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Appendix 1 - Rivets (Legacy)

— 2017 —
FOREWORD
This Appendix contains legacy information about rivets from the 2016 Manual. Articles in this Appendix are numbered with
A1 preceding the number of related material in Parts 1 through 9 of this Chapter. Use of “fastener” in Parts 1 through 9
includes rivets. Use of “A307 bolts” or “non-pretensioned high-strength bolts” in Parts 1 through 9 also applies to rivets. For
rating of riveted structures, see Part 7. The material in this Appendix is not updated. Care needs to be exercised as the material
and associated allowable stress levels for which these designs were originally written may no longer be applicable.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section/Para Description Page 1

Part A1.1. Design

A1.1.2 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-3

A1.1.2.1 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-3
3
A1.1.4 Basic Allowable Stresses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-3
A1.1.4.1 Structural Steel, Fasteners and Pins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-3

A1.1.5 General Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-4

A1.1.5.9 Connections and Splices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-4
A1.1.5.11 Development of Fillers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-4
A1.1.5.12 Combinations of Dissimilar Types of Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-5
A1.1.5.13 Sealing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-5

A1.1.9 Construction with Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-5

A1.1.9.2 Grip of Rivets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-5
A1.1.9.5 Fasteners with Indirect Splices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-5

Part A1.3. Fabrication

A1.3.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-6

A1.3.1.11 Flexural Member Web Plates, Riveted Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-6

A1.3.2 Riveted Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-6

A1.3.2.1 Rivets and Riveting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-6
A1.3.2.3 Quantity of Field Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-6
A1.3.2.4 Size and Workmanship of Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-6

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TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT)

Section/Para Description Page

A1.3.2.9 Reaming and Drilling in Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-6

A1.3.2.11 Alignment of Finished Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-7
A1.3.2.12 Fitting for Shop Riveting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-7

Part A1.4. Erection

A1.4.18 Riveted Field Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-8

Part A1.5. Bearing Design and Construction

A1.5.3 Steel Bearing Component Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-9

A1.5.3.2 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-9

Part A1.9. Commentary

A1.9.1.9 Construction Using Fasteners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-A1-10

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PART A1.1. DESIGN

A1.1.2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A1.1.2.1 MATERIALS1

This Appendix contains information useful in the design of Recommended Contemporary Structures.

a. The design requirements of these recommended practices, contained in this part are based on the use of materials
conforming to the requirements of the following ASTM specifications:

Rivet steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A502, Grade 1, 2, or Grade 3

(current in 2016)

A1.1.4 BASIC ALLOWABLE STRESSES

A1.1.4.1 STRUCTURAL STEEL, FASTENERS AND PINS2

Allowable stresses are as shown in Table 15-1-12 and Table 15-7-1 supplemented by the following:

Stress Area Pounds per square inch 1

Axial compression, gross section:
For stiffeners of beams and girders See Article 1.7.7c
For splice material 0.55Fy
For compression members centrally loaded,

where:
kl is the effective length of the compression member, 4
inches, under usual conditions
k = 3/4 for members with riveted end connections,
k to be evaluated for each gusset plate on the effective
width, Lw,
(See Commentary Figure 15-9-4),
and
r is the applicable radius of gyration of the compression
member, inches.
Compression in extreme fibers of riveted built-up flexural
members symmetrical about the principal axis in the plane of
the web (other than box-type flexural members)

1
See Part 9 Commentary
2
See Part 9 Commentary

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Stress Area Pounds per square inch

Compression in extreme fibers of box type welded, riveted

flexural members symmetrical about the principal axis
midway between the webs and whose proportions meet the
provisions of Article 1.6.1 and Article 1.6.2

A1.1.5 GENERAL RULES

A1.1.5.9 CONNECTIONS AND SPLICES

d. Members subject to compression only, if faced for bearing, shall be spliced on 4 sides sufficiently to hold the abutting
parts accurately and securely in place. The splice shall be as near a panel point as practicable and shall be designed to
transmit at least one-half of the force through the splice material. Where such members are in full milled bearing on
base plates, there shall be sufficient riveted connecting material, or welding, to hold all parts securely in place.

A1.1.5.11 DEVELOPMENT OF FILLERS1

b. For riveted construction, when rivets subject to force pass through fillers, the fillers shall be extended beyond the
connected member and the extension secured by enough rivets to distribute the total force to the member uniformly
over the combined sections of the member and the fillers, except that fillers less than 1/4 inch thick shall not be
extended beyond the splicing material, and additional rivets are not required.

c. For riveted construction, eccentricity must be considered on short, thick fillers.

1
See Part 9 Commentary.

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A1.1.5.12 COMBINATIONS OF DISSIMILAR TYPES OF CONNECTIONS1

a. Rivets and high-strength bolts in the same connection plane may be considered as sharing the force. When such a
connection plane is subjected to fatigue conditions, the requirements of Article 1.3.13 applicable to rivets shall be
satisfied for both types of fasteners.

b. Welds acting in the same connection with fasteners shall be proportioned to carry the entire force. (See Article
9.1.5.12b)

A1.1.5.13 SEALING2

a. For riveted members, sealing shall be accomplished by limiting the spacing of the fasteners connecting component
parts. The pitch on a single line adjacent to a free edge of an outside plate or shape shall not exceed 4 + 4t, where t is
the thickness of the thinnest outside plate or shape in inches, nor 7 inches. Where there is a second line of fasteners
uniformly staggered with those in the line adjacent to the free edge, at a gage, g, less than 1-1/2 + 4t inches, therefrom,
the staggered pitch of the fasteners in the two lines shall not exceed 4 + 4t – 3/4 g inches, nor 7– 3/4 g inches, but need
not be less than one-half the requirement for a single line.

