RIVETED JOINTS

CLASSIFICATION OF FASTENINGS
The fastenings (i.e. joints) may be classified into the following
two groups :
1. Permanent fastenings, and
2. Temporary or detachable 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
The temporary or detachable fastenings are those fastenings
which can be disassembled without destroying the connecting
components. The examples of temporary fastenings are
screws, keys, cotters, and pins
WHAT IS A RIVET?
 A rivet is a permanent mechanical fastener. 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
 RIVET
 Before the rivet is installed it consists of a smooth
cylindrical shaft with a head on one end.
 The end opposite the head is called the buck-tail.

 On installation the rivet is placed in a punched or pre-

drilled hole. Then the tail is "upset" (i.e. deformed) so
that it expands to about 1.5 times the original shaft
diameter and holds the rivet in place.
 Because there is effectively a head on each end of an
installed rivet it can support tension loads (loads
parallel to the axis of the shaft); however, it is much
more capable of supporting shear loads (loads
perpendicular to the axis of the shaft).
METHODS OF RIVETING
 The function of rivets in a joint is to make a connection
that has strength and tightness.
 When two plates are to be fastened together by a rivet,
the holes in the plates are punched and reamed or drilled

 In structural and pressure vessel riveting, the diameter of

the rivet hole is usually 1.5mm larger than the nominal
diameter of the rivet
METHODS OF RIVETING
 The plates are drilled together and then separated to remove
any burrs or chips so as to have a tight flush joint between the
plates
 A cold rivet or a red hot rivet is introduced into the plates and
the point (i.e. second head) is then formed
 In hand riveting, the original rivet head is backed up by a
hammer or heavy bar and then the die or set, is placed against
the end to be headed and the blows are applied by a hammer
 This causes the shank to expand thus filling the hole and the
tail is converted into a point as shown
 As the rivet cools, it tends to contract. The lateral contraction
will be slight, but there will be a longitudinal tension
introduced in the rivet which holds the plates firmly together
MATERIAL OF RIVETS
 The material of the rivets must be tough and ductile.
 They are usually made of steel (low carbon steel or
nickel steel), brass, aluminum or copper
 When strength and a fluid tight joint is the main
consideration, then the steel rivets are used
TYPES OF RIVETED JOINTS
 There are the two types of riveted joints, depending upon
the way in which the plates are connected:
1. Lap Joint: A lap joint is that in which one plate overlaps
the other and the two plates are then riveted together
2. Butt Joint: A butt joint is that in which the main plates are
kept in butting each other and a cover plate (i.e. strap) is
placed either on one side or on both sides of the alignment
main plates. The cover plate is then riveted together with
the main plates
 TYPES OF RIVETED JOINTS
 Butt joints are of the following two types :
1. Single strap butt joint, and 2. Double strap butt
joint.
 Following are the types of riveted joints depending
upon the number of rows of the rivets:
A single riveted joint is that in which there is a single
row of rivets in a lap joint as shown
and there is a single row of rivets on each side in a
butt joint as shown
TYPES OF RIVETED JOINTS
 A double riveted joint is that in which there are two rows
of rivets in a lap joint as shown
TYPES OF RIVETED JOINTS
and there are two rows of rivets on each side in a butt joint
as shown
 NOTE REGARDING LAP AND BUTT
JOINT
 Since the plates overlap in lap joints, therefore the force P
acting on the plates are not in the same straight line but they
are at a distance equal to the thickness of the plate. These
forces will form a couple which may bend the joint.
 The forces P in a butt joint act in the same straight line,
therefore, there will be no couple.
 TERMS USED IN RIVETED JOINTS

Pitch. It is the distance from the centre of one rivet to the centre of the next
rivet measured parallel to the seam as shown. It is usually denoted by p.
Back pitch. It is the perpendicular distance between the centre lines of the
successive rows (pb)
Diagonal pitch. It is the distance between the centers of the rivets in
adjacent rows of zig-zag riveted joint (pd)
Margin or marginal pitch. It is the distance between the centre of rivet
hole to the nearest edge of the plate (m)
FAILURES OF A RIVETED JOINT
1. 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
FAILURES OF A RIVETED JOINT
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

The resistance offered by the plate against tearing is known as

tearing resistance or tearing strength or tearing value of
the plate
 TEARING RESISTANCE
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
Tearing area per pitch length:
A t = (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.
FAILURES OF A RIVETED JOINT
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

The resistance offered by a rivet to be sheared off is known as

shearing resistance or shearing strength or shearing value
of the rivet
SHEARING RESISTANCE OF RIVETS
Let: d = Diameter of the rivet hole,
τ = Safe permissible shear stress for the rivet material,
and
n = Number of rivets per pitch length.
Shearing Area:
As = (π/4)d2 (Single Shear)
= 2 (π/4)d2 (Double Shear)
Shearing resistance or pull required to shear off the rivet per
pitch length:
Ps = n(π/4)d2 τ (Single Shear)
= 2 × n (π/4)d2 τ (Double Shear)
 When the shearing resistance (Ps) is greater than the applied
load (P) per pitch length, then this type of failure will occur
FAILURES OF A RIVETED JOINT
4. Crushing of the plate or rivets.

