Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr.

Mohammed Altemimi

(( Riveted Joints ))

Instructional Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to understand:
1. Definition of riveted joints and the types of the fastenings.
2. Standard riveted joints materials.
3. Types of riveted joints.
4. Design considerations for riveted joints.

1. 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, as shown in Figure. 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. The
fastenings (i.e. joints) may be classified into the following two
groups :

1.1. Permanent fastenings,

The permanent fastenings are those fastenings, which can not be disassembled without
destroying the connecting components. The examples of permanent fastenings in order of
strength are soldered, brazed, welded, and riveted joints.

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

1.2. Temporary fastenings.

The temporary fastenings are those fastenings which can be disassembled without
destroying the connecting components. The examples of temporary fastenings are
screwed, keys, cotters, pins and splined joints.

Figure 1: Types of joints.

2. Material for rivets

The material of the rivets must be tough and ductile. They are usually made of steel
(low carbon steel or nickel steel), brass, aluminium or copper, but when strength and a
fluid tight joint is the main consideration, then the steel rivets are used.

3. Types of rivet joints

Following are the two types of riveted joints, depending upon the way in which the
plates are connected.

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

3.1. Lap joint.

A lap joint is that in which one plate overlaps the other and the two plates are then
riveted together.

Figure 2: Lap joint.

3.2. Butt joint.

A butt joint is that in which 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 on both sides of the
main plates. The cover plate is then riveted together with the main plates. Butt joints are
of the following two types :

1. Single strap butt joint, and 2. Double strap butt joint.

In a single strap butt joint, the edges of the main plates butt against each other and
only one cover plate is placed on one side of the main plates and then riveted together.

In a double strap butt joint, the edges of the main plates butt against each other and
two cover plates are placed on both sides of the main plates and then riveted together.

Figure 3: Butt joint.

Notes: The lap joints may be used only where small loads are to be transmitted. While,
the butt joints are used where heavy loads are to be transmitted.

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4. Important terms used in riveted joints

The following terms in connection with the riveted joints are important from the
subject point of view :

1. Pitch: It is the distance from the center of one rivet to the centre of the next rivet
measured parallel to the seam as shown in Figure 4. It is usually denoted by (𝑝).

2. Back pitch: It is the perpendicular distance between the center lines of the
successive rows as shown in Figure 4. It is usually denoted by (𝑝𝑏 ).

3. Diagonal pitch: It is the distance between the centers of the rivets in adjacent rows
of zig-zag riveted joint as shown in Figure 4. It is usually denoted by(𝑝𝑑 ).

4. Margin or marginal pitch: It is the distance between the centre of rivet hole to the
nearest edge of the plate as shown in Figure 4. It is usually denoted by (𝑚).

Figure 4: Important terms of riveted joints.

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

Note: When the rivets in the various rows are opposite to each other, as shown in Figure
5, then the joint is said to be chain riveted. On the other hand, if the rivets in the adjacent
rows are staggered in such a way that every rivet is in the middle of the two rivets of the
opposite row as shown in Figure 5, then the joint is said to be zig-zag riveted.

Figure 5: Chain and Zig-zag riveting.

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

5. Failures of a riveted joint

A riveted joint may fail in the following ways:

5.1. Tearing of the plate at an edge.

A joint may fail due to tearing of

the plate at an edge as shown in
Figure 6. This can be avoided by
keeping the margin,

𝒎 = 𝟏. 𝟓𝒅

where: d : The diameter of the rivet

hole (the hole in the plat).

Figure 6: Tearing of the plate at an edge.

5.2. Tearing of the plate across a row of rivets.

Due to the tensile stresses in the main plates, the main plate or cover plates may tear
off across a row of rivets as shown in Figure 7. In such cases, we consider only one pitch
length of the plate, since every rivet is responsible for that much length of the plate only.

The resistance offered by the plate against tearing is known as tearing resistance or
tearing strength or tearing value of the plate.

Where 𝑝 : Pitch of the rivets in 𝑚𝑚 unit.

𝑑 : Diameter of the rivet hole in 𝑚𝑚 unit.
𝑡 : Thickness of the plate in 𝑚𝑚 unit.
𝜎𝑡 : Permissible tensile stress for the plate material in 𝑀𝑃𝑎 unit.

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

We know that tearing area per pitch

length (𝐴𝑡 ),

𝑨𝒕 = (𝒑 − 𝒅). 𝒕

∴ Tearing resistance or pull required to

tear off the plate per pitch length,

𝑷𝒕 = 𝑨𝒕 . 𝝈𝒕 = (𝒑 – 𝒅) 𝒕. 𝝈𝒕

Note:

When the tearing resistance (𝑷𝒕 ) is

greater than the applied load (𝑷) per
pitch length, then this type of failure
will not occur.

Figure 7: Tearing of the plate across

the rows of rivets.

5.3. Shearing of the rivets.

The plates, which are connected by the rivets exert tensile stress on the rivets, and if
the rivets are unable to resist the stress, they are sheared off as shown in Figure 8. It may
be noted that the rivets are in single shear in a lap joint and in a single cover butt joint, as
shown in Figure 8. But the rivets are in double shear in a double cover butt joint as shown
in Figure 9. The resistance offered by a rivet to be sheared off is known as shearing
resistance or shearing strength or shearing value of the rivet.

