Design of Riveted joints

• Introduction:
A rivet is a short cylindrical bar with
a head integral to it.
• The cylindrical portion of the rivet is
called shank or body and lower
portion of shank is known as tail.
• The rivets are used to make permanent
fastening between the plates such as in
structural work, ship building, bridges,
tanks and boiler shells.
• The riveted joints are widely used for
joining light metals.
 Design of Riveted joints

Method of Riveting: (Punching vs Drilling Hole)

Punching Drilling
Cheaper operation. Costly
Insufficient accuracy More accurate location and size of
the holes
Injures the metals in the vicinity No injure the metal
of the hole
Thin plates up to 25 mm thickness Any thickness of plates
because fine cracks are formed
around the hole.
 Design of Riveted joints

Method of Riveting (Hand vs Machine Riveting)

Hand Riveting
A die is placed on the
protruding end of the shank
and blows are applied by a
hammer.
Machine Riveting
The die is part of the
hammer, which is operated
by pneumatic, hydraulic or
steam pressure.
 Design of Riveted joints
(Hot and Cold Riveting)

Hot Riveting Cold Riveting

The end of the rivet shank is heated to about There is no such heating.
1000 to 11000C till it becomes bright red and
then blows are applied by a hammer.
• When the rivet cools, Cold riveting
(i) shank portion of the rivet - tensile stress • The shank is mainly
(ii) connected parts are compressed. subjected to shear stress.
• The Compression of the connected parts
causes friction, which resists sliding of one
part with respect to another.
Hot riveting is carried out steel rivets with Cold riveting is applicable for
diameters more than 10 mm. steel wires up to 8 to 10 mm
diameter and rivets made of
non-ferrous like brass, copper
and aluminium alloys.
 Comparison of Riveted with Welded Joints
(Advantages of Riveting joints)

Riveted Joint Welded Joint

More reliable which are subjected Less
to vibrations and impact forces.
Riveted joints can be used for non- Welded joints are restricted to
ferrous metals steels parts.
The riveted joints are free from Welding causes warping and
thermal after-effects. affects the structure of heat-treated
components.
The quality of riveted joint can be The inspection methods for welded
easily checked. joint are costly and time
consuming.
When the riveted joint is
dismantled, the connected
components are less damaged.
 Design of Riveted joints
(Dis-advantages of Riveting joints)

• Material cost is more:

– The thickness of plate increases to compensate the
weaken the hole.
– The weight of the rivet is more than the weight of weld.
• Labour cost of riveted joint is more due to perform
additional operations like layout and drilling or punching
of holes.
• More complicated and less productive compared with
welding operation.
• More noise than welding due to hammer blows.
• Stress concentration
 Design of Riveted joints
(Types of Riveted Joints)

• Lap Joint
• Two overlapping plates, which are held together by
one or more rows of rivets
• Butt Joint
• The main plates are kept in alignment butting (i.e.
touching) each other and a cover plate (i.e. strap) is
placed either on one side or both sides of the main
plates.
 Design of Riveted joints

• Types of Lap Joints:

• Based on Number of Rivet • Based on Rivet
– Single-riveted Lap joint Arrangement
– Double-riveted Lap Joint – Chain riveted joint
– Triple riveted Lap Joints – Zig-zag riveted Joint
 Design of Riveted joints
(Types of Butt Joints)

• Based on Number
of Strap
– Single-Strap
– Double-Strap

• Based on Rivet
Arrangement
– Chain
– Zig-zag
 Design of Riveted joints

• Terminology:
• Pitch (p): The pitch of the rivet is
defined as the distance between
the centre of one rivet to the
centre of the adjacent rivet in the
same row.
P = 3d
• Margin (m): The margin is the
distance between the edge of the
plate to the centerline of rivets in the
nearest row.
m = 1.5 d
 Design of Riveted joints
(Terminology)

• Transverse Pitch (pt):

Transverse pitch is the
distance between two
consecutive rows of rivets in
the same plate.
pt = 0.8 p ( for chain riveting)
= 0.6 p (for zig-zag riveting)

• Diagonal Pitch (pd): Diagonal pitch is the distance

between the centre of one rivet to the centre of the
adjacent rivet located in the adjacent row.
 Design of Riveted joints
(Rivet Materials)

• The materials of the rivets must be tough and ductile.

