Riveted Joints

Joints used in mechanical assemblies are

classified into two groups –

1. Permanent joints
Joints that cannot be dis-assembled
without damaging the assembled parts.
(Welded joints, Riveted joints etc..)

2. Separable joints
Joints that allow dis-assembly and re-
assembly without damaging the assembled
parts. (Bolted joints, Cotter joints, etc..)
 Riveted Joints
• Rivets are specified by shank diameter.
• Standard sizes of rivets are 12, 14, 16, 18, 20,
22, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42 and 48 mm.
• Methods of riveting – Hand riveting and
machine reveting.
 Riveted Joints

Hand riveting: Die is hammered

Machine riveting: Pneumatic, hydraulic or steam pressure is used

Hot vs Cold riveting: End of rivet shank is heated to 1000-1100 oC

before applying blows. In cold riveting no heating is done.
 Riveted Joints
• In hot riveting, when the rivets cool,
the reduction in the length of the
shank is prevented by the heads
resting against the connected
members.
• Therefore, the shank portion of the
rivet is subjected to tensile stress
while the connected parts are
compressed.
• The compression of the connected
parts cause friction, which resists
the sliding of one part with respect
to another.
• Hot riveting is recommended for
fluid tight joints in pressure vessels.
 Riveted Joints
• The material of rivets must be tough and ductile.
• Steel, brass, aluminium or copper are generally
used.
Types of Riveted joints:
1. Lap joints -> one plate overlaps the other and
they are riveted together.
2. Butt joints -> Plates to be joined are placed in
alignment next to each other in the same plane
and a strap or cover plate is laced over these
plates and riveted to each plate.
 Lap joints
• Depending on number of rows, lap joints are
classified into single-riveted, double-riveted or
triple riveted lap joints.

Number of rivets per pitch length, n = 1 Number of rivets per pitch length, n = 2
 Lap joints
• The rivets can also be arranged in chain or zig-zag
pattern.

Number of rivets per pitch length, n = 3 Number of rivets per pitch length, n = 3
 Butt joints
• Butt joints can be classified as single strap or
double strap.

Single shear

Double shear

Number of rivets per pitch length, n = 2

Single riveted butt joint with single strap and double strap
 Butt joints
Double riveted butt joints with single strap and
double strap (chain arrangement).

Single shear

Double shear

Number of rivets per pitch length, n = 4

 Butt joints
Double riveted butt joints with single strap and
double strap (zig-zag arrangement).

Single shear

Double shear

Number of rivets per pitch length, n = 4

 Terminology
• Pitch: (p) Distance between two centers of the
consecutive rivets in a single row.
Usually, p = 3d where d is the diameter of the
rivet.

• Margin (m): is the distance between the edge

of the plate to the centerline of rivets in the
nearest row.
Usually, m = 1.5d.
 Terminology
• Transverse Pitch: (pt) also called back pitch or
row pitch is the distance between two
consecutive rows of the rivets in the same
plate.
Usually, pt = 0.8p for chain riveting
pt = 0.6p for zig-zag riveting
• Diagonal Pitch (pd) is the distance between
the center of one rivet to the center of the
adjacent rivet located in the adjacent row.
Terminology
pt
Caulking and Fullering
• Caulking and fullering are
done to make joints leak
proof.
• Caulking is done either by a
hand hammer or by the use
of pneumatic or hydraulic
hammer.
• The blows of the caulking
tool closes the surface
asperities and cracks on the
contacting surfaces.
Caulking and Fullering

• Care is taken to prevent

injury to the plate.
• Fullering is similar to
Caulking except for the
shape of the tool.
• The width of the
fullering tool is equal to
the thickness of the
plate being hammered.
 Types of failure
• Failure may occur in one or more of the
following ways
1) Shear failure of the rivet
2) Tensile failure of the plate b/w two
consecutive rivets.
3) Crushing failure of the plate
4) Shear failure of the plate in the margin area
5) Tearing of the plate in the margin area
Failure at the margins can be avoided by keeping the margin, m = 1.5d
 Shearing Failure
Shearing failure in a lap Joint

Shearing failure in a single cover

Joint

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 Failure

Single shear

Double shear
 Tensile failure of the plates or tearing
of the plates
The resistance offered by the plate
against tearing is known as tearing
resistance or tearing strength or
tearing value of the plate.
Tensile failure of the plates or tearing
of the plates
 Crushing failure (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 failure (bearing failure)
 Strength of a riveted joint
• ..is the maximum force, which it can transmit,
without causing it to fail.
Strength of a riveted joint

If the joint is continuous as in case of boilers, the strength is calculated per pitch length.
But if the joint is small, the strength is calculated for the whole length of the plate.
Efficiency of a Riveted joint
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.
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.