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Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

Figure 8: Shearing of rivets.

Figure 9: Shearing off a rivet in double cover butt joint.

Let 𝑑 : Diameter of the rivet hole in 𝑚𝑚 unit.

𝜏 : Safe permissible shear stress for the rivet material in 𝑀𝑃𝑎 unit.
𝑛 : Number of rivets per pitch length.
𝐴𝑠 : Shearing area of the rivet in 𝑚𝑚2 unit.

Therefore,

𝝅
 𝑨𝒔 = 𝒅𝟐 ...(In single shear)
𝟒

𝝅
 𝑨𝒔 = 𝟐 × 𝒅𝟐 ...(Theoretically, in double shear)
𝟒

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∴ Shearing resistance or pull required to shear off the rivet per pitch length, as shown
in figure 10.
𝝅
 𝑷𝒔 = 𝒏 × 𝒅𝟐 × 𝝉 ...(In single shear)
𝟒

𝝅
 𝑷𝒔 = 𝒏 × 𝟐 × 𝒅𝟐 × 𝝉 ...(Theoretically, in double shear)
𝟒

Single riveted single cover butt joint Single riveted double cover butt joint

Figure 10: Shearing resistance of many numbers of rivets.

Note:

When the shearing resistance (𝑷𝒔 ) is greater than the applied load (𝑷) per pitch
length, then this type of failure will occur.

5.4. Crushing of the plate or rivets.

Sometimes, the rivets do not actually shear off under the tensile stress, but are crushed
as shown in Figure 11. Due to this, the rivet hole becomes of an oval shape and hence the
joint becomes loose. The failure of rivets in such a manner is also known as bearing

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

failure. The area, which resists this action, is the projected area of the hole or rivet on
diametral plane.

Figure 11: Crushing of a rivet.

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

crushing strength or bearing value of the rivet.

Let 𝑑 : Diameter of the rivet hole in 𝑚𝑚 unit.

𝑡 : Thickness of the plate in 𝑚𝑚 unit.
𝜎𝑐 : Safe permissible crushing stress for the rivet or plate material in
𝑀𝑃𝑎 unit.
𝑛 : Number of rivets per pitch length under crushing.
𝐴𝑐 : Crushing area per rivet in 𝑚𝑚2 unit.

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

We know that crushing area per rivet (i.e. projected area per rivet),

𝑨𝒄 = 𝒅. 𝒕

∴ 𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 = 𝒏. 𝒅. 𝒕

and crushing resistance or pull required to crush the rivet per pitch length,

𝑷𝒄 = 𝒏. 𝒅. 𝒕. 𝝈𝒄

Notes:

1. When the crushing resistance (𝑷𝒄 ) is greater than the applied load (𝑷) per pitch
length, then this type of failure will occur.
2. The number of rivets under shear shall be equal to the number of rivets under
crushing.

6. Strength of a Riveted Joints

The strength of a joint may be defined as the maximum force, which it can transmit,
without causing it to fail. We have seen in figure 12 that 𝑷𝒕 , 𝑷𝒔 and 𝑷𝒄 are the pulls
required to tear off the plate, shearing off the rivet and crushing off the rivet. A little
consideration will show that if we go on increasing the pull on a riveted joint, it will fail
when the least of these three pulls is reached, as shown in figure 13. Because a higher
value of the other pulls will never reach since the joint has failed, either by tearing off the
plate, shearing off the rivet or crushing off the rivet.

On the other hand, the minimum required rivet diameter must be choose as a maximum
dimeter due to the tearing of the plate across a row of rivets, shearing of the rivets, and
crushing of the plate or riveting joint design, as shown in figure 14.

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Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

Figure 12: Caulking and fullering in riveted joints.

120 120

100 100
100 100
80 80
80
Force (N)

Force (N)

60 60
60 60
40 40
40
20 20

0 0
Pt Ps Pc Pt Ps Pc

∴ 𝑃 = 𝑃𝑠 = 60 𝑁 ∴ 𝑃 = 𝑃𝑐 = 40 𝑁
90.2 120
90
90 100
89.8
98
89.6 80
Force (N)

Force (N)

89.4 89.5
60 70 70
89.2
89 40
89
88.8
20
88.6
88.4 0
Pt Ps Pc Pt Ps Pc

∴ 𝑃 = 𝑃𝑡 = 89 𝑁 ∴ 𝑃 = 𝑃𝑠 = 𝑃𝑐 = 70 𝑁

Figure 13: Example of choosing the maximum force applying on the rivet joint.

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

120 120

100 100
100 100
Rivet Diameter (mm)

Rivet Diameter (mm)

80 80
80
60 60
60 60
40 40
40
20 20

0 0
dt ds dc dt ds dc

∴ 𝑑 = 𝑑𝑡 = 100 𝑚𝑚 ∴ 𝑑 = 𝑑𝑡 = 100 𝑚𝑚

90.2 120
90
90 100
89.8
98
Rivet Diameter (mm)

Rivet Diameter (mm)

89.6 80
89.4 89.5
60 70 70
89.2
89 40
89
88.8
20
88.6
88.4 0
dt ds dc dt ds dc

∴ 𝑃 = 𝑃𝑠 = 90 𝑚𝑚 ∴ 𝑑 = 𝑑𝑡 = 98 𝑚𝑚

Figure 14: Example of choosing the minimum required rivet diameter.

