Bolted Connection Checklist

Checklist for reviewing bolted connection calculations: geometry, holes, detailing, failure modes, and documentation.

Bolted connections are among the most common elements in steel design, yet they are also where small input mistakes create the largest discrepancies. A wrong hole type, an overlooked edge distance, or a mismatch between factored and service loads can shift a utilization ratio by 20-40% without any obvious warning in the output.

This checklist is organized around the inputs and assumptions that matter most for bolted connections. It is written as a documentation and QA aid, not as engineering advice. The goal is to help you catch errors before they reach a calculation note or a fabrication drawing.

For the full general verification workflow (units, replication strategy, sensitivity testing, and archiving), see How to verify calculator results.

Geometry & detailing

Bolt diameter, grade/class, and installation method are defined (and consistent with procurement).
Hole type is explicitly stated (standard/oversize/slotted) and matches the detail.
Edge distances, pitch, and gage are recorded and checked against minimum detailing rules.
Plate thickness and any cope/notch geometry that affects net section are captured.
Maximum edge distance and maximum pitch limits are checked (these are easy to overlook).
For multi-row patterns, confirm the bolt count and row layout match the intended configuration.

Demand definition

Shear and tension demands are defined at the connection interface (and not double-counted).
Eccentricity assumptions are explicit (e.g., load applied through centroid vs offset).
Confirm whether demands are factored (LRFD/Limit States) or service-level (ASD/Working Stress).

Failure modes (ensure you at least consider them)

Bolt shear and/or bolt tension (as applicable).
Plate bearing and tear-out (detail-dependent, requires clear distance calculations).
Net section rupture and block shear/tearing paths.
Group effects and load distribution assumptions (especially for large bolt groups).
Shear-tension interaction (when both are present simultaneously).
Slip-critical checks (if specified — note the faying surface class matters).

Documentation

State which checks were evaluated by the calculator and which were not.
Record the governing standard and edition (e.g., AISC 360-22 LRFD, AS 4100-2020).
Keep a screenshot or exported report with inputs and outputs.
Archive the calculation with a date stamp so results can be reproduced later.

FAQ

What is the most common error in bolted connection calculations? Hole type mismatch. Using standard hole deductions when the detail calls for oversize or slotted holes changes net area and bearing calculations significantly.

Should I check both bearing and slip-critical? If the connection is specified as slip-critical, the slip check governs serviceability. Bearing and shear checks still apply as ultimate limit states. Both should be documented.

Why does the calculator show different results than my hand check? The most frequent causes are: different hole deduction conventions, different clear distance formulas for tear-out, or a mismatch between threads-included vs threads-excluded shear capacity. Check these before assuming either result is wrong.

Does this checklist apply to all bolt standards? It is standard-agnostic. The items apply whether you are working with AISC 360, AS 4100, EN 1993-1-8, or CSA S16, but the specific factor values and detailing limits differ by code.

Is this checklist engineering advice? No. It is a documentation and QA pattern to help reduce errors and improve traceability. Project criteria and compliance decisions are defined by the governing standard and the engineer of record.

Disclaimer (educational use only)

This page is provided for general technical information and educational use only. It does not constitute professional engineering advice, a design service, or a substitute for an independent review by a qualified structural engineer. Any calculations, outputs, examples, and workflows discussed here are simplified descriptions intended to support understanding and preliminary estimation.

All real-world structural design depends on project-specific factors (loads, combinations, stability, detailing, fabrication, erection, tolerances, site conditions, and the governing standard and project specification). You are responsible for verifying inputs, validating results with an independent method, checking constructability and code compliance, and obtaining professional sign-off where required.

The site operator provides the content "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the operator disclaims liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of, or reliance on, this page or any linked tools.