 Due to crushing failure, 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 failure.
 The resistance offered by a rivet to be crushed is known as
crushing resistance or crushing strength or bearing value
of the rivet
CRUSHING RESISTANCE OF RIVETS
d = Diameter of the rivet hole,
t = Thickness of the plate,
σc = Safe permissible crushing stress for the rivet or plate
material, and
n = Number of rivets per pitch length under crushing
Crushing area per rivet (i.e. projected area per rivet):
Ac = d.t
Total crushing area = n.d.t
Crushing resistance or pull required to crush the rivet per pitch
length
Pc = n.d.t.σc
 When the crushing resistance (Pc) is greater than the applied
load (P) per pitch length, then this type of failure will not occur
STRENGTH OF RIVETED JOINTS

 The strength of a joint may be defined as the maximum force,

which it can transmit, without causing it to fail
 Pt, Ps and Pc are the pulls required to tear off the plate, shear
off the rivet, and crush off the rivet.
 If we go on increasing the pull on a riveted joint, it will fail
when the least of these three pulls is reached,
EFFICIENCY OF RIVETED JOINTS
 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
 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
∴ Efficiency of the riveted joint:
η = (Least of Pt, Ps and Pc) / (p × t × σt)
p = Pitch of the rivets,
t = Thickness of the plate, and
σt = Permissible tensile stress of the plate material
EXAMPLE 9.2.

Find the efficiency of the following riveted joints :

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

 Permissible shearing stress in rivets = 90MPa

 Permissible crushing stress in rivets = 180MPa

SOLUTION – EXAMPLE 9.2
Given: t = 6mm; d = 20mm; σt = 120MPa = 120N/mm2; τ =
90MPa = 90N/mm2; σc = 180MPa = 180N/mm2
Solution:
1. Efficiency of the first joint:

p = 50mm
(i) Tearing resistance of the plate
Pt = (p – d)t × σt = (50 – 20) 6 × 120 = 21600N
(ii) Shearing resistance of the rivet
Ps = π/4 × d2 × τ = π/4 (20)2 90 = 28278N
(iii) Crushing resistance of the rivet
Pc = d × t × σc = 20 × 6 × 180 = 21600N
SOLUTION – EXAMPLE 9.2
∴ Strength of the joint = Least of Pt, Ps and Pc = 21600 N
Strength of the unriveted or solid plate:
P = p × t × σt = 50 × 6 × 120 = 36000N
∴ Efficiency of the joint:
η = (Least of Pt , Ps and Pc) / P = 21600/36000 = 60%
2. Efficiency of the second joint
Pitch, p = 65mm
i) Tearing resistance of the plate
Pt = (p – d)t × σt = (65 – 20) 6 × 120 = 32400N
(ii) Shearing resistance of the rivet
Ps = n × π/4 × d2 × τ = 2 × π/4 (20)2 90 = 56556N
(iii) Crushing resistance of the rivet
Pc = n × d × t × σc = 2 × 20 × 6 × 180 = 43200N
SOLUTION – EXAMPLE 9.2
The strength of the unriveted or solid plate:
P = p × t × σt = 65 × 6 × 120 = 46800N
∴ Efficiency of the joint:
η = (Least of Pt , Ps and Pc) / P = 32400/46800 = 69.2%

Examples 9.1 and 9.3 -> Do yourself

 RIVETED JOINT FOR STRUCTURAL
USE –JOINTS OF UNIFORM STRENGTH
 A riveted joint known as Lozenge joint
used for roof, bridge work or girders
etc. is shown (triple riveted double
strap butt joint.)
 In such a joint, diamond riveting is
employed so that the joint is made of
uniform strength
1. Diameter of Rivet
d = 6(t)1/2
The sizes of rivets for general purposes
are given in the table 9.7
RIVETED JOINT FOR STRUCTURAL
USE –JOINTS OF UNIFORM STRENGTH
2. Number of Rivets
The number of rivets required for the joint may be obtained by
the shearing or crushing resistance of the rivets
Let Pt = Maximum pull acting on the joint. This is the tearing
resistance of the plate at the outer row which has only one
rivet
= ( b – d ) t × σt
n = Number of rivets
Since the joint is double strap butt joint, therefore the rivets are
in double shear. It is assumed that resistance of a rivet in
double shear is 1.75 times than in single shear in order to
allow for possible eccentricity of load and defective
workmanship.
RIVETED JOINT FOR STRUCTURAL
USE –JOINTS OF UNIFORM STRENGTH
∴ Shearing resistance of one rivet,
Ps = 1.75 × (π/4) × d2 × τ
and crushing resistance of one rivet,
Pc = d × t × σc
Number of rivets required for the joint,
n = Pt / (Least of Ps or Pc)
3. From the number of rivets, the number of rows and the
number of rivets in each row is decided.
4. Thickness of the butt straps
The thickness of the butt strap,
t1 = 1.25t, for single cover strap
= 0.75t, for double cover strap
 RIVETED JOINT FOR STRUCTURAL
USE –JOINTS OF UNIFORM STRENGTH