• They are usually made of steel (low carbon steel or nickel
steel)
• Rivets used in corrosive atmosphere are made of stainless
steel.
• Rivets used for connecting non-ferrous metals and soft
materials are made for copper, brass, bronze and
aluminium alloy.
• When metal for the parts being joined and rivet metal have
different electrochemical potentials, they form galvanic
pairs and accelerate the corrosion process. So, the rivet are
made of same materials as the parts being joined.
 Design of Riveted joints
(Caulking and Fullering)

• In pressure vessel and boiler applications, the riveted joints should

be leakproof and fluid tight. Caulking and fullering processes are
used to obtain such leakproof riveted joints.

• Edges are first beveled to approximately 700 to 750 and caulking

tool is hammered on the edge.
• Hand hammer or pneumatic or hydraulic hammer
• The head of the rivet is also hammered down with the caulking tool.
• The blow of caulking tool closes the surface asperities and cracks.
 Design of Riveted joints
(Types of Failure)

• (a) Shear failure of the rivet

• (b) Tensile failure of the plate between two consecutive
rivets
• (c) Crushing failure
• (d) Shear failure of the plate in the margin area
• (e) Tearing of the plate in the margin area
 Design of Riveted joints
(Tearing of the plate at an edge)

• A joint may fail due to tearing of the plate at an edge.

This can be avoided by

keeping the margin,
m = 1.5d, where d is the
diameter of the rivet hole.
 Design of Riveted joints
(Tearing of the plate across a row of rivets)

• Due to the application of tensile stresses in the main plates, the

main or cover plate can tear off across pitch line.

Let p = Pitch of the rivets,

d = Diameter of the rivet hole,
t = Thickness of the plate, and
σt = Permissible tensile stress for
the plate material.
We know that tearing area per pitch length,
At = (p – d ) t
∴ Tearing resistance or pull required to tear off the plate per
pitch length, Pt = At.σt = (p – d)t.σt
When the tearing resistance (Pt) is greater than the applied load
(P) per pitch length, then this type of failure will not occur.
 Design of Riveted joints
(Shearing of the rivets)

The resistance offered by a rivet

to be sheared off is known as
shearing resistance or shearing
strength or shearing value of
the rivet.
The shearing strength
Ps = [τ](π/4)d2 (single shear)

= 2 [τ](π/4)d2
(double shear)

= 1.875 [τ](π/4)d2
(double shear
according to I.B.R)
 Design of Riveted joints
(Crushing of the plate or rivets)

• The resistance offered by a rivet to be crushed is known as

crushing resistance or crushing strength or bearing value of
the rivet.

Crushing strength , Pc = dt[σc]

 Design of Riveted joints

Rivet hole diameter (d)

If plate thickness t >8mm, Unwin’s formula 𝑑 = 6 𝑡

If plate thickness, t < 8mm,

To find rivet hole diameter, equate shear strength value to
crushing strength value.
Ps = Pc

To Select standard rivet hole diameter and corresponding rivet

diameter from P.S.G page No.5.29
 Design of Riveted joints

Step 3: Calculate Pmax = Ct+41 (P.S.G page No. 7.126)

If Pmax > Pitch (P) selection of pitch is satisfactory then consider
only P for further calculation.

Step 4: Finding distance between rows of rivets (or) back pitch

(Pb)
According to the condition and the type of riveted joint
(chain or Zig-Zag ) , select the formula from P.S.G page No.
7.126

Step 5: Finding margin (m) = 1.5d

 Design of Riveted joints

• Riveted joint strength = Least of shearing

resistance, crushing resistance, tearing resistance.
• tearing resistance = Pt = (P-d)t[σt]
• shearing resistance =Ps = n*(π/4)d2[τ]
• crushing resistance = Pc = ndt[σc]
• Riveted joint efficiency = (Least of shearing
resistance, crushing resistance, tearing
resistance)/Solid plate strength
Solid plate strength = Pt[σt]
 Design of Riveted joints

• Problem: A brake band attached to the hinge by means of a

riveted joint is shown in fig. Determine the size of the rivets
needed for the load of 10 kN. Also, determine the width of the
band. The permissible stresses for the band and rivets in
tension, shear and compression are 80, 60 and 120 N/mm2
respectively. Assume
• Margin (m) = 1.5d
• Transverse pitch (pt) = p
Find the pitch of the rivets.

