What is Aisc Table J3 4 used for in structural engineering?

Aisc Table J3 4 provides values required for steel design calculations including capacity checks, connection design, and detailing. It is referenced in structural design codes and used by practicing engineers during the design of buildings, bridges, and industrial structures.

Can I use these reference values directly in my design?

Yes, provided the values match your governing code edition and project specifications. Always cross-reference against the primary source (code document, manufacturer data, or published standard). The information on this page is for educational use — final verification by a licensed engineer is required.

How often are these reference values updated?

Reference content is maintained to align with current code editions. When a new edition of AISC 360, AS 4100, EN 1993, or CSA S16 is published, values are reviewed and updated. Check the last-modified date at the bottom of the page and verify against the current edition for your jurisdiction.

Aisc Table J3 4 | Steel Calculator

| 1/2 | 7/8 | 3/4 | | 5/8 | 1-1/8 | 7/8 | | 3/4 | 1-1/4 | 1 | | 7/8 | 1-1/2 | 1-1/8 | | 1 | 1-3/4 | 1-1/4 | | 1-1/8 | 2 | 1-1/2 | | 1-1/4 | 2-1/4 | 1-5/8 | | Over 1-1/4 | 1.75 × d | 1.25 × d |

Most searched value: A 3/4 in. bolt requires 1-1/4 in. to a sheared edge, or 1 in. to a rolled edge.

Edge Distance as Multiples of Bolt Diameter

Bolt Dia.	Sheared Edge (× d)	Rolled Edge (× d)
1/2	1.75	1.50
5/8	1.80	1.40
3/4	1.67	1.33
7/8	1.71	1.29
1	1.75	1.25
Over 1-1/4	1.75	1.25

Sheared Edges vs Rolled/Thermally Cut Edges

Sheared Edges — Higher Minimum Required

Sheared edges are produced by guillotine shearing, creating micro-cracking, cold work hardening, residual stresses, and a rough cut surface. All these effects reduce the bearing resistance near the edge. The larger minimum compensates for reduced material quality.

Applies to: Plates cut by shearing, beam copes, gusset plates trimmed by shear.

Rolled Edges — Lower Minimum Allowed

Rolled edges are the as-produced edges from the steel mill — flange tips of W-shapes, angle legs, channel flanges. These edges have intact material properties with no cold-work damage.

Applies to: W-shape flange edges, angle leg toes, channel flanges, UM plate edges.

Thermally Cut Edges — Treated as Rolled

Oxy-fuel, plasma, and laser-cut edges are treated the same as rolled edges, provided the cut surface is smooth and free of notches deeper than 1/16 in. per AWS D1.1.

Applies to: Flame-cut plates, plasma-cut shapes, laser-cut profiles.

How Edge Distance Affects Bearing and Tearout

The clear distance Lc in the tearout equation is: Lc = edge_distance - (hole_diameter / 2)

Tearout capacity per bolt: Rn = 1.2 × Lc × t × Fu ≤ 2.4 × d × t × Fu

For standard holes. Oversized and slotted holes use 1.0 and 2.0 coefficients respectively.

Practical impact for a 3/4 in. bolt in 3/8 in. A36 plate (Fu = 58 ksi):

Edge Distance	Lc (in.)	Tearout Rn (kips)	Governed By
1-1/4 (min.)	0.844	22.0	Tearout
1-1/2	1.094	28.6	Tearout
2.0	1.594	39.2	Bearing

At approximately 2 in. of edge distance, tearout exceeds the bearing deformation limit. Additional edge distance beyond that provides no further capacity increase.

Spacing Requirements — Companion to Edge Distance

AISC 360 Section J3.3: Minimum bolt spacing = 2-2/3 × d (preferred: 3 × d)

For a 3/4 in. bolt: minimum = 2.0 in., preferred = 2.25 in.

Comparison — AISC Table J3.4 vs AS 4100 vs EN 1993

Standard	Edge Distance Basis	Value for 20 mm bolt
AISC 360 J3.4	Sheared: 1.67d; Rolled: 1.33d	1.25 in. / 1.0 in.
AS 4100 9.6	1.5 × hole diameter	33 mm (1.30 in.)
EN 1993-1-8	1.2 × hole diameter (rolled)	26 mm (1.02 in.)

Worked Example — Gusset Plate Edge Distance

Problem: 3/8 in. gusset plate with 3/4 in. A325 bolts, sheared edge. Bolts are 1-1/2 in. from edge. Is this adequate?

Check: Actual 1-1/2 in. ≥ Minimum 1-1/4 in. → OK.

Tearout check: Lc = 1.500 - 0.406 = 1.094 in. Rn = 1.2 × 1.094 × 0.375 × 58 = 28.6 kips. phiRn = 21.5 kips per bolt. Compare to bolt shear (17.9 kips for 3/4 in. A325-N): bolt shear governs.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong edge condition. If the plate came off a shear, use the sheared-edge column.
Using bolt diameter instead of the appropriate table lookup. Table J3.4 uses bolt diameter, not hole diameter.
Measuring from the wrong reference. Edge distance is from hole center, not hole edge.
Checking only one direction. End distance (parallel to load) and edge distance (perpendicular) must both satisfy Table J3.4 independently.
Applying AISC edge distance to anchor rods. Anchor rod edge distance in concrete is governed by ACI 318, typically 6-10 bolt diameters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum edge distance for a 3/4 inch bolt? 1-1/4 in. from center to a sheared edge, or 1 in. to a rolled or thermally cut edge.

Why two different minimum distances? Sheared edges have micro-cracking and cold work that reduce bearing resistance. Rolled/thermal edges maintain intact material properties.

How is edge distance measured? From the center of the bolt hole to the nearest edge, perpendicular to the force direction.

What if my edge distance is less than minimum? Bearing/tearout capacity must be reduced per AISC J3.10 using actual Lc.

Does Table J3.4 apply to slotted holes? Yes, for all hole types. For slotted holes, use the standard hole width perpendicular to the slot.

Run This Calculation

Use the Bolted Connections Calculator for automatic edge distance, bearing, and tearout checks.

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Educational reference only. Verify against AISC 360-22 Table J3.4 and governing project specification.