Bolt Capacity Calculator (CSA S16)
Factored shear and tensile resistance of a single bolt per CSA S16, with bearing and tear-out checks on the connected plate. The shear resistance reported is the lowest of bolt shear, plate bearing and edge tear-out, and the minimum edge distance is listed alongside.
CSA S16By Arun Kishore, P.Eng. Updated
Open calculatoropens in a new tabCode references
- CSA S16 Cl. 13.12.1.2: bolt shear and plate bearing
- CSA S16 Cl. 13.11: tear-out at the plate edge
- CSA S16 Cl. 13.12.1.3: bolt tension
Inputs and outputs
| Inputs | Bolt grade: A307, A325, A325M, A490 or A490M |
|---|---|
| Shear planes, m (1 or 2) | |
| Bolt diameter, d (mm) | |
| Threads intercepted (yes or no) | |
| Plate ultimate strength Fu and yield strength Fy (MPa) | |
| Plate thickness, t (mm) | |
| Edge distance from the bolt centre, e (mm) | |
| Rolled shape (yes or no) | |
| Outputs | Bolt shear, plate bearing and edge tear-out resistances |
| Factored shear resistance, Vr (lowest of the three) | |
| Factored tensile resistance, Tr | |
| Minimum edge distance: 1.25d for a rolled shape, 1.75d otherwise |
Worked example
Worked example coming soon.
Limitations and assumptions
- One bolt. Bolt groups, combined shear and tension, and slip-critical checks are not covered.
- Resistance factors are fixed at φb = 0.80, φbr = 0.80 and φu = 0.75.
- Intercepted threads apply a 0.7 factor to bolt shear.
- A325 ultimate strength drops from 825 MPa to 725 MPa for diameters over 26.99 mm.
These calculators are aids, not a substitute for engineering judgment. Check results independently and against the governing code edition before relying on them.