Minimum force that will rupture the joint = 300 kN.

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.
Actual tearing stress in the plates:

Actual shearing stress in the rivets = 76.4 Mpa

Actual crushing stress in the rivets = 100 MPa
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.

Number of rivets per pitch length = 1 for (1) and 2 for (2)

(1) 60 % (2) 69.2 %

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 :Permissible tensile stress in
plate = 120 Mpa; Permissible shearing stress in rivets = 100
Mpa; Permissible crushing stress in rivets = 150 Mpa. Find
the efficiency of the joint.

Efficiency = 62.5%
 Design of Boiler Joints
• Boilers have longitudinal joints and
circumferential joints.
• Longitudinal joints: butt joint with two cover
plates is used. (diameter)
• Circumferential joints: Lap joint with one ring
overlapping the other. (length)
 Assumptions in Designing Boiler Joints
1. The load on the joint is equally shared by all the rivets. The assumption implies
that the shell and plate are rigid and that all the deformation of the joint takes
place in the rivets themselves.

2. The tensile stress is equally distributed over the section of metal between the
rivets.

3. The shearing stress in all the rivets is uniform.

4. The crushing stress is uniform.

5. There is no bending stress in the rivets.

6. The holes into which the rivets are driven do not weaken the member.

7. The rivet fills the hole after it is driven.

8. The friction between the surfaces of the plate is neglected

 Design of Longitudinal Butt joint for a
Boiler / Pressure Vessel.
(PSG Design data book: pg 7.126-7.127)
• Step 1: Thickness of boiler shell
• Step 2: Diameter of rivets
• Step 3: Pitch of rivets
• The pitch of rivets is obtained by equating the
tearing resistance of the plate to the shearing
resistance of the rivets.
• Pitch of rivets > 2d
• Max value of pitch of rivets = C t + 41
 Design of Longitudinal Butt joint for a
Boiler / Pressure Vessel.
(PSG Design data book: pg 7.126-7.127)
• Step 4: Distance between rows of rivets
• Step 5: Thickness of butt strap
thickness of butt strap > 10 mm
• Step 6: Margin

*This procedure may also be applied for ordinary

riveted joints
 Design of circumferential lap joint
(PSG Design data book: pg 7.126-7.127)
• Step 1: Thickness of the shell and diameter of
rivets. (same as for longitudinal joints)
• Step 2: Number of rivets
• Step 3: pitch of rivets
• Step 4: Number of rows
• Step 5: Distance between rows of rivets (same
as for longitudinal joints)
A double riveted lap joint with zig-zag riveting is to be
designed for 13 mm thick plates. Assume σt = 80 MPa ; τ =
60 MPa ; and σc = 120 Mpa. State how the joint will fail and
find the efficiency of the joint.
Steps :
(1) Thickness (2) Rivet diameter (3) Pitch ( > 2d , max Ct + 41)
(4) Distance b/w rows of rivets (5) Thickness of straps
(6) Margin
From PSG-
Design Data
(2) thickness > 8mm, Book

(3) Pitch: Equate shearing resistance to tearing resistance

A double riveted lap joint with zig-zag riveting is to be
designed for 13 mm thick plates. Assume σt = 80 MPa ; τ =
60 MPa ; and σc = 120 Mpa. State how the joint will fail and
find the efficiency of the joint.
Steps :
(1) Thickness (2) Rivet diameter (3) Pitch ( > 2d , max Ct + 41)
(4) Distance b/w rows of rivets (5) Thickness of straps
(6) Margin
(4) 0.33 p + 0.67 d From PSG-
Design Data
(6) Margin = 1.5d Book
A double riveted lap joint with zig-zag riveting is to be
designed for 13 mm thick plates. Assume σt = 80 MPa ; τ =
60 MPa ; and σc = 120 Mpa. State how the joint will fail and
find the efficiency of the joint.
Strength:

Find the minimum to determine the failure mode

Two plates of 7 mm thick are connected by a triple riveted lap joint of
zig-zag pattern. Calculate the rivet diameter, rivet pitch and distance
between rows of rivets for the joint. Also state the mode of failure of
the joint. The safe working stresses are as follows : σt = 90 MPa ; τ = 60
MPa ; and σc = 120 MPa.
Steps :
(1) Thickness (2) Rivet diameter (3) Pitch ( > 2d , max Ct + 41)
(4) Distance b/w rows of rivets (5) Thickness of straps
(6) Margin
thickness < 8 mm
Equate shearing resistance to crushing resistance to find the rivet
diameter
(n = 3)
Two plates of 7 mm thick are connected by a triple riveted lap joint of
zig-zag pattern. Calculate the rivet diameter, rivet pitch and distance
between rows of rivets for the joint. Also state the mode of failure of
the joint. The safe working stresses are as follows : σt = 90 MPa ; τ = 60
MPa ; and σc = 120 MPa.
Steps :
(1) Thickness (2) Rivet diameter (3) Pitch ( > 2d , max Ct + 41)
(4) Distance b/w rows of rivets (5) Thickness of straps
(6) Margin

