Allowable Bearing Pressure Calculator

Bearing Stress Formula:

\[ f_{br} = \frac{P \times b}{p_t \times D_{rivet}} \]

Edge Load per Unit Width (P):

N/m

Distance between Rivets (b):

Plate Thickness (pₜ):

Diameter of Rivet (Dᵣᵢᵥₑₜ):

Bearing Stress (f₆ᵣ):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Bearing Stress?

Bearing Stress is described as the contact pressure between the separate bodies. It represents the force per unit area acting on the contact surfaces between mechanical components such as rivets, bolts, and plates.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the bearing stress formula:

\[ f_{br} = \frac{P \times b}{p_t \times D_{rivet}} \]

Where:

\( f_{br} \) — Bearing Stress (Pa)
\( P \) — Edge Load per Unit Width (N/m)
\( b \) — Distance between Rivets (m)
\( p_t \) — Plate Thickness (m)
\( D_{rivet} \) — Diameter of Rivet (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the contact pressure between rivets and plates in mechanical joints, which is crucial for determining the structural integrity of the connection.

3. Importance of Bearing Stress Calculation

Details: Accurate bearing stress calculation is essential for designing safe and reliable mechanical joints. It helps prevent failure due to excessive contact pressure, ensuring that components can withstand applied loads without deformation or damage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in consistent units (meters for length, N/m for load). Ensure all input values are positive and non-zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between bearing stress and crushing stress?
A: Bearing stress refers to the contact pressure between two bodies, while crushing stress specifically refers to the compressive stress that causes permanent deformation or failure in the material.

Q2: What are typical allowable bearing stress values for common materials?
A: Allowable bearing stress varies by material. For steel, it's typically 0.75-0.90 times the yield strength, while for concrete it's around 0.25-0.45 times the compressive strength.

Q3: How does plate thickness affect bearing stress?
A: Thicker plates distribute the load over a larger area, reducing bearing stress. Thinner plates concentrate the load, increasing bearing stress.

Q4: When should bearing stress be considered in design?
A: Bearing stress should be considered whenever mechanical components are in contact under load, particularly in bolted, riveted, or pinned connections.

Q5: What happens if bearing stress exceeds allowable limits?
A: Excessive bearing stress can cause permanent deformation, elongation of holes, or complete failure of the joint, leading to structural collapse.