• Given: Thickness t = 3 mm; Load = 10 kN;

• t = 80 N/mm2;  = 60 N/mm2; c = 120 N/mm2;
 Design of Riveted joints

• Step – 1: Diameter of Rivets:

• Four rivets in Lap joint are subjected to single shear.

• For Crushing consideration

• Maximum diameter occurs at shearing.

• d = 8 mm
 Design of Riveted joints

• Step – 2: Width of the band:

Let tensile strength of plate

• Step – 3: Pitch of Rivets:

and
 Design of Riveted joints

• Problem: Find the efficiency of the riveted joints:

(i) Single riveted lap joint of 6 mm plates with 20 mm
diameter rivets having a pitch of 50 mm.
(ii)Double riveted lap joint of 6 mm plates with 20 mm
diameter rivets having a pitch of 65 mm.
Assume permissible tensile stress in plates = 120 MPa,
Permissible shear stress in rivets = 90 MPa, Permissible
crushing stress = 180 MPa.
• Given: Plate Thickness t = 6 mm; Rivet Diameter d = 20 mm;
• Case-1: Single Riveted Lap Joint - Pitch p = 50 mm
• Case–2: Double Riveted Lap Joint - Pitch p = 65 mm
• t = 120 N/mm2;  = 90 N/mm2; c = 180 N/mm2;
 Design of Riveted joints

• Case – 1: Efficiency of the Single

riveted lap joint

(a) Tearing resistance of the plate

𝑃𝑡 = 𝑝 − d 𝑡 × 𝜎𝑡
= 50 − 20 × 6 × 120 = 21600 𝑁

(b) Shearing resistance of the rivet

𝜋 2 𝜋 2
𝑃s = 𝑑 × 𝜏 = 20 × 90 = 28278 𝑁
4 4
(c) Crushing resistance of the rivet

𝑃c = 𝑑 × 𝑡 × 𝜎𝑐 = 20 × 6 × 180 = 21600 𝑁
 Design of Riveted joints

The strength of the joint

= Least of Pt, Ps and Pc = 21600 N

The strength of the single riveted or solid plate

𝑃 = 𝑝 × 𝑡 × 𝜎𝑡 = 50 × 6 × 120 = 36000 𝑁

Efficiency of the joint

𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑡 , 𝑃𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃𝑐 21600

= = = 0.6 𝑜𝑟 60%
𝑃 36000
 Design of Riveted joints

• Case – 2: Efficiency of the Double riveted lap joint

(a) Tearing resistance of the plate
𝑃𝑡 = 𝑝 − d 𝑡 × 𝜎𝑡
= 65 − 20 × 6 × 120 = 32400 𝑁

(b) Shearing resistance of the rivet (Double Rivet)

𝜋
𝑃s = 𝑛 × 𝑑2 × 𝜏
4
𝜋
= 2 × 20 2 × 90 = 56556 𝑁
4
(c) Crushing resistance of the rivet (Double Rivet)
𝑃c = n × 𝑑 × 𝑡 × 𝜎𝑐
= 2 × 20 × 6 × 180 = 43200 𝑁
 Design of Riveted joints

The strength of the joint

= Least of Pt, Ps and Pc = 32400 N

The strength of the Uni-riveted or solid plate

𝑃 = 𝑝 × 𝑡 × 𝜎𝑡 = 65 × 6 × 120 = 46800 𝑁
Efficiency of the joint

𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑡 , 𝑃𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃𝑐 32400

= = = 0.692 𝑜𝑟 69.2%
𝑃 46800
 Design of Riveted joints

• Tutorial: A double riveted cover butt joint in plates 20

mm thick is made with 25 mm diameter rivets at 100 mm
pitch. The permissible stresses are:
• t = 120 MPa;  = 100 MPa; c = 150 MPa
Find the efficiency of joint, taking the strength of the
rivet in double shear as twice than that of single shear.

Given : t = 20 mm ; d = 25 mm ; p = 100 mm ; σt = 120

MPa = 120 N/mm2 ; τ = 100 MPa = 100 N/mm2 ; σc = 150
MPa = 150 N/mm2
 Design of Riveted joints (Eccentric Load)

• Problem: A bracket, attached to a

vertical column by means of four
identical rivet, is subjected to an
eccentric force of 25 kN as shown
in fig. Determine the diameter of
rivets, if the permissible shear
stress is 60 N/mm2.

