Calculate:

i.) The maximum shear force in the beam,

ii.) the maximum bending moment on the beam,
Thanks
The shear force and bending moment depend only on the beam length and the
load. They do not depend on the beam's material or cross section.
Here's how to solve it:
i)
The shear force on the beam is the integral of the load. Starting from the
cantilevered end, there is a point reaction load, then a load per length.
The reaction load at the fixed end is equal to the total load, since the beam is in
static equilibrium. The reaction load at the fixed end is:
R = 600,000 N/m * 0.5 m
R = 300,000 N
So the shear diagram for beam begins at 300,000 N at the fixed end, then declines
linearly to zero at the free end.
ii)
The bending moment distribution is the integral of the shear distribution, with a
point reaction moment at the fixed end. The reaction moment is equal in magnitude
to the total applied load, multiplied by the distance from the beam's fixed end to the
center of the load (in the middle of the beam). So, the reaction moment is:
M = 300,000 N * 0.25 m
M = 150,000 N*m
So the moment diagram begins at 150,000 N*m, declining in a parabolic shape to
zero at the free end. The concavity of the parabola is such that the slope is zero at
the free end.

Introduction
A most important factor is machine design, and structural design is the rigid fastening together of
different components..This should include the following considerations..

Assembly

Accuracy of positioning

Ability to Hold components rigidly together against all forces

Requirement to separate components

Retention of fastening over time

There are many methods of fastening items together including

Bolting

Rivetting

Pins

Keys

Welding/Soldering/Brazing

Bonding

Velcro

Magnetism

These notes relate primarily to the bolted joint. The bolted joint is a very popular method of
fastening components together. The prime reason for selecting bolts as opposed to welding, or
rivets is that the connection can be easily released allowing disassembly, maintenance and/or
inspection..
The bolts /screws are generally used in groups to fasten plates together. A bolt is a screwed
fastener with a head, designed to be used with a nut. A screw is a fastener designed to be used
with a formed female thread in one of the components being attached.
These notes generally relate to bolts and nuts and hex headed screws..
Bolt loading
A bolt can be loaded in one of three ways

Tension

Shear

Combined Shear and Tension

Note: Conditions where bending loads are imposed on the bolt e.g. non-parallel bolting surfaces,
should be avoided.
A bolt is primarily designed to withstand tensile loading while clamping components together.
Ideally the bolt should only be loaded in tension. Any forces tending to slide the clamped
components laterally should be withstood by separate means..
Holes for bolts are generally clearance holes and the best design of bolt is one with a reduced
shank diameter (waisted shanks). Joints in shear depending on the bolts to withstand the shear
load are not really rigid. Significant relative sideways movement must take place before the bolt
shank can take any shear load (hole clearance). It is also likely that in the case of components
attached by a number of bolts that one bolt would be loaded first and this bolt would have to
yield before the other bolts take their share of the shear load....
Bolts taking significant tensile and shear load need to be engineered to withstand the combined
stress..
In structural engineering the codes identify the use of High Strength Friction Grip Bolts (Ref BS
4604 Pts 1-2:1970). The bolts are tightened to a specified minimum shank tension so that
transverse loads are transferred across the joint by friction between the plates rather than by
shear across the bolt shank.
In mechanical engineering / machine engineering, items are often accurately located using
dowels /locating pins. When installed these dowels /locating pins should be engineered to
withstand any traverse loads. A recent innovation is to provide dowel bushings. These are used
in conjunction with bolts which pass through the inside of the bushing after it has been
installed. Separate holes for locating pins are eliminated. The hardened bushings absorb shear
loads, isolating the bolts from these forces.
If the choice is made that bolts/screws are to take shear load the joint should be arranged that the
threaded portion of the bolt/screw shank is not taking the shear.
The notes on this page relate to the mechanical engineering industry.. In the
aerospace industry joints are often designed to specifically load the bolts in
shear. The screws and bolts used are high specification close toleranced
items and the holes are also machined to close tolerances. The bolted lap
joints are generally used for critical assemblies and joints designed with bolts
loaded in tension are avoided.????

Strength of Bolts in Shear

Important Note:
The calculations below are based on the unrealistic assumption that there is no friction forces

between the plates which are clamped by the bolts. The calculations are therefore conservative
(safe)..
Strength of Bolts withstanding direct shear loading
For bolts joints loaded in shear - three stress areas result

The bolts are loaded in shear..Depending on the joint design the bolt
can be in single or double shear...

