A Software for Optimum Design of Laterally Loaded Bolted Joints

Abstract

Bolted joints, which are one of the detachable joining methods, are used extensively. The reliability of bolted joints is extremely important for the strength and life of the system. The determination of the number of bolts to be used in a system, the position and other data of the bolt requires very serious design and engineering studies. In this study, the design and optimization of bolted joints subjected to lateral forces are performed. For this purpose, a software has been developed in C# programming language. The software visually guides the user and asks a minimum number of questions to the designer and all other parameters are calculated by the program. The visual design of the program was done in Visual Studio environment. The graphic designs used in the software help the user to enter correct data. When the program is run for bolted joint under lateral loading, the user only enters the number of plates and force as input. Although the program performs its calculations between 1.5-2 factor of safety, it is possible to change it according to the characteristics of the design. The program developed in the light of these inputs calculates the appropriate bolt diameter, number, material and dimensions of the plates for the designed joint according to the optimum design options. The design options determined by the program are also presented to the designer visually. With the developed software, the user workload is minimized by determining the optimum options of bolted joints according to the minimum amount of user input. This resulted in significant savings in the time spent in design and engineering calculations. The user-friendly interface provides an easy and visual use. The results obtained by the program were also solved manually to check the reliability of the program.