 At section 1-1, there is only one rivet

hole
∴ Resistance of the joint in tearing along
1-1,
Pt1 = (b – d ) t × σt
 At section 2-2, there are two rivet
holes.
∴ Resistance of the joint in tearing along
2-2,
Pt2 = (b – 2d ) t × σt + Strength of one
rivet in front of section 2-2
 RIVETED JOINT FOR STRUCTURAL
USE –JOINTS OF UNIFORM STRENGTH
 Similarly at section 3-3 there are three
rivet holes.
∴ Resistance of the joint in tearing along
3-3,
Pt3 = (b – 3d ) t × σt + Strength of 3 rivets
in front of section 3-3
 The strength of unriveted plate,

P = b × t × σt
∴ Efficiency of the joint,
η = (Least of Pt1, Pt2 , Pt3, Ps or Pc)/P
RIVETED JOINT FOR STRUCTURAL
USE –JOINTS OF UNIFORM STRENGTH

6. The pitch of the rivets is obtained by equating the

strength of the joint in tension to the strength of the
rivets in shear. See table 9.8 for details
7. The marginal pitch (m) should not be less than 1.5 d.
8. The distance between the rows of rivets is 2.5d to 3d
EXAMPLE 9.11.
Two lengths of mild steel tie rod having width 200 mm and
thickness 12.5mm are to be connected by means of a butt
joint with double cover plates. Design the joint if the
permissible stresses are 80MPa in tension, 65MPa in shear
and 160MPa in crushing. Make a sketch of the joint.
Given: b = 200mm; t = 12.5mm; σt = 80MPa = 80N/mm2 ; τ =
65MPa = 65N/mm2; σc = 160MPa = 160N/mm2
Solution:
1. Diameter of rivet
d = 6 (t)1/2 = 6 (12.5) 1/2 = 21.2mm.
From table 9.7, we take diameter of hole as 21.5mm and
diameter of rivet as 20mm
EXAMPLE 9.11.
2. Number of rivets
Maximum pull acting on the joint,
Pt = (b – d ) t × σt = (200 – 21.5) 12.5 × 80 = 178500N
Since the joint is a butt joint with double cover plates, therefore,
the rivets are in double shear. Assume that the resistance of
the rivet in double shear is 1.75 times than in single shear
∴ Shearing resistance of one rivet:
Ps = 1.75 × (π/4) × d2 × τ = 1.75 × (π/4) × (21.5)2 65 =
41300N
And crushing resistance of one rivet:
Pc = d × t × σc = 21.5 × 12.5 × 160 = 43000N
 EXAMPLE 9.11.
Since the shearing resistance is less than the crushing resistance,
therefore number of rivets required for the joint:
N = Pt / Ps = 178500/41300 = 4.32 say 5
3. The arrangement of the rivets is shown
EXAMPLE 9.11.
4. Thickness of butt straps
t1 = 0.75 t = 0.75 × 12.5 = 9.375 say 9.4mm
5. Efficiency of the joint
Find the resistances along the sections 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3.
At section 1-1, there is only one rivet hole.
EXAMPLE 9.11.
∴ Resistance of the joint in tearing along section 1-1:
Pt1 = (b – d)t × σt = (200 – 21.5) 12.5 × 80 = 178500N
At section 2-2, there are two rivet holes. In this case, the tearing
of the plate will only take place if the rivet at section 1-1 (in
front of section 2-2) shears
∴ Resistance of the joint in tearing along section 2-2:
Pt2 = (b – 2d)t × σt + Shearing resistance of one rivet
= (200 – 2 × 21.5 ) 12.5 × 80 + 41300 = 198300N
At section 3-3, there are two rivet holes. The tearing of the
plate will only take place if one rivet at section 1-1 and two
rivets at section 2-2 shears
EXAMPLE 9.11.
∴ Resistance of the joint in tearing along section 3-3:
Pt3 = (b – 2d) t × σt + Shearing resistance of 3 rivets
= (200 – 2 × 21.5) 12.5 × 80 + 3 × 41300 = 280900N
Shearing resistance of all the 5 rivets:
Ps = 5 × 41300 = 206500N
and crushing resistance of all the 5 rivets,
Pc = 5 × 43000 = 215000N
Since the strength of the joint is the least value of Pt1, Pt2 , Pt3,
Ps or Pc, therefore, strength of the joint:
= 178500N along section 1-1
Strength of the un-riveted plate:
= b × t × σt = 20 × 12.5 × 80 = 200000N
EXAMPLE 9.11.
∴ Efficiency of the joint:
η = (Strength of the joint) / (Strength of the unriveted
plate)
= 178500/200000 = 89.25%
6. Pitch of rivets
p = 3 d + 5 mm = (3 × 21.5) + 5 = 69.5 say 70mm
7. Marginal pitch:
m = 1.5d = 1.5 × 21.5 = 33.25 say 35mm
8. Distance between the rows of rivets
= 2.5 d = 2.5 × 21.5 = 53.75 say 55mm