7. Efficiency of a Riveted Joint

The efficiency of a riveted joint is defined as the ratio of the strength of riveted joint
to the strength of the un-riveted or solid plate.

We have already discussed that strength of the riveted joint

= 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒕 , 𝑷𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒄

Strength of the un-riveted or solid plate per pitch length,

𝑷 = 𝒑 × 𝒕 × 𝝈𝒕

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

∴ Efficiency of the riveted joint,

𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒕 , 𝑷𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒄
𝜼 =
𝒑 × 𝒕 × 𝝈𝒕

Where 𝑝 : Pitch of the rivets in 𝑚𝑚 unit.

𝑡 : Thickness of the plate in 𝑚𝑚 unit.
𝝈𝒕 : Permissible tensile stress of the plate material in 𝑀𝑃𝑎 unit.

Example 1. A double riveted lap joint is made between 15 mm thick plates. The rivet
diameter and pitch are 25 mm and 75 mm respectively. If the ultimate stresses are 400
MPa in tension, 320 MPa in shear and 640 MPa in crushing, find the minimum force per
pitch, which will rupture the joint.
If the above joint is subjected to a load such that the factor of safety is 4, find out the
actual stresses developed in the plates and the rivets.

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Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

Example 2. Find the efficiency of the following riveted joints:

1. Single riveted lap joint of 6 𝑚𝑚 plates with 20 𝑚𝑚 diameter rivets having a pitch of
50 𝑚𝑚.
2. Double riveted lap joint of 6 𝑚𝑚 plates with 20 𝑚𝑚 diameter rivets having a pitch of
65 𝑚𝑚.
Assume
Permissible tensile stress in plate = 120 𝑀𝑃𝑎
Permissible shearing stress in rivets = 90 𝑀𝑃𝑎
Permissible crushing stress in rivets = 180 𝑀𝑃𝑎

Single riveted lap joint Double riveted lap joint

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Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

Example 3. A double riveted double cover butt joint in plates 20 mm thick is made with
25 mm diameter rivets at 100 mm pitch. The permissible stresses are :
𝜎𝑡 = 120 𝑀𝑃𝑎; 𝜏 = 100 𝑀𝑃𝑎; 𝜎𝑐 = 150 𝑀𝑃𝑎
Find the efficiency of joint, taking the strength of the rivet in double shear as twice than
that of single shear.

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

Example 4. A single riveted lap joint is made in 15 mm thick plates with 20 mm diameter
rivets. Determine the strength of the joint, if the pitch of rivets is 60 mm. Take
𝜎𝑡 = 120 𝑀𝑃𝑎; 𝜏 = 90 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜎𝑐 = 160 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
[Ans. 28 280 N]

Example 5. Two plates 16 mm thick are joined by a double riveted lap joint. The pitch of
each row of rivets is 90 mm. The rivets are 25 mm in diameter. The permissible stresses
are as follows :

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 Lecture (2) Riveted Joints Dr. Mohammed Altemimi

𝜎𝑡 = 140 𝑀𝑃𝑎 ; 𝜏 = 110 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜎𝑐 = 240 𝑀𝑃𝑎

Find the efficiency of the joint.
[Ans. 53.5%]

Example 6. A single riveted double cover butt joint is made in 10 mm thick plates with
20 mm diameter rivets with a pitch of 60 mm. Calculate the efficiency of the joint, if
𝜎𝑡 = 100 𝑀𝑃𝑎 ; 𝜏 = 80 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜎𝑐 = 160 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
[Ans. 53.8%]

Example 7. A double riveted double cover butt joint is made in 12 mm thick plates with
18 mm diameter rivets.
Find the efficiency of the joint for a pitch of 80 mm, if
𝜎𝑡 = 115 𝑀𝑃𝑎 ; 𝜏 = 80 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜎𝑐 = 160 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
[Ans. 62.6%]

Example 8. A double riveted lap joint with chain riveting is to be made for joining two
plates 10 mm thick. The allowable stresses are :
𝜎𝑡 = 60 𝑀𝑃𝑎 ; 𝜏 = 50 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜎𝑐 = 80 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
Find the rivet diameter, pitch of rivets and distance between rows of rivets. Also find the
efficiency of the joint.
[Ans. d = 20 mm ; p = 73 mm; pb = 38 mm; η = 71.7%]

Example 9. A triple riveted lap joint with zig-zag riveting is to be designed to connect
two plates of 6 mm thickness.
Determine the dia. of rivet, pitch of rivets and distance between the rows of rivet. Indicate
how the joint will fail. Assume :
𝜎𝑡 = 120 𝑀𝑃𝑎 ; 𝜏 = 100 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜎𝑐 = 150 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
[Ans. d = 14 mm ; p = 78 mm; pb = 35.2 mm]

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