(3) Pitch
Equate shearing resistance to tearing resistance

pitch = 90.72
Two plates of 7 mm thick are connected by a triple riveted lap joint of
zig-zag pattern. Calculate the rivet diameter, rivet pitch and distance
between rows of rivets for the joint. Also state the mode of failure of
the joint. The safe working stresses are as follows : σt = 90 MPa ; τ = 60
MPa ; and σc = 120 MPa.
Steps :
(1) Thickness (2) Rivet diameter (3) Pitch ( > 2d , max Ct + 41)
(4) Distance b/w rows of rivets (5) Thickness of straps
(6) Margin

Maximum pitch = C t + 41 90.71 > max pitch

= 66

Use p = 66
Two plates of 7 mm thick are connected by a triple riveted lap joint of
zig-zag pattern. Calculate the rivet diameter, rivet pitch and distance
between rows of rivets for the joint. Also state the mode of failure of
the joint. The safe working stresses are as follows : σt = 90 MPa ; τ = 60
MPa ; and σc = 120 MPa.
Steps :
(1) Thickness (2) Rivet diameter (3) Pitch ( > 2d , max Ct + 41)
(4) Distance b/w rows of rivets (5) Thickness of straps
(6) Margin
Distance between rows of rivets for zig-zag riveting
From PSG-
Design Data
Book
Eccentric loaded Riveted Joint
When the line of action of the load does not pass
through the centroid of the rivet system and as a
result all the rivets are not equally loaded, then the
joint is said to be eccentrically loaded riveted joint.
 Eccentric loaded Riveted Joint
Assumptions:
1. The secondary shear load
is proportional to the radial
distance of the rivet under
consideration from the
centre of gravity of the rivet
system.

2. The direction of secondary shear load is perpendicular to

the line joining the centre of the rivet to the centre of
gravity of the rivet system.
Eccentric loaded Riveted Joint
 Eccentric loaded Riveted Joint

Resultant shear force at a rivet

Eccentric loaded Riveted Joint

Permissible shear stress

An eccentrically loaded lap riveted joint is to be designed for
a steel bracket. The bracket plate is 25 mm thick. All rivets
are to be of the same size. Load on the bracket, P = 50 kN ;
rivet spacing, C = 100 mm; load arm, e = 400 mm.
Permissible shear stress is 65 MPa and crushing stress is 120
MPa. Determine the size of the rivets to be used for the
joint.
Find center of gravity / centroid
of the rivet system 1
2 3
Given: C = 100 7
4
(x1, y1) = (0,200)
(x5, y5) = (200, 0) 6
(x2, y2) = (100,200)
(x6, y6) = (0,0) (0,0) 5
(x3, y3) = (200,200)
(x7, y7) = (0,100)
(x4, y4) = (200,100)

Xcg = (Ax1 + Ax2 + … + Ax7)/(7A) = 100

Ycg = (Ay1 + Ay2 + … + Ay7)/(7A) = 114.3
Given P = = 50,000 N; n = 7 rivets
direct shear load
on each rivet
l1,l2,…l7 are respectively, the
distances of rivets 1,2,..,7 from 1
the CG. 2 3
(x1, y1) = (0,200) 7
(x5, y5) = (200, 0) 4
(x2, y2) = (100,200)
(x6, y6) = (0,0) 6
(x3, y3) = (200,200)
(x7, y7) = (0,100) (0,0) 5
(x4, y4) = (200,100)
(Xcg, Ycg ) = (100, 114.3)
Turning moment produced by the load P due to eccentricity (e)
We can see that, the the
vertical components of the
secondary shear force, in
the case of rivets, 3,4 and 5
add to the direct shear Ps ,
whereas, in the case of
rivets 1,6 and 7, the vertical
components of secondary
shear force are opposing
and in the case of rivet 2
have no effect in the
vertical direction.
Therefore, rivets 3,4 and 5 are heavily
loaded.
Maximum resultant shear load is at R5
Maximum resultant shear load (33121 N) is on rivet 5. If d
is the diameter of rivet hole, then maximum resultant
shear load (R5):

Check for crushing:

< Design is safe