shear tab is what guarantees the required rotational flexibility of a simple shear connection. It seems to me that bolt bearing is the same as bolt plowing unless the latter is elastic deformation and the bearing is plastic?

Thank you

 

[KootK]

I agree that bolt bearing and bolt plowing are substantially the same physical phenomenon. If there's a difference in the context of the Muir paper, I would say that it is:

1) In the case of bolt bearing, we actively try to prevent the development of significant plasticity.

2) In the case of Muir/Thornton plowing, we're relying on the development of plasticity to save our asses on the rotational flexibility front.

One "plows" through a bearing condition that has, ostensibly, failed. It's a non-issue in the case of joint rotation because that rotation is self limiting.

 

[onlym112]

Thank you very much KootK!

 

[JLNJ]

For a visual, I picture "plowing" bolts exerting forces in all kinds of different directions as the connection tries to rotate, while bearing bolts all act together in the direction of the force.