The bolt interface with the hole is compressively loaded. ( Crushing )

If the hole is near to the edge of the plate the plate is subject to shear
loading

Single Shear..

Shear Stress = 4 . F / . d 2
Compressive Stress = F / (d . t)
Plate Shear Stress = F / (2.c.t)
Double Shear ..

Shear Stress = 2 . F / . d 2
Compressive Stress = F / (d . t)
Plate Shear Stress = F / (2.c.t)
The stresses are adjusted based on the number of bolts / screws used for the joint..
Strength of bolts withstanding torsion generated shear loading

Consider a bracket taking an offset load F (N) at a radius R (m). The bracket is secure using a
number of bolts each with a Area A(m2 ). The bolts are located around a centroid position each
with a radius from the centroid of rn(m) and a horizontal/vertical position relative to the centroid
of hn /vn (m) . ( bolt is designated by the subscript "n". )

Location of Centroid...
The location of the centroid of the bolts can often be determined by inspection
as in figure above. If the bolts are not arranged around a convenient centre
then the centroid is determined by ..
x position = sum of the moments of area of all the holes about a fixed
horizontal position divided by the total hole area
y position = sum of the moments of area of all the holes about a fixed vertical
position divided by the total hole area

The offset load is equivalent to a vertical force (F) + moment (F. R) at the centroid of the bolts...
Each bolt is withstands a vertical shear force
Fnv = F / No of Bolts.
Each bolt also withstands a shear load
Fnm = F.R. rn / (r12 + r22...rn2)
The total horizontal force on each bolt
Fth= Fnm . vn / Sqrt(hn2 + vn2 )
The total vertical force on each bolt Ftv= Fnv + Fnm . hn / Sqrt(hn2 + vn2 )
The total shear load on each bolt Ft= Sqrt (Fth2 + Ftv2)
The resulting bolt shear stress t = Ft /A
The shear stress in each bolt is calculated to ensure the design is safe..
Strength of bolt joints withstanding bending forces

Each Bolt withstands a shear Force Fs = Fv / (Number of bolts)

The resulting shear bolt stress n = Fs /A
Note: Each bolt is assumed to withstand the same shear force.
If there are x bolts( numbered n = 1 to x). Then the tensile force withstood be each bolt is
designated Fnt i.e F1t,F2t, F3t....Fxt
A selected bolt (n) withstands a tensile force of Fnt = ( Fv. Rv + Fh. Rh) . Vn / (V12 +

V22....Vx2 )
The resulting tensile bolt stress

n = Fnt /A

Maximum principals stresses in the bolt resulting from combined loading

The notes on this page Assuming all stresses developed only as a result of bracket loading i.e
zero preload and zero residual bolt torque...
Maximum principal tensile stress in the bolt

Maximum principal compressive stress in the bolt

Maximum shear stress in the bolt

Failure criteria: Refer to page Failure Modes

The notes on this page In order to estimate the design factors of safety it is necessary to consider
the failure modes. The preferred failure criteria for ductile metals is the "Shear Strain Energy
Theory" (Von Mises-Hencky theory). For a stress regime associated with a bolt i.e pure tensile
stress x combined with shear stress xy. The Factor of safety relative to the material tensile
strength Sy..is calculated as follows

Factor of Safety = Sy / ( x2 + 3 . xy2 ) 1/2

Preloaded Bolts : Refer to page Preloading
These stresses do not include for the stresses developed in preloading the bolts. The residual
shear stress from bolt tightening should also considered (added). The actual tensile preload
force should be considered following the principles identified on the pages addressing this topic

Introduction
Calculating bolt loads is complicated if done correctly. The notes below are very limited and are
reasonable for none critical applications. There is much specialist information in this field as
identified in the links on this page and on the screw index page. These notes do not include for
fatigue loading, determination of stiffness of joint, joint settlement, load application factors.etc
etc.
It should also be noted that the bolt torque required, to achieve the same bolt stress levels,
increases greatly as the bolt size increases (torque = c. d 3). Therefore for larger bolts very high
torques are required and used of specialist bolt tensioning systems such as the "Superbolt multijackbolt" option should be considered.