• Given: P = 25 kN; e = 100 mm;  = 60 N/mm2

 Design of Riveted joints (Eccentric Load)

• Step – 1: Primary Shear Forces

𝑃1′ = 𝑃2′ = 𝑃3′ = 𝑃4′
25 × 103
= = 6250 𝑁
4
 Design of Riveted joints (Eccentric Load)

• Step – 2: Secondary Shear Forces

• The radial distances of the rivet from this centre
of gravity
𝑟1 = 𝑟4 = 150 𝑚𝑚 𝑟2 = 𝑟3 = 50 𝑚𝑚
𝑃×𝑒
𝐶= 2
𝑟1 + 𝑟22 + 𝑟32 + 𝑟42
25 × 103 × 100
= 2 2
= 50
2 150 + 2 50

𝑃1" = 𝑃4" = 𝐶𝑟1 = 50 150 = 7500 𝑁

𝑃2" = 𝑃3" = 𝐶 𝑟2 = 50 50 = 2500 𝑁

 Design of Riveted joints (Eccentric Load)

• Step – 3: Resultant Shear force

" 2
𝑃1 = 𝑃1′ 2 + 𝑃1

= 6250 2 + 7500 2 = 9762.81

• Step – 4: Diameter of Rivets

• Equating the resultant shear force
to the shear strength of rivet
𝜋 2 𝜋 2
𝑃1 = 𝑑 𝜏 9762.81 = 𝑑 60
4 4
∴ 𝑑 = 14.39 𝑜𝑟 15 𝑚𝑚
 Design of Riveted joints

• Tutorial: The bracket as shown in fig., is to carry a load

of 45 kN. Determine the size of the rivet if the shear
stress is not to exceed 40 Mpa. Assume all rivets of the
same size.
 Design of Riveted joints

• Tutorial Solution:
• Ps = 5000 N
• F1 = 23 120 N
• F2 = 17 762 N
• F3 = 23 120 N
• F4 = 14 800 N

• Resultant shear load on

rivets 3 and 9, = 26 600 N
• d = 29 mm
 Design of Riveted joints (Eccentric Load)

• Tutorial: An eccentrically loaded riveted joint is shown

in fig. The plates are 6 mm thick. Design the joint is
permissible stress in tension is 150 /mm2.
Design of Riveted joints
 Design of Riveted joints

• Problem: Design a double riveted lap joint for MS plates

9.5 mm thick. Calculate the efficiency of the joint. The
permissible stresses are : t = 90 Mpa;  = 75 Mpa; c =
150 MPa

• Given: Double riveted lap joint for MS plates

• Thickness 9.5; t = 90 Mpa;  = 75 Mpa; c = 150 Mpa

To find
Design parameters – d, p, pb and m
Efficiency 
 Design of Riveted joints

• Solution:
 Design of Riveted joints

• (a) Dia. of Rivet Hole d : It is determined by Unwin’s

formula
𝑑=6 𝑡 𝑑 = 6 9.5 = 18.5 𝑚𝑚

• (b) Pitch of the Joint, p : In a double riveted joint there are 4

rivets in a pitch length.
• Shearing Strength of one rivet
 Design of Riveted joints

• Crushing strength of one rivet

• The shear strength of the rivet is weaker.

 We will equate tearing strength of plate with shearing strength
of rivets in a pitch length.

The practice dictates that p  3 d so that head forming is

permitted. 3 d = 55.5 mm, and hence the value of p obtained in
(ii) is acceptable.
 Design of Riveted joints

• Back Pitch pb : It must be between 2.5 d to 3.0 d. For

chain riveting the higher value is preferred for the reason
of head forming

• Margin, m : m is determined by equating shearing strength of

rivet (smaller of shearing and crushing strengths of rivet).
Remember that there are two rivets per pitch length :

The minimum acceptable value of m is 1.5 d = 27.5 mm hence

m = 28.3 mm is acceptable.
 Design of Riveted joints

• Design Parameters:
d = 18.5 mm, p = 65.7 mm, pb = 55.5 mm, m = 28.3 mm

Efficiency of Joint
Tensile strength of plate without holes, per pitch length

Shearing strength of rivets in a pitch length

 Design of Riveted joints

• Crushing strength of rivets in a pitch length

The tearing strength of plate with one hole in a pitch length

The shearing strength of margin

 Design of Riveted joints

• Out of all Ps, Pc, Pt and Pms, the lowest is Pm

The design values are

d = 18.5 mm, p = 65.7 mm, pb = 55.5 mm,
m = 28.3 mm,  = 71.7%
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

