How Do You Calculate the Proof Load of a Bolt?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of proof load for bolts, including how to calculate or determine it. Participants explore definitions, measurement methods, and specific values related to different types of bolts, with a focus on both theoretical and practical aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Ana inquires about the definition and calculation of proof load for bolts, indicating difficulty in finding information.
  • CS states that proof load is the load tested above the normal working load to verify the design.
  • Another participant claims that proof load is slightly below the yield strength and emphasizes that it should be measured through tensile testing.
  • araanandv2 suggests an average formula for calculating proof strength as Sp = 0.90*Sty, where Sty is the bolt's tensile yield strength, but notes that published values for each bolt property class are more accurate.
  • Another participant clarifies that the ease of finding proof strength values applies primarily to carbon steel bolts marked with specific property classes.
  • One participant discusses the importance of using proof load instead of yield strength due to stress concentrations at edges and threads, which can lead to local yielding.
  • A participant asks about the proof load for AN bolts and NAS1351 screws, indicating a need for specific information on these types of fasteners.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how proof load is defined and measured, with no consensus on a single method or value. Some participants propose formulas while others emphasize the necessity of measurement through testing.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the types of bolts discussed, as well as the dependence on specific definitions and classifications of bolts. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in calculating proof load.

araanandv2
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Hi,

What is Proof load of a bolt?
I need to calculate the proof load of a bolt?

I have searched the net but could not find it.
Please help me.

Thanks,

Ana
 
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araanandv2 said:
Hi,

What is Proof load of a bolt?
I need to calculate the proof load of a bolt?

I have searched the net but could not find it.
Please help me.

Thanks,

Ana

The proof load is just the load that the bolt is tested to. It is above the normal working load of the bolt and is used to verify or "proof" the design.

CS
 
Proof load is the load slightly below yield strength of the bolt and well below the ultimate strength. You don't calculate it, you measure it. Tensile testing is the only way to do it accurately.
 
araanandv2: On average, bolt proof strength is Sp = 0.90*Sty, where Sty = bolt tensile yield strength. Nonetheless, bolt proof strength is published for each bolt property class, which is more accurate than approximating it, and is easy to find on the net.
 
Oops. I meant to say, ...and is easy to find on the net if your bolt is carbon steel (not stainless steel), and your bolt head is marked with a common bolt property class, such as 5.8, 8.8, or 10.9.
 
Proof load is used instead of yield strength because of the stress concentration that occur at edges and corners, and in particular at the threading. The stress concentration results in local yielding before the yield strength is exceeded, so the material will yield very close to the thread though the rest of the material is still intact.
 
What's the proof load for AN bolts and NAS1351 screws?
 

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