Nomenclature

A z = Area of plate - taking load ( m2)

A b = Bolt Cross Section = Bolt thread root Area (m 2)

D b = Bolt thread root diameter (m)

d = Bolt nominal diameter (m)

F e = External Load (N)

F t = Thermal Load (N)

F p = Preload Load (N)

F = Total Load On Bolt (N)

E z = Youngs Modulus of item z ( N / m2)

L = Length of Bolt joint (m)

L b = Length of Bolt (m)

L j = Length of joint (m)

k z = Stiffness of component z (N/m)

k b = Stiffness of bolt (N/m)

k j = Stiffness of joint (N/m)

t z = Thickness of plate z (m)

T = Bolt Tightening Torque (N.m)

x z = deflection of item z /unit load (m/N)

x b = deflection of bolt /unit load (m/N)

z= Coefficient of thermal expansion of component z (m/m/Deg.C)

= deflection (m)

Bolt Loading Notes

It is accepted that a bolt preloaded to a fixed value is safer than a bolt simply tightened to an
arbitrary value. A preload of about 80% of the proof strength of the bolt material is normally
used.
Assume a bolt is used to clamp a joint to a set preload value and the bolt has a low stiffness and
the joint has a very high stiffness. An external load is applied to tend separate the joint. Part of
this load will cause the further extension of the bolt (increase in bolt load). Part of the load will
result in a reduction of the compressive load on the joint. e.g. If a high preload has resulted
from a stretching of the bolt of 1mm and a compression of the joint by only 0.001mm then an
external load sufficient to achieve joint separation will only increase on loading of the bolt by
about 0,001mm/1mm (0,1%) x preload . That is, if the joint is subject to a fluctuating load of
50% of the seperating force, The bolt will expererience a negligible (0,05%) variation in tension.
The bolt tension will be near constant.
It is noted that using longer small diameter bolts to clamp surfaces results in relatively uniform
bolt loading under varying external forces with reduced risk of fatigue loading.

Assuming the assembly is bolted with a bolt preload of Fp and an external load F eis applied..
Joint separation will occur when Fe = F (total load on the bolt) .. i.e when no load is being taken
by the joint
For an infinitely stiff bolt, separation will never occur as all of the external load will be applied
directly to the bolt with no resulting extension..
For a infinitely stiff joint separation will take place when the external load exceeds the preload.
On application of an external force Fe. Some of the force will used to increase the preload on
the bolt and some will be used to reduce the loading on the joint . The bolt loading diagram
below shows the loading regime on the bolt and joint
Bolted Joint diagram

The determination of the proportion of the load taken by the bolt and by the joint is calculated
using the component stiffness values.
The stiffness is effectively the same as the Spring Rate ..

Stiffness = k = F /

Stiffness Considerations
Bolt stiffness

The relationship E = stress /strain = /e is used to determine the stiffness of a bolt.

Stress = Force (F) /Area (A) and strain = Deflection () / Length (L)
E = (F/A) /(/L) Therefore = FL/EA .

If the bolt length clamping the joint includes a number of different sections then the resulting
stiffness is determined using the relationship .

To allow for a certain degree of elasticity of the bolt head and nut a correction factor is often
used modify the length used in the stiffness calculations as shown below..

The stiffness of the bolt results from the stiffness of the bolt shank (dia ds ) and the stiffness of
the bolt thread (root dia dr ).
The length used to calculate the shank stiffness = L se = L s + 0,4d s
The length used for the threaded length section = = L te = L t + 0,4d r
Joint Stiffness
Note: It is very difficult to calculated the stiffness of a joint e.g one based on holes drilled in a
plate. A rough approximation can be made by assuming joint is an annulus with and OD of 2,5
times the bolt dia and an ID = bolt diameter.
Additional notes on evaluating the joint stiffness are provided on page Joint Stiffness
The mitcalc software (links below) is useful for obtaining a stiffness value of a joint.
The relationship E = stress /strain = /e is used to determine the stiffness of a section .

Calculation of Load Distribution using Bolt/Joint Stiffness

A joint preloaded with a force Fp is then subject to an additional load Fe which tends to separate
the joint. The resulting deflection of the joint and bolt are the same providing that Fe is less than
the separation force.