A1.1.9 CONSTRUCTION WITH FASTENERS

A1.1.9.2 GRIP OF RIVETS

Where the grip of rivets carrying calculated stress exceeds 4.5 times the diameter, the number of rivets shall be increased at
least 1% for each additional 1/16 inch of grip. Where the grip equals or exceeds 6 times the nominal diameter, the body shall 1
be tapered from the head for a distance not less than 3.42 times the nominal diameter, but not more than 4-3/4 inches. The
body diameter at the head shall be 1/32 inch greater and where not tapered, 1/64 inch less than the nominal diameter. (This
Article preceded current Article 1.9.2)

A1.1.9.5 FASTENERS WITH INDIRECT SPLICES3

For riveted construction only, where splice plates are not in direct contact with the parts which they connect, there shall be 3
rivets on each side of the joint in excess of the number required in the case of direct contact, to the extent of two extra lines at
each end of each intervening plate.

1
See Part 9 Commentary.
2
See Part 9 Commentary.
3 See Part 9 Commentary and Part A1.9 Commentary.

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PART A1.3. FABRICATION

A1.3.1 GENERAL

A1.3.1.11 FLEXURAL MEMBER WEB PLATES, RIVETED CONSTRUCTION

a. The edges of web plates of riveted flexural members that have no cover plates shall not be more than 1/8 inch above or
below the backs of the top flange angles. Web plates of such members with cover plates may be 1/2 inch less in depth
than the distance back to back of flange angles.

b. In riveted splices of web plates there shall not be more than 1/2 inch gap between the web plates.

A1.3.2 RIVETED CONSTRUCTION

A1.3.2.1 RIVETS AND RIVETING

This Article preceded current Article 3.2.1.

a. Rivet dimensions shall conform to the current requirements of the American National Standards Institute for large
rivets, 1/2 inch in nominal diameter and larger, ANSI Standard B 18.4 (current in 2016).

b. Rivets shall be heated uniformly to a light cherry red and driven while hot to fill the holes completely. They shall be
free from slag, scale and carbon deposit. Loose, burned, or otherwise defective rivets shall be replaced. In removing
rivets, care shall be taken not to injure the adjacent metal and, if necessary, the rivets shall be drilled out. Caulking or
recupping shall not be done.

c. Rivets shall be driven by direct-acting riveters where practicable. The pressure shall be continued after the upsetting
has been completed.

d. Where rivets are driven with a pneumatic riveting hammer, a pneumatic bucker shall be used where practicable.

e. Driven rivet heads shall be fully formed, neatly made, concentric with the rivet holes, and in full contact with the
member.

f. Rivets of ASTM A502, Grade 2, shall not be driven by hand.

A1.3.2.3 QUANTITY OF FIELD FASTENERS

The number of field rivets of each size and length furnished in excess of the nominal number required shall be 10% plus 10.
(Current Article 3.2.3 was originally 3.2.3b following this Article.)

A1.3.2.4 SIZE AND WORKMANSHIP OF HOLES

b. For riveted construction where the grip exceeds 4-1/2 inches the holes shall be chamfered 1/32 inch.

A1.3.2.9 REAMING AND DRILLING IN ASSEMBLY

Reaming, or drilling full size, of assembled parts shall be done only after the parts are firmly clamped together with the
surfaces in close contact. If necessary, parts shall be separated before riveting for removal of shavings.

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A1.3.2.11 ALIGNMENT OF FINISHED HOLES

a. The offset in any hole reamed 1/4 inch in any ply of material measured from an outer ply after the hole has been
finished for riveting, shall not exceed 1/16 inch. Not more than 10% of the holes shall be offset as much as 1/16 inch
and not more than 20% shall be offset as much as 1/32 inch.

b. The offset in any hole reamed 1/8 inch or punched full size, in any ply of material, measured from an outer ply after the
hole has been finished for riveting, shall not exceed 1/8 inch. Not more than 10% of the holes shall be offset as much as
1/8 inch, and not more than 20% shall be offset as much as 1/16 inch.

A1.3.2.12 FITTING FOR SHOP RIVETING

The parts of riveted members shall be adequately pinned and firmly drawn together in close contact with bolts before riveting
is begun. Tack welding shall not be used. The drifting done during assembly shall be only such as to bring the parts into
position and shall not enlarge the holes or distort the metal.

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PART A1.4. ERECTION

A1.4.18 RIVETED FIELD CONNECTIONS

This Section preceded current Section 4.18.

a. Where rivets are used in field connections, they shall be driven with pneumatic riveting hammers, and when practical,
shall be bucked with pneumatic buckers.

b. The requirements for the rivets, and for the general procedure of heating and driving, shall be as specified in Article
A1.3.2.1.

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PART A1.5.BEARING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

A1.5.3 STEEL BEARING COMPONENT DESIGN

A1.5.3.2 MATERIALS

A1.5.3.2.3 Fasteners

Fasteners may be power-driven rivets, ASTM A502 Grades 1 or 2, in accordance with Part 1, Design, and Part 3, Fabrication.

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PART A1.9. COMMENTARY

A1.9.1.9 CONSTRUCTION USING FASTENERS

A1.9.1.9.5 Fasteners in Indirect Splices

For splices with fill plates, additional rivet rows are required at the ends of the plates to ensure an adequate connection.

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