AISC 360-22 Chapter J | Bolt Shear and Bearing Strength
Bolted steel connections transfer load either by direct shear across the bolt shanks or by the bolt pressing against the edge of the steel hole (bearing and tearout). The weaker mechanism controls the connection strength.
Governing Formula
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Notation & Variables
Worked Example
Calculate bolt shear
For a 3/4" ASTM F3125 Grade A325 bolt (threads excluded, X): Ab = 0.4418 in², Fnv = 68 ksi. φrn = 0.75 * 68 * 0.4418 = 22.53 kips/bolt.
Check bearing limit
For 3/8" plate (Fu = 65 ksi) and 3/4" bolt: 2.4 * d * t * Fu = 2.4 * 0.75 * 0.375 * 65 = 43.88 kips.
Identify governing limit
Bolt shear (22.53 kips) is less than bearing capacity (43.88 kips), so bolt shear governs.
When does this govern?
Tearout governs when bolt holes are drilled too close to the end plate edge (lc < 1.5d).
Common Mistake
Assuming threads are excluded (X condition) without explicitly specifying it in the structural drawing notes, which overestimates shear capacity by 20% compared to threads included (N condition).