What the Calculator Covers
This calculator compares the applied force with the local punching shear resistance beneath a bolt head, nut, or washer. Plate thickness, material strength, and the contact geometry determine the available resistance.
Typical Inputs
Enter the applied force, bolt diameter or head and nut geometry, aluminium plate thickness, material strength and the relevant resistance factors.
EN 1999 Aluminium Connection Context
Punching beneath a bolt head, nut or washer is a local plate failure. The wider connection review should also cover bearing, bolt shear and tension, local bending, spacing, edge distance and fabrication requirements.
Head, Nut, and Local Plate Behaviour
Punching resistance is sensitive to the local contact geometry under the bolt head, nut, or washer. The selected input values should match the physical connection detail and drawing dimensions.
Result Review
The engineering tool reports punching resistance, utilization, and pass/fail status so the aluminium bolt punching 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 check when reviewing EN 1999 aluminium bolt punching resistance, local plate punching, or resistance under a bolt head, nut, or washer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bolt punching in aluminium?
Bolt punching checks local punching shear resistance in the aluminium plate under a bolt head, nut, or washer region.
What inputs are usually needed for bolt punching?
Typical inputs include applied force, bolt head or nut geometry, plate thickness, aluminium material strength, and the relevant resistance factors.
Is bolt punching the same as bolt bearing?
No. Bearing checks local pressure around a bolt hole, while punching checks local shear failure under a head, nut, or washer region.
Is bolt punching the only check needed?
No. Bearing, bolt shear, bolt tension, spacing, edge distance, local bending, washers, and 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.