Eccentric Loaded Bolted Joint

Enter bolt locations, applied load and location of load. Calculates bolt shear, tension, etc. I use this all the time at work and it makes my life easier. 

An eccentric loaded bolted joint refers to a connection where the applied load is not aligned with the axis of the bolt or the center of the joint. In other words, the line of action of the applied load does not pass through the centerline of the bolt or the centroid of the joint. This eccentricity can result in additional stresses and forces that need to be considered in the design of the bolted joint.

Here are some key points to consider when analyzing and designing an eccentric loaded bolted joint:

1. Eccentricity: Determine the magnitude and direction of the eccentricity, which represents the distance between the line of action of the applied load and the centerline of the bolt or the centroid of the joint. This eccentricity can be in any direction, such as radial, axial, or angular.

2. Load Distribution: The eccentricity of the applied load can result in uneven load distribution among the bolts in the joint. It is important to analyze and calculate the distribution of forces among the bolts to ensure that no single bolt is excessively loaded.

3. Bending Moment: The eccentricity of the applied load creates a bending moment on the joint. This bending moment induces additional stresses in the bolts and the joint components. The bending moment can be calculated based on the eccentricity and the applied load.

4. Shear Forces: The eccentricity of the load can also generate shear forces in the joint. These shear forces need to be considered in the design of the bolts and the joint components. The shear forces can be determined based on the eccentricity and the applied load.

5. Additional Stresses: In addition to the normal tension and shear stresses in the bolts, eccentric loading introduces additional stresses, including bending stresses and torsional stresses. These additional stresses need to be evaluated to ensure that they are within the allowable limits for the material and the bolted joint design.

6. Design Considerations: When designing an eccentric loaded bolted joint, it is important to consider factors such as edge distances, end distances, and bolt spacing. The eccentricity can affect these design parameters and may require adjustments to ensure proper load transfer and sufficient clamping force.

7. Analysis and Calculation: The analysis of an eccentric loaded bolted joint involves calculating the forces and moments acting on the bolts and the joint components. This includes determining the resultant force and moment, as well as the individual forces and moments on each bolt.

8. Strength and Stiffness: The design of the joint should ensure that it has sufficient strength and stiffness to resist the applied load and maintain the required clamping force. This involves selecting the appropriate bolt size, grade, and tightening torque, as well as considering the strength and stiffness of the joint components.

It is crucial to consult the relevant design codes and standards, such as the AISC LRFD or Eurocode, for detailed guidelines and equations specific to eccentric loaded bolted joints.

Calculation Reference
Bolted Connections
Structural Connections
Structural Steelwork