It follows that

Following application of the external force the resulting total force on the bolt =

and the total force on the joint =

Thermal Loading

If all of the materials of the joint and the bolt are the same then any changes in temperature will
have negligible effect of the joint loadings. However if the joint materials have coefficients of
thermal expansion different to the bolt material changes in the joint loading result from changes
in temperature...
Let .. Coefficient of thermal expansion of joint material = j
Coefficient of thermal expansion of bolt = b
Change of temperature = T = T2- T1
Note: If there is a temperature fall then clearly T1 would be greater that T2 and T would be
negative
Length of joint = Length of Bolt ( L j = L b = L )
The expansion of the joint = L j= j T.L
The expansion of the bolt = L b= b T.L
The overall stiffness of the joint is calculated as follows.

The resulting change in the joint load is calculated as follows..

The total bolt load following temperature change is thus..

Initial Tension in Bolt

The initial tension in a bolt is crudely estimated for a bolt tightened by hand by an experienced
mechanic as follows. The tension resulting from this equation would be reasonable safe for M88,8 grade bolts and above.

Fp = K*d

d = nominal diameter of bolt (m)

Fp = Preload (N)

K = Coefficient vary from. 1.75 x 10 6 N/m to 2.8 x 10 6 N /m

For a bolt tightened with a torque wrench the torque required to provide an initial bolt tension
may be approximated by the formula..

T = Fp * K * d
Typical K factors
Steel Thread Condition
as received, stainless on mild or alloy
as received, mild or alloy on same
cadmium plated
molybdenum-disulphide grease
PTFE lubrication

K
0,30
0,20
0,16
0.14
0.12

A more accurate value can be determined using the formula

Note: Relevant formulea for calculating Power thread torques and efficiencies are derived on
webpage Power Screw Equations

F p = Desired bolt Preload (N)

p = Thread pitch (m)

d m = Mean diameter of thread (m)

= Coefficient of Thread friction

c = Coefficient of collar friction

is the thread angle / 2 ( = 30 o for standard metric threads & = 29

o
/2 for acme threads).

r c = Collar friction radius (m)

Note: Friction values are found on this site on the coefficient of friction page..Coefficient of
Friction
It can be proved that the majority of the torque is required to overcome the thread and collar
friction forces (approx 90%). Therefore any error in the value of the friction coefficient will

have a large variation on the bolt tensile load. The above formula is in essence not a lot more
accurate than the approximate formulae above.
Note:
A very simplified version of this formula can be derive by assuming c = , d m = 0.92 d , =
30o. rc = 0.625 d.
If the denominator is simplified to .dm The equation reduces to
T = Fp (0,159.p + 1,156. .d )
This provides a very crude relationship between the torque and the resulting bolt tension for a
standard hex screw with no washer..

For important bolting applications it is recommended that the bolt preload is is determined using
direct bolt tension measuring techniques - see notes below.

Shear Stress In Bolts

In tightening a bolt stress is induced as a result of the bolt tension and bolt torque.. The
combined resulting shear stress is calculated as follows

F Bolt Tension (N)

Tf = Thread torque(N.m)

A r = Thread Root Area (m 2)

d r = Thread Root diameter

This formula is relatively conservative. For less conservative designs A r can be replaced by A t
as defined on page Thread calcs
and d r can be replaced by d t = Sqrt( 4.A t/ )
In general for static loading, the maximum shear stress in a bolt should not exceed about 75% of
the shear yield stress of the material. For variable loading the bolt should be designed for
endurance stress levels. Bolts subject to dynamic loading often lose their initial torsion stress
because the nut/bolt head tends to slip back if the collar friction is not sufficient.

