ABSTRACT
Loads may be transferred from one structural element to another either by welding or through separate mechanical fasteners (bolts) or by a combination of bolts and welds. In the last case it is common for welding to be used to attach fittings to the structural elements in the fabrication shop, thus permitting simple site connections using bolts. Only bolted connections are considered in this chapter. Bolts may transmit load in tension or shear or a combination of tension and shear.