Step 1: To find boiler shell Thickness

t = (pD)/2ηl[σt] (PSG DB – 7.126)

where
P = Pressure intensity in the boiler
D = Boiler shell Inside diameter
ηl = Longitudinal joint Efficiency
= 0.6 – 0.8 single riveted
= 0.75 – 0.85 double riveted
= 0.8 – 0.9 triple riveted
[σt] = Design stress in tension
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

Step 2: to find rivet hole diameter(d) (PSG DB – 7.126)

If plate thickness t>8mm, Unwin’s formula d= 6√t

If plate thickness, t<8mm

To find rivet hole diameter, equate shear strength value to
crushing strength value.
Ps = Pc

To Select standard rivet hole diameter and corresponding

rivet diameter from P.S.G page No.5.29
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

Step 3: Equate the tearing strength to the shearing

strength to calculate pitch.
Pt = Ps
Calculate Pmax = Ct+41 (P.S.G page No. 7.126)
If Pmax > Pitch (P) selection of pitch is satisfactory then
consider only P for further calculation.

Step 4: Finding distance between rows of rivets (or) back

pitch (Pb)

According to the condition and the type of riveted joint

(chain or Zig-Zag ) , select the formula from P.S.G page No.
7.126
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

Step 5: Finding margin (m) = 1.5d

Step 6: Find cover or strap thickness (t1)

According to the condition select the formula from P.S.G

page No. 7.127

Step 7: riveted joint efficiency

Efficiency = (least value of Pt ,Ps ,Pc , PShear-tear and Pcrushing-
tear) / solid plate strength
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

Tearing Strength:
Pt = (P-d)t[σt]

Shearing Strength:
Ps = {n1(1.875*(π/4)d2[τ])}+n2*(π/4)d2[τ]

Crushing Strength:
Pc = ndt[σc]
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

Strength of the joint on shearing of rivet in the outer

row of riveted joint and tearing in the next inner row
of riveted joint

Pshear-tear = n x (π/4)d2[τ]+(P-2d)t[σt]

Strength of the joint on crushing of rivet in outer

row and tearing in the next inner row

Pcrush-tear = ndt[σc]+ (P-2d)t[σt]

 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

• Problem: Design a double riveted butt joint with two

cover plates for the longitudinal seam of a boiler shell
1.5 m in diameter subjected to a steam pressure of
0.95 N/mm2. Assume joint efficiency as 75%,
allowable tensile stress in the plate is 90 Mpa,
compressive stress is 140 Mpa and the shear stress in
the rivet is 56 Mpa.

Given : D = 1.5 m = 1500 mm ; P = 0.95 N/mm2 ; ηl =

75% = 0.75 ; σt = 90 MPa= 90 N/mm2 ; σc = 140 MPa =
140 N/mm2 ; τ = 56 MPa = 56 N/mm2
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

1. Thickness of boiler shell plate (PSG DB – 7.126)

 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

2. Diameter of rivet
• Since the thickness of the plate is greater than 8 mm,
therefore the diameter of the rivet hole,

To Select standard rivet hole diameter and corresponding

rivet diameter from P.S.G page No.5.29
The standard diameter of the rivet hole ( d ) is 21 mm and
the corresponding diameter of the rivet is 20 mm.
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

Pitch of rivets:
• By equating the tearing resistance of the plate to the
shearing resistance of the rivets.
Pt = ( p – d ) t × σt = ( p – 21) × 12 × 90
= 1080 ( p – 21)N

The joint is double riveted double strap butt joint, therefore

there are two rivets per pitch length (i.e. n = 2) and the
rivets are in double shear.
The rivets in double shear are 1.875 times stronger than in
single shear
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

• Shearing strength of the rivets,

 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

• According to I.B.R., the maximum pitch of rivets for

longitudinal joint of a boiler is given by

pmax = C × t + 41.28 mm (PSG DB – 7.126)