Methods of setting bolt preload /tension

High strength friction grip bolts and nuts require to be tensioned in accordance with BS 4604
which specifies min. loads to be achieved (see Table 1). It also specifies three methods of
determining bolt tension, i.e.:
i) Torque Control
ii) Part Turn of Nut
iii) Direct Tension Measurement
Torque Wrench
This method is sometimes known erroneously as "torque control". The bolts are tensioned in a
tension calibrator on the site. The wrench is then set to cut out at that torque (the wrench
becomes "calibrated"), and then all similar bolts that day are installed to that torque after the joint
is snugged first. Rotation during the tightening process must be limited to a specific
value. Actual results of tension in bolts produced by this method are acknowledged to be highly
variable, even when this method is followed exactly.
Turn Of Nut
After snugging the joint, the bolt shank and nut is marked and then a specific amount of rotation
is induced between the nut and the bolt. The amount of rotation differs for different bolt lengths
and diameters and therefore must be known and understood by the bolt installers in advance.
The success of the method is dependent on a correct snugging of the joint, and is dependent on
the bolt head being held from turning so the bolt does not spin in the hole.
Note: Turn-of-nut does not work correctly when the steel surfaces are coated with a compressible
coating such as high paint thickness or hot dipped galvanized zinc.
Direct Tension Indicator Washers
A number of direct tension indicator systems are available (see links below) the most popular
being the DTI washers. ..The notes below relate to DTI washers..
DTI washers measure the bolt tension developed during tightening, regardless of the torque
resistance of the bolt. By far the simplest method, a DTI washer is put on the head or nut end of
the bolt. The bolts are then slightly tensioned snugging the joint by partially (but not fully)
compressing the DTI (tightening the nut).
Then all the bolts are tightened such that the DTI's are "crushed" to the point where a feeler gage
cannot be inserted half way around (tightening the nut). DTI's are completely independent of the
torque resistance of the bolt assembly.
If the DTI is put on the nut end of the bolt, tightening can be done by one person because it is not
necessary access the bolt head side.
Other methods of setting Bolt tension
There are a number of more exotic methods of pre-setting the bolt tension including

Using Strain gauges..Accurate /complicated /expensive. Some skill

required

Using ultrasonics instruments..Accurate and not expensive over the

long term. Some skill required

Using special bolts with built-in (mechanical or electronic) extension

measurement e.g Rotobolt. Good but relatively expensive

Using hydraulics (or heat) to pretension bolts

Using multi-jackbolt system (Superbolt) a variation of torque control.

See note below

Note:
Using heat is based on heating the bolt(and nut) to a set temperature. The bolt is inserted
quickly and the nut tightened snugly. The bolt is then allowed to cool and the contraction results
in the required tension. If a tension Fp is required for a bolt with a CSA of Ab then the required
bolt stress is calculated = F p / Ab
The bolt is heated to a temperature of
T = [ /(E.e)] + T o
E= Youngs Modulus (N/m2 )....e = Coefficient of thermal expansion (m/m)/deg.C....To = ambient
temperature (deg. C)
This method is very difficult to implement the bolt has to be heated while the bolted joint has to
be kept at ambient temperature. The accuracy of the heating method is very much limited by
quality of the procedure followed.
Hydraulic bolt tensioners use an annular hydraulic jack placed around the screw, stretching it
axially. When the required stress level is reached, the nut is tightened snugly and then the
pressure released, resulting in a preloaded bolt without any frictional or torsional stresses.
The hydraulic method can provide very accurate preload (+/- 1%) on long bolts but it is less
accurate on short bolts.

Preload Setting Error

Operator "Feel"
Torque Wrench
Angle Torquing (Turn of nut)
Load Indicating Washer
Measuring Bolt elongation
Hydraulic Bolt pretension

+/- 35%
+/- 25%
+/- 15%
+/- 10%
+/- 5%
+/- (1% to

Strain Gauges / Ultrasonics

Superbolt multi-jackbolt
tensioners

10%)
+/- 1%
+/- 5%

Calculating Shear Strength of Grade 8 Bolts

A common question that we get here at Portland Bolt is in regards to the shear strength of bolts.
The shear strength is the value at which the lateral stress on a bolt or screw causes it to fail. It is
an important factor to take into consideration when designing structural steel or timber
connections. Shear strength is also an easy value to roughly calculate when the ultimate tensile
strength is known.
Below is a transcript of a recent live chat that we had on our website addressing shear strength.
The chat was fielded by our very own Dane McKinnon and serves as a good example of what
kind of response you can expect when you ask us a question. Were substituting a generic name
below for the customer to protect their privacy.

