where:

¢ = 0.7, strength reduction factor

Bo = Nominal bearing capacity, ksi (\cPa)
( = 28 day compressive strength, ksi (\cPa)

This calculation gives a fairly large plate size. For example, for a 1-1/2 inch (38
mm) bolt, with fy = 36 ksi (250 MPa) and ( = 3 ksi (21 MPa), the required plate
size is 3.82 inches (97 mm) square, normally rounded up to a convenient size.

In ACi 349-82, a drastic revision occurred. The Code said that bearing could be
ignored, providing that bearing area of the anchor bolt head is at least 1.5 times the
tensile stress area. The commentary makes it clear that all normal bolt heads are
included. The implied bearing strength (ignoring differences in ¢ factors) is 2/3 f y,
which for fy = 36 ksi (250 MPa) and ( = 3 ksi (21 MPa) is 8 (.

ACI 349-90 permits ignoring bearing under ordinary bolt heads of A307, A325,
and A490 material. Anchor heads for other materials are also acceptable provided
they have at least the bearing area as above and a thickness equal to 1.0 times the
distance from the edge of the anchor head to the "face of the tensile stress
component."

ACI 349 states that if sufficient edge distance is provided to "develop the
necessary confining pressure," crushing of the concrete under the bolt head will
never occur.

3.6.4.2 Recommendations

Based on the latest research. the concrete bearing strength under the bolt head or
anchor plate can reach a maximum of

(3.8)

where 0.75 is ¢, the strength reduction factor. Bond strength is assumed to

be zero. Equate the concrete pullout strength with the expression for fastener
strength:

(3.9)

(This equation is used with factored loads; when nominal loads are used, the
allowable bearing can be taken as 4 f~.)

3-15