Where C is 3.50 for Double Cover Butt Joint

= 3.5 × 12 + 41.28 = 83.28 say 84 mm

The value of p is more than pmax, therefore we shall
adopt pitch of the rivets,
p = pmax = 84 mm
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

4. Distance between rows of rivets: (PSG DB – 7.126)

Assuming zig-zag riveting, the distance between the rows of
the rivets (according to I.B.R.),

pb = 0.33 p + 0.67 d
= 0.33 × 84 + 0.67 × 21 = 41.8 say 42 mm
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

5. Thickness of cover plates (PSG DB – 7.127)

According to I.B.R., the thickness of double cover plate of
equal width is

t1 = 0.625 t = 0.625 × 12 = 7.5 mm

6. Margin (PSG DB – 7.127)
m = 1.5 d = 1.5 × 21 = 31.5 say 32 mm
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

• Efficiency of the Joint

 Tearing resistance of the plate
Pt = ( p – d ) t × σt = (84 – 21)12 × 90 = 68 040 N
 Shearing resistance of the rivets
Ps = n × 1.875 × (π/4) × d 2 × τ
= 2 × 1.875 × (π/4)(21)2 × 56 = 72 745 N
 Crushing resistance of the rivets

Pc = n × d × t × σc = 2 × 21 × 12 × 140 = 70 560 N
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

 Strength of the un-riveted plate

P = p × t × σt = 84 × 12 × 90 = 90 720 N

∴ Efficiency of the designed joint,

η = Pt / P
= 68 040 / 90 720 = 0.75 or 75%
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of longitudinal butt joint)

Tutorial: A cylindrical pressure vessel with a 1.5 m inside diameter is

subjected to internal steam pressure of 1.5 Mpa. It is made from steel plate
by triple-riveted double-strap longitudinal butt joint with equal straps. The
pitch of the rivets in the outer row is twice of the rivets in the inner rows.
The rivets are arranged in a zig-zag pattern. The efficiency of the riveted
joint should be at-least 80%. The permissible stresses for the plate and rivets
in tension, shear and compression are 80, 60 and 120 N/mm2 respectively.
Assume that the rivet in double shear is 1.875 times stronger than in single
shear. Design the joint and calculate:
• (i) Thickness of plate (ii) Diameter of rivets
• (iii) Pitch of rivets (iv) Distance between the rows of rivets
• (v) Margin (vi) Thickness of straps and (vii) Efficiency of the joint
• Draw a neat sketch of the riveted joint showing calculated values of
dimensions.
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of Circumferential Joint)

Step 1: To find boiler shell thickness

The thickness of the boiler shell and the diameter of the rivet will
be same as for longitudinal joint.
𝑝 ×𝐷
𝑡=
2 𝑙 𝜎𝑡
where
p = Pressure induced in the boiler
D =Boiler shell Inside diameter
ηl = longitudinal joint Efficiency
= 0.6 – 0.8 single riveted
= 0.75 – 0.85 double riveted
= 0.8 – 0.9 triple riveted
[σt]= Design stress in tension
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of Circumferential Joint)

Step 2: To find rivet hole diameter (d)

If plate thickness t>8mm, P.S.G DB 7.126
use Unwin’s formulae d= 6√t
If plate thickness t<8mm,
To find rivet hole diameter , equate shear strength value to
crushing strength value.
Ps = Pc
Select standard diameter of the rivet hole from P.S.G page
No.5.29
Take corresponding rivet diameter from P.S.G page No.
5.29
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of Circumferential Joint)

Step 3: Finding total number of rivets (i)

2
𝐷 𝑝
𝑖= (P.S.G 7.127)
𝑑 𝜏

Where, D = Diameter of Vessel or Boiler; d = Diameter of Rivet;

p = Pressure;  - Shear stress

Step 4: Finding the pitch of the rivets (P.S.G 7.127)

𝑃−𝑑
𝑐 =
𝑃
𝜋 𝐷+𝑡
No. of rivets in one row 𝑟𝑛 =
𝑖𝑃
𝑟𝑛 × 𝜋 𝐷 + 𝑑
Pitch 𝑃=
𝑖
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Design of Circumferential Joint)

Step 5: Finding margin (m) = 1.5d

Step 6: : Finding distance between rows of rivets (or)

back pitch (Pb)
According to the condition and the type of riveted joint
(chain or Zig-Zag ) P.S.G page No. 7.126