Visitor: Henry
Operator: Dane McKinnon
Company: Portland Bolt
Started: 26 Jan 2010 12:07:57
Ended: 26 Jan 2010 12:22:18

Henry:
What is the shear strength of grade 8 bolts 1/4 1
Call accepted by Dane McKinnon. Currently in room: Dane McKinnon, Henry.
Dane McKinnon:
Good afternoon Henry. Shear strength is typically 60% of tensile strength, and the minimum
tensile strength of a grade 8 bolt is 150,000 psi. We have an FAQ that addresses this question
here: http://www.portlandbolt.com/faqs/bolt-shear-strength-considerations
Henry:
How are all grade 8 bolts the same tensile strength?
Dane McKinnon:
They are all the same tensile strength per square inch. The larger ones have a larger cross section
of material, and so are therefore stronger. To calculate the tensile strength of a particular size,
you would multiply 150,000 psi by the tensile stress area, found here:
http://www.portlandbolt.com/technicalinformation/thread-pitch.html
Henry:
Thank you

- See more at: http://www.portlandbolt.com/faqs/calculating-shear-strength-ofgrade-8-bolts/#sthash.TDmhHRXh.dpuf

Bolt Shear Strength Considerations

Question: What is the shear strength of carbon steel bolts?
Answer: First, unlike tensile and yield strengths, there are no published shear strength values or
requirements for ASTM specifications. The Industrial Fastener Institute (Inch Fastener
Standards, 7th ed. 2003. B-8) states that shear strength is approximately 60% of the minimum
tensile strength.
As an empirical guide, shear strengths of carbon steel fasteners may be assumed to be
approximately 60 percent of their specified minimum tensile strengths. For example, an SAE
grade 5 hex cap screw has a specified minimum tensile strength of 120,000 psi. Therefore, for
design purposes, its shear strength could be reasonably assumed to be 70,000 psi.
Quick Tip: For instructions on how to calculate the strength for your bolt, see Calculating Yield
and Tensile Strength.
It is important to understand that some imported fasteners, like lag screws, are typically
ungraded. Since they are not manufactured to any specific grade, it is impossible to determine
any strength characteristics associated with them unless you have them strength tested at a
laboratory. For applications where shear will occur in the unthreaded portion the nominal
diameter should be used to calculate the value. Whereas, if the shear area is in the threaded
section the minor diameter should be used.
AISC provides published values for ASTM A325 and A490 structural bolts listed in
Specifications for Structural Steel Buildings under Table J3.2 (16.1-104).
Although, the Strength by Grade Chart has no shear strength information, it shows the strength
requirements of common ASTM and SAE grade construction fastener specifications.
- See more at: http://www.portlandbolt.com/faqs/bolt-shear-strengthconsiderations/#sthash.7L1HT0fw.dpuf

Calculating Yield and Tensile Strength

Question: How do I determine the yield and tensile strength of a specific diameter of bolt?
Answer: In most cases, the strength of a given material used to make a fastener has strength
requirements or parameters described as pounds per square inch (psi) or thousands of pounds per
square inch (ksi). This is helpful when analyzing what grade of material should be used for a
given application, but this doesnt tell us the actual strength of that diameter of material. In order
to calculate the actual strength values of a given diameter, you would use the following formulas:

Note: the formulas below do not depend on the finish of the fastener.
Ultimate Yield Strength

Take the minimum yield in psi of the ASTM grade (see our Strength Requirements by Grade
Chart for this value), multiplied by the stress area of the specific diameter (see our Thread Pitch
Chart). This formula will give you the ultimate yield strength of that size and grade of bolt.
Example: What is the ultimate yield strength of a 3/4 diameter F1554 Grade 36 rod?
This is the minimum requirement for F1554 grade 36. In other words, a 3/4 diameter F1554
grade 36 anchor rod will be able to withstand 12,024 pounds force (lbf) without yielding.
Ultimate Tensile Strength

Take the minimum tensile strength in psi of the ASTM grade, multiplied by the stress area of the
diameter. This formula will give you the ultimate tensile strength of that size and grade of bolt.
Example: What is the ultimate tensile strength of a 3/4 diameter F1554 Grade 36 rod?
This is the minimum requirement for F1554 grade 36. In other words, a 3/4 diameter F1554
grade 36 anchor rod will be able to withstand 19,372 pounds force (lbf) without breaking.
Shear Strength

First, find the ultimate tensile strength using the formula above. Take that value and multiply it
by 60% (0.60). It is important to understand that this value is only an estimate. Unlike tensile and
yield strengths, there are no published shear strength values or requirements for ASTM
specifications. The Industrial Fastener Institute (Inch Fastener Standards, 7th ed. 2003. B-8)
states that shear strength is approximately 60% of the minimum tensile strength. For more
information, please see our FAQ on bolt shear strength considerations.
- See more at: http://www.portlandbolt.com/faqs/calculatingstrength/#sthash.xKnb4gnL.dpuf

