What the Calculator Covers
This calculator compares the force at a bolt hole with the local bearing resistance of the aluminium plate or member. Hole geometry, plate thickness, material strength, and bolt position all affect the result.
Typical Inputs
Common inputs include the applied bearing force, bolt diameter, hole diameter, plate thickness, aluminium material strength, edge distance, end distance, and any relevant hole type or countersunk detail used by the project.
EN 1999 Aluminium Connection Context
Bearing around a bolt hole is only one possible failure mode in an aluminium connection. An EN 1999 design should also consider bolt shear and tension, net section, block tearing, spacing, edge distance, local plate behaviour and the proposed fabrication details.
Hole Geometry and Edge Distance
Bearing resistance is sensitive to hole size, end distance, edge distance, slotted holes, and the actual position of the bolt in the joint. The selected input values should match the physical connection detail and drawing dimensions.
Result Review
The engineering tool reports resistance, utilization, warnings, and pass/fail status so the aluminium bearing check can be reviewed clearly. The output is for preliminary engineering review and should not replace a full connection design by a qualified engineer.
Practical Use
Use this calculator when local bearing around an aluminium bolt hole may govern. It compares the applied force with the calculated bearing resistance for the entered geometry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an aluminium bolt bearing check?
An aluminium bolt bearing check reviews whether the aluminium material around a bolt hole has enough local bearing resistance for the applied force.
What inputs are usually needed for aluminium bolt bearing resistance?
Typical inputs include bolt diameter, hole diameter, applied force, plate thickness, aluminium material strength, edge distance, end distance, and any hole type or countersunk detail.
Why do edge distance and hole size matter for bearing?
Edge distance and hole size affect how the load spreads through the aluminium around the bolt hole. Small distances or enlarged holes can reduce the available bearing resistance and may trigger warnings.
Is bearing the only check needed for an aluminium connection?
No. Bearing is only one component check. Bolt shear, bolt tension, net section, block tearing, spacing, edge distance, and the complete connection load path may also need to be reviewed.
Engineering content is prepared and maintained by VitraLab Engineering. Worked examples show how the current calculator treats a defined case; they do not replace project-specific verification.