Overlap = (No. of rows of rivets – 1) pb + m

 Design of Riveted joints
(Design of Circumferential Joint)
 Design of Riveted joints
(Design of Circumferential Joint)

Step 7: Efficiency of the circumferential joint(ηc)

ηc = (P-d)/P
 Design of Riveted joints
(Design of Circumferential Joint)

• Problem: A cylindrical pressure vessel with 1 m inner diameter is

subjected to internal steam pressure of 1.5 MPa. The permissible
stresses for the cylinder plate and the rivets in tension, shear and
compression are 80, 60 and 120 N/mm2 respectively. The efficiency
of longitudinal joint can be taken as 80% for the purpose of
calculating the plate thickness. The efficiency of circumferential lap
joint should be at least 62%. Design the circumferential lap joint
and calculate:
• (i) thickness of the plate;
• (ii) diameter of the rivets;
• (iii) number of rivets;
• (iv) pitch of rivets;
• (v) number of rows of rivets; and
• (vi) overlap of the plates.
 Design of Riveted joints
(Design of Circumferential Joint)

• Given For vessel, Di = 1 m pi = 1.5 Mpa σt = 80 N/mm2 τ =

60 N/mm2 σ c = 120 N/mm2 ,For longitudinal joint ηl = 80
% , For circumferential joint η = 62%
• Step 1I Thickness of plate
𝑝𝑖 ×𝐷𝑖
𝑡= +2
2 𝑙 𝜎𝑡
1.5 ×1000
𝑡= + 2
t = 13.72 or 14 mm 2 𝑋 80 𝑋 0.8

Step 2 Diameter of rivets

t > 8 mm
d= 6√t = 6 x √14= 22.45 or 23 mm
 Design of Riveted joints
(Design of Circumferential Joint)

• Step 3 Number of rivets

2 2
𝐷 𝑝 1000 1.5
𝑖= 𝑖= = 47.26 𝑜𝑟 48
𝑑 𝜏 23 60

Step 4: Finding the pitch of the rivets (P.S.G 7.127)

𝑃−𝑑 0.62 =
𝑃−23
= P = 60.53 or 62 mm
𝑐 = 𝑃
𝑃
pmin. = 2d = 2 (23) = 46 mm (1)
pmax. = Ct + 41.28 = 1.31 (14) + 41.28 = 59.62 mm (2)
 From 1 and 2 P > pmax.
The pitch should be from 46 mm to 59.62 mm. Assume
the pitch as 55 mm and recalculate the number of rivets
and diameter of rivet. P = 55 mm
𝜋 𝐷+𝑡 𝜋 1000 + 14
number of rivets in one row 𝑟𝑛 = 𝑟𝑛 =
55
𝑃
= 57.92 or 58
Number of rows of rivets
1000 2 1.5
58 =
𝑑 60
= 𝑑 = 20.76 𝑜𝑟 21 𝑚𝑚
 • Step 5: The margin m
• m = 1.5d = 1.5 (21) = 31.5 or 35 mm
It is assumed that the type of joint is single-riveted
lap joint
Overlap of plates
a = pt + 2m = 0 + 2 (35) = 70 mm

Step 6: Efficiency of the joint

ηc = (P-d)/P = 55-21/55 = 61.82 %
The effi ciency of the joint is very near to 62%
and no changes are required in the calculations.
 Design of Boiler Joints
(Structural Members)

Step 1: To find diameter of rivet hole and rivet diameter

for plate thickness t>8mm use Unwin’s formulae d= 6√t

If plate thickness t<8mm
To find rivet hole diameter equate the shear strength value
to crushing strength value.
Ps = Pc

Select standard diameter of the rivet hole from

P.S.G page No.5.29
 Design of Riveted joints
(Structural Members)

Step 2: Finding the total No. of rivets (n)

n = tearing strength / (least of crushing or shearing strength)

Tearing strength , Pt = (b-d)t[σt]

Crushing strength of one rivet Pc = dt[σc]

Shearing strength of one rivet Ps = 1.875 *(π/4)d2[τ]

 Design of Riveted joints
(Structural Members)

Step 3: Thickness of the strap or cover (t1)

From P.S.G Page No. 7.127
t1 = 0.75t (single riveted)
= 0.625t (double riveted)