Standard Thread Pitches

Quick Links
Download PDF
Thread Pitch Explained

A193 grade B7 Thread Pitch

Rolled vs. Cut Threads

Nut Compatibility Chart

Thread series cover designations of diameter/pitch combinations that are measured by the
number of threads per inch (TPI) applied to a single diameter.
Coarse Thread Series (UNC/UNRC) is the most common designation for general application
bolts and nuts. Coarse thread is beneficial, because they are less likely to cross thread, more
tolerant in adverse conditions and facilitate quick assembly.
Fine Thread Series (UNF/UNRF) is commonly used in precision applications. Because of the
larger tensile stress areas, they have high tension strength. However, a longer engagement is
required for fine thread applications than for coarse series threads to prevent stripping.
8 - Thread Series (8UN) is the specified thread forming method for several ASTM standards
including A193 B7, A193 B8/B8M, and A320. This series is used for diameters one inch and
above.

Coarse Thread Series - UNC

Fine Thread Series - UNF
8-Thread Series - 8UN
Section
Section
Section
Nomina
Nomina
Tensile
Basic
Tensile
Basic
Tensile
Nominal Basic
at
at
at
l Size
l Size
Stress
Pitch
Stress
Pitch
Stress
Size and Pitch
Minor
Minor
Minor
and
and
Dia.
Area
Dia.
Area
Dia.
Area
Threads
Dia.
Dia.
Dia.
Threads
Threads
Per In.
In. Sq in. Sq in. Per In. In. Sq in. Sq in. Per In. In. Sq in. Sq in.
3
8 - 16 0.3344 0.0678 0.0775 38 - 24 0.3479 0.0809 0.0878 -- -- ---7
7
16 - 14 0.3911 0.0933 0.1063 16 - 20 0.4050 0.1090 0.1187 -- -- ---1
2 - 13 0.4500 0.1257 0.1419 12 - 20 0.4675 0.1486 0.1599 -- -- ---9
9
16 - 12 0.5084 0.162 0.182 16 - 18 0.5264 0.189 0.203 -- -- ---5
5
8 - 11 0.5660 0.202 0.226 8 - 18 0.5889 0.240 0.256 -- -- ---3
3
4 - 10 0.6850 0.302 0.334 4 - 16 0.7094 0.351 0.373 -- -- ---7
7
8 - 9
0.8028 0.419 0.462 8 - 14 0.8286 0.480 0.509 -- -- ---1-8
0.9188 0.551 0.606 1 - 12 0.9459 0.625 0.663 1 - 8
0.9188 0.551 0.606
118 - 7 1.0322 0.693 0.763 118 - 12 1.0709 0.812 0.856 118 - 8 1.0438 0.728 0.790

Coarse Thread Series - UNC

Fine Thread Series - UNF
8-Thread Series - 8UN
Section
Section
Section
Nomina
Nomina
Tensile
Basic
Tensile
Basic
Tensile
Nominal Basic
at
at
at
l Size
l Size
Stress
Pitch
Stress
Pitch
Stress
Size and Pitch
Minor
Minor
Minor
and
and
Area
Dia.
Area
Dia.
Area
Threads Dia.
Dia.
Dia.
Dia.
Threads
Threads
Per In.
In. Sq in. Sq in. Per In. In. Sq in. Sq in. Per In. In. Sq in. Sq in.
1
1 4 - 7 1.1572 0.890 0.969 114 - 12 1.1959 1.024 1.073 114 - 8 1.1688 0.929 1.000
138 - 6 1.2667 1.054 1.155 138 - 12 1.3209 1.260 1.315 138 - 8 1.2938 1.155 1.233
112 - 6 1.3917 1.294 1.405 112 - 12 1.4459 1.521 1.581 112 - 8 1.4188 1.405 1.492
-- ------ -- ---158 - 8 1.5438 1.68 1.78
3
1 4 - 5 1.6201 1.74 1.90 -- -- ---134 - 8 1.6688 1.98 2.08
-- ------ -- ---178 - 8 1.7938 2.30 2.41
2 - 412 1.8557 2.30 2.50 -- -- ---2-8
1.9188 2.65 2.77
1
1
1
2 4 - 4- 2 2.1057 3.02 3.25 -- -- ---2 4 - 8 2.1688 3.42 3.56
1
2 2 - 4 2.3376 3.72 4.00 -- -- ---212 - 8 2.4188 4.29 4.44
234 - 4 2.5876 4.62 4.93 -- -- ---234 - 8 2.6688 5.26 5.43
3-4
2.8376 5.62 5.97 -- -- ---3-8
2.9188 6.32 6.51
314 - 4 3.0876 6.72 7.10 -- -- ---314 - 8 3.1688 7.49 7.69
312 - 4 3.3376 7.92 8.33 -- -- ---312 - 8 3.4188 8.75 8.96
334 - 4 3.5876 9.21 9.66 -- -- ---334 - 8 3.6688 10.11 10.34
4-4
3.8376 10.61 11.08 -- -- ---4-8
3.9188 11.57 11.81