Examples 9.12 & 9.13 (Do yourself)

 HOMEWORK

Chapter No. 9 (Khurmi Book)

Problems 1 – 7; 13 – 15
PROBLEM # 5
 A double riveted lap joint with chain riveting is to be
made for joining two plates 10mm thick. The allowable
stresses are : σt = 60MPa ; τ = 50MPa and σc = 80MPa.
Find the rivet diameter, pitch of rivets and distance
between rows of rivets. Also find the efficiency of the
joint
Given:
t = 10mm; σt = 60MPa; τ = 50MPa; σc = 80MPa; d = ?; p
= ?; pd = ?; η = ?
Solution:
d = 6 (t)1/2 = 6 (10) 1/2 = 18.97mm
We take d = 20mm as directed in table 9.3
PROBLEM # 5
Ps = n × π/4 × d2 × τ = 2 × π/4 (20)2 × 50 = 31415.9N
Pc = n × d × t × σc = 2 × 20 × 10 × 80 = 32000N
Since Pc > Ps, we take Pmax = Pc = 32000N
Pmax = Pt = (p – d)t × σt
32000 = (p – 20) × 10 × 60
 p = 73mm

pb = 0.33p + 0.67d = 0.33(73) + 0.67(20) = 37.49 or 38mm

Strength of the unriveted or solid plate:
P = p × t × σt = 73 × 10 × 60 = 43800N
η = (Least of Pt , Ps and Pc) / P = 31415.9/43800 = 71.7%
PROBLEM # 13
 Two mild steel tie bars for a bridge structure are to be
joined by a double cover butt joint. The thickness of the
tie bar is 20mm and carries a tensile load of 400kN.
Design the joint if the allowable stresses are : σt =
90MPa ; τ = 75MPa and σc = 150Mpa. Assume the
strength of rivet in double shear to be 1.75 times that of
in single shear
Given:
t = 20mm; Pt = 400000N; σt = 90MPa ; τ = 75MPa; σc =
150Mpa; d = ?; b = ?; n = ?; η = ?
Solution:
Diameter of rivet: d = 6 (t)1/2 = 6 (20) 1/2 = 26.82 or 27mm
PROBLEM # 13
Width of plate:
Pt = (b – d)t × σt
400000 = (b – 27) × 20 × 90
 b = 249mm or 250mm

Number of rivets per plate:

Ps = 1.75 × π/4 × d2 × τ = 1.75 × π/4 (27)2 × 75 =
75148N
n = Pt/Ps = 400000/75148 = 5.32 or 6
Efficiency of the joint:
Strength of unriveted plate = P = btσt = 249.20.90
P = 448200N
Pc = d × t × σc = 27 × 20 × 150 = 81000N
The sketch of the joint is as shown.
Resistance of the joint in tearing along 1- PROBLEM # 13
1:
Pt1 = (b – d)t × σt = 400000N
Resistance of the joint in tearing along 2-
2:
Pt2 = (b – 2d)t × σt + Shearing resistance
of 1 rivet
= (250 – 2.27).20.90 + 75148 =
427947.8N
Resistance of the joint in tearing along 3-
3:
Pt2 = (b – 3d)t × σt + Shearing resistance
of 3 rivets
= (250 – 3.27)20.90 + 3.75148 = 529643N
PROBLEM # 13
Shearing resistance of all 6 rivets:
= 6Ps = 6.75148 = 450886.8N
Crushing resistance of all 6 rivets:
= 6Pc = 6.81000 = 486000N
Since the strength of the joint is the least value of Pt1, Pt2 , Pt3,
Ps or Pc, therefore, strength of the joint:
= 400000N
η = 400,000/P = 400000/448200 = 89.2%