Step 4 : Arrange (or) draw the rivets position in diamond

shape
 Design of Riveted joints
(Structural Members)

Step 5: Finding strength of the rivets in all rows

Strength of joint along row-2= (b-n1d)t[σt]+shearing of rivets

before row-2
= (b-n1d)t[σt] + 1.875*n(π/4)d2[τ]
Where n1 = no. of rivets in row 2; n = no. of rivets in row 1= 1

Strength of the joint along row-3= (b-n2d)t[σt] +shearing of

rivets before row-3
= (b-n2d)t[σt] + 0.875*(n+n1)(π/4)d2[τ]

Calculate the strength along the remaining rows in the same

manner.
 Design of Riveted joints
(Structural Members)

Step 6: Efficiency of the joint

= ( strength of the joint along row1 , row2 , row3
……(Least))/ solid plate strength.

Solid plate strength = bd[σt]

 Design of Riveted joints
(Structural Members)
Problem: Two tie-bar plates of a bridge structure, 250 mm wide and
20 mm thick, are to be connected by a double-strap butt joint. The
rivets and the plates are made of steel. The permissible stresses in
tension, shear and compression are 80, 60 and 120 N/mm2.
respectively.
(i) Determine the diameter of the rivet by
using the following empirical
relationship. 𝑑 = 6 𝑡 where t is the
plate thickness
(ii) Determine the number of rivets by
equating the strength of plate with the
strength of rivets in double shear is 1.875
times its resistance in single shear.
(iii) Show the arrangement of rivets.
(iv) Determine the efficiency of the joint.
 Design of Riveted joints
(Structural Members)

(i) Diameter of Rivets:

𝑑 = 6 𝑡 = 6 20 = 26.83 Standard diameter d = 27 mm

(ii) Number of Rivets:

• Shear Resistance of one rivet in Double shear
𝜋 2 𝜋
𝑃𝑠 = 1.875 𝑑 𝜏 = 1.875 × 272 × 60 = 64412.47 𝑁
4 4
• Crushing Resistance of one rivet
𝑃𝑐 = 𝑑𝑡𝜎𝑐 = 27 × 20 × 120 = 64800 𝑁
 Design of Riveted joints
(Structural Members)

𝑃𝑠 < 𝑃𝐶

• Shear strength of the rivet is the criterion of design. So, the

rivets are arranged that there is only one rivet in the outer row.

Tensile Strength of the Plate in the outer row

𝑃𝑡 = 𝑤 − 𝑑 𝑡 𝜎𝑡 = 250 − 27 × 20 × 80 = 3,56,800 𝑁

Equating the strength of plate with the shear strength of n rivets

3,56,800 = 𝑛 64,412.47 ∴ 𝑛 = 5.54 𝑜𝑟 6

 Design of Riveted joints
(Structural Members)

• (iii) Arrangement of Rivets:

– Six rivets in three rows
– The diamond shape
arrangement is called
Lozenge Joint

Margin: 𝑚 = 1.5𝑑 = 15 × 27 = 40.5 𝑜𝑟 45 𝑚𝑚

Transverse Pitch: PSG DB: 7.126
For Equal No. of rivets in all rows and Chain arrangement
𝑃𝑏  2𝑑 = 2 × 27 = 54 𝑜𝑟 55 𝑚𝑚
 Design of Riveted joints
(Structural Members)

• Cover or strap thickness: PSG DB: 7.127

For double cover of equal widths
𝑡1 = 0.625 𝑡 = 0.625 × 20 = 12.5 𝑚𝑚
 Design of Riveted joints
(Structural Members)

• Tutorial: Mild steel bars for a bridge structure 40 cm

wide and 2 cm thick are to be connected by a double
cover butt joint. Design the joint.
 Design of Riveted joints
(Design of Circumferential Joint)

• Tutorial: A steam boiler is to designed for a working

pressure of 2.5 N/mm2 with its inside diameter 1.6 m.
Give the design calculations for the longitudinal and
circumferential joints for the following working stresses
for steel plates and rivets:
• In tension = 75 Mpa; In shear = 60 MPa; In crushing =
125 Mpa.
• Draw the joints to a suitable scale.
 References

• 1. “Design of Machine Elements” by V B Bhandari

• 2. “A Textbook of Machine Design” by R.S. KHURMI
and J.K. GUPTA
• 3. PSG Design Data Book