Estimate separation, slip, proof and fatigue safety from preload, external axial and shear loads, and joint stiffness.
Inputs describe one preloaded bolt and an equivalent clamped-part load cone. Multiple bolts, bending and thread stripping require a complete VDI 2230 assessment.
Enter preload, external load and clamped parts.
Assess preload, load sharing, separation safety and bolt stress.
Bolt geometry, property class, assembly preload and scatter, external axial/transverse load, joint/bolt stiffness and friction.
Bolt and clamped-part stiffness split external load; embedding reduces residual clamp force and friction controls slip safety. Clamped length, material and surfaces therefore matter as much as bolt diameter and class.
VDI 2230 models bolt and clamped parts as springs. Load fraction, residual clamp force, slip safety and assembly limits follow from stiffness and safety factors.
A stiffer clamped-part stack increases bolt load less than a compliant one under the same external force and retains more clamp force.
Sources and limits: VDI 2230 parts 1/2/3; check geometry, embedding, temperature and load spectrum for the project.
Assess preload, load sharing, separation safety and bolt stress.
Bolt calculations describe a joint through geometry, preload, friction and material limits. Preload clamps the parts; external load, embedding and temperature change the reserve.
VDI 2230 models bolt and clamped parts as springs. Load fraction, residual clamp force, slip safety and assembly limits follow from stiffness and safety factors.
Bolt geometry, property class, assembly preload and scatter, external axial/transverse load, joint/bolt stiffness and friction. Bolt and clamped-part stiffness split external load; embedding reduces residual clamp force and friction controls slip safety. Clamped length, material and surfaces therefore matter as much as bolt diameter and class.
Enter bolt geometry and property class, intended assembly preload with scatter, external axial and transverse load, and bolt/clamped-part stiffness. Thread and bearing friction additionally determine slip safety.
A stiffer clamped-part stack increases bolt load less than a compliant one under the same external force and retains more clamp force.
Bolt and clamped-part stiffness split external load; embedding reduces residual clamp force and friction controls slip safety. Clamped length, material and surfaces therefore matter as much as bolt diameter and class. A passing result means only that the selected model stays within the entered limits. Tightening scatter and real contact surfaces may govern residual clamp force.
Forces in kN, stiffness in kN/mm, stress in MPa, safety factors dimensionless.
A more complete assessment of a single-bolt joint than the individual torque, preload or stress calculators – especially when separation safety, slip safety and residual clamp force must be checked together.
VDI 2230 parts 1/2/3; check geometry, embedding, temperature and load spectrum for the project.
Common mistake: Don't neglect clamped-part stiffness or set it equal to bolt stiffness by default – a compliant clamp package transfers a larger share of external load to the bolt than a stiff one. Don't overlook embedding losses from roughness and coatings when assessing residual clamp force, especially with short clamp lengths.
The other calculators treat torque, preload or stress in isolation. This one models the interplay of bolt and clamped-part stiffness, yielding load sharing, residual clamp force and separation safety.
It describes the safety margin against the clamped parts fully lifting apart under external load – losing clamp force would make the joint lose its function.
It covers the central verification steps. A complete VDI 2230 Part 1 design additionally needs embedding-loss table values, temperature effects and dynamic service factors added for the specific project.
All main influencing quantities are shown as inputs or intermediate results. Check factors, material data and boundary conditions against the complete standard.
The local standards provide terminology and series values. This tool deliberately identifies its simplified scope and does not claim conformity.
Use the result as a starting point for selection and plausibility; then verify manufacturer data, load spectra and safety requirements.