AISC 360-16 Section J3.3 specifies minimum and maximum bolt spacing requirements to prevent local failure, ensure proper load transfer, and maintain structural integrity.
| Description | Formula | Minimum | Maximum | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center-to-center spacing of bolts (standard) | 3 × d_bolt | 3d (≥ 2.67d for STD holes) | min(14t, 200mm) for tension members, 24t for compression | AISC 360-16, J3.3 |
| Center-to-center spacing of bolts (short-slot) | 3 × d_bolt | 3d (minimal edge distance) | 14t (tension) / 24t (compression) | AISC 360-16, J3.3 |
| Spacing for built-up compression members | 4 × d_bolt | 4d | 24t for compression members | AISC 360-16, J3.4 |
| Spacing for built-up tension members | 3 × d_bolt | 3d (≥ 2.67d for STD holes) | 14t for tension members | AISC 360-16, J3.4 |
| Description | Formula | Standard Value | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheared edge - bolt diameter (d) | 1.5 × d_bolt | 1.5d (min 25mm) | AISC 360-16, Table J3.4 |
| Gas-cut or saw-cut edge - bolt diameter (d) | 1.25 × d_bolt | 1.25d (min 22mm) | AISC 360-16, Table J3.4 |
| Rolled edge (plates, shapes) - bolt diameter (d) | 1.25 × d_bolt | 1.25d | AISC 360-16, Table J3.4 |
| Sheared edge - slotted holes (short slot) | 2.0 × d_bolt | 2d | AISC 360-16, Table J3.4 |
| Sheared edge - slotted holes (long slot) | 2.5 × d_bolt | 2.5d | AISC 360-16, Table J3.4 |
| Bolt Size | Hole Size | Min Spacing | Max (Tension) | Max (Compression) | Edge (Sheared) | Edge (Rolled) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M12 (½") | 14mm (9/16") | 36mm | 150mm | 240mm | 18mm | 15mm |
| M16 (5/8") | 18mm (11/16") | 48mm | 200mm | 320mm | 24mm | 20mm |
| M20 (3/4") | 22mm (13/16") | 60mm | 250mm | 400mm | 30mm | 25mm |
| M22 (7/8") | 24mm (15/16") | 66mm | 275mm | 440mm | 33mm | 28mm |
| M24 (1") | 26mm (1-1/16") | 72mm | 300mm | 480mm | 36mm | 30mm |
| M27 (1-1/8") | 30mm (1-3/16") | 81mm | 338mm | 540mm | 41mm | 34mm |
| M30 (1-1/4") | 33mm (1-5/16") | 90mm | 375mm | 600mm | 45mm | 38mm |