Tensile Stress Area of a Bolt

When you select Calculated tensile stress area (Connector-Bolt PropertyManager), the program
calculates the tensile stress area (At), which is the mimimum area of the threaded section of the
bolt, according to the formula: At = [(d3 + d2) / 2)]2 * /4

P = pitch, axial distance between two adjacent threads

n = 1 / P, number of bolt threads per inch (ANSI) or millimeter (ISO)

d = nominal bolt shank diameter

ISO Bolt threads

d3 = d - 1.2268 * P
d2 = d - 0.6495 * P
The formula for the tensile stress area becomes: At = 0.7854 * [d - (0.9382 * P)]2
Substituting P = 1 / n results to At = 0.7854 * [d - (0.9382 / n)]2, where d is given in mm, and n is
given in threads/mm.
ANSI threads
A similar approach is followed for the calculation of the tensile stress area:
At = 0.7854 * [d - (0.9743 / n)]2, where d is given in inches, and n is given in threads/inch.
Reference: Machinery's Handbook published by Industrial Press.
The table below provides the nominal bolt diameter and pitch values for the main ISO M large
thread bolts.
Table 1. ISO M Metric Bolt Threads, ISO 724 (DIN 13 T1)
Nominal Diameter d (mm)

Pitch P (mm)

M 1.60

0.35

M 2.00

0.40

M 2.20

0.45

M 3.00

0.50

M 4.00

0.70

M 4.50

0.75

M 5.00

0.80

M 6.00

1.00

M 8.00

1.25

M 10.00

1.50

M 12.00

1.75

M 16.00

2.00

M 20.00

2.50

M 24.00

3.00

Table 1. ISO M Metric Bolt Threads, ISO 724 (DIN 13 T1)

Nominal Diameter d (mm)

Pitch P (mm)

M 30.00

3.50

M 36.00

4.00

M 42.00

4.50

M 48.00

5.00

M 56.00

5.50

M 64.00

6.00

Manager at L&T Limited

There are two tripping mechanisms in MCCBs,
1) Thermal (overload) protection release
2) magnetic (instanteneous) protection release
The thermal protection or overload protection protects the circuit being protected from overload. As per IEC 60947
part 2, the MCCB should not trip at 1.05In (where In is the set current of the MCCB) and the MCCB should trip at
1.3In. This means that the MCCB allows upto 5% overloading the circuit. In case the circuit is overloaded beyond this
limit the MCCB should trip positively at 30% overload.
In conventional MCCBs, the MCCB uses the thermal properties of current i.e. heat generated is proportional to I^2XR
losses (where I is the current flowing through the circuit and R is the resistance). This heat is sensed by the Bimetal
and the bimetal deflection is used for tripping the MCCBs. Therefore this type of protection is called thermal
protection.
The magnetic protection or instanteneous protection protects the circuit being protected from short circuit faults. As
per IEC 60947 part 2, the MCCB should not trip at 80% of Ir (where Ir is the set current of the MCCB) and the MCCB
should trip at 120% of Ir. Generally the magnetic protection is in multiples of rated current of the MCCBs from 3times
rated current to 12 times the rated current of the MCCB.
In conventional MCCBs, the MCCB uses the magnetic properties of current i.e. the magnetic flux is proportional to
the current. The attraction force produced by the magnet is proportional to the magnetic flux. Therefore this type of
protection is called magnetic protection.
In contemporary MCCBs, Electronics along with microprocessor is employed for providing the precise protections.