> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://enercalc.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://enercalc.com/docs/sel-user-manual/calculation-modules/miscellaneous/steel-bolt-group.md).

# Steel Bolt Group Analysis

How to analyze force distribution on a group of up to sixteen bolts using the Elastic Method.

{% columns %}
{% column width="33.33333333333333%" valign="middle" %} <a href="https://assets.enercalc.com/uploads/2026/05/05131039/Bolt-Group-Verification-Example-V1-2026.pdf" class="button primary" data-icon="memo-circle-check">Verification Example</a>
{% endcolumn %}

{% column width="66.66666666666667%" %} <mark style="color:$info;">This example includes calculation details, references to design provisions, and step-by-step results for easy checking.</mark>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

This module applies the Elastic Method to determine the force distribution from loads applied to a group of up to 16 bolts.

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-bb1fe5939137c03d322648a703233442d2b062fe%2FclipP531.gif?alt=media)

The required input data includes vertical and horizontal load magnitudes and their location with respect to a datum point, along with the coordinates of up to sixteen bolts.

Using these force and bolt coordinates, the module calculates direct shears and torsional shears on each bolt due to its relative location within the group.

{% hint style="info" %}
Note:
{% endhint %}

* At least two bolts should be specified.
* All bolts are assumed to be of the same deformation characteristics when loads are distributed.
* Vertical and Horizontal forces are divided by the number of fasteners to give direct shears.

## General

Specify the locations up to 16 bolts. Use the Total Number of Bolts entry to indicate bolt quantity. The correct number of data entry locations will be displayed.

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-fb36e3c889cce425591407664f48b992b198408c%2FclipP532.gif?alt=media)

## Loads

Enter the magnitude of the applied loads, the angle of load application measured CCW from Cartesian zero degrees and the location of the point of load application relative to the Datum point. The module now accepts applied moments as well.

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-5c729a98ebc5e890f9d61ae96920c40635538fa7%2FclipP708.gif?alt=media)

## Load Combinations

Based upon the selection of ASD or LRFD factoring, the appropriate load combinations will be displayed on the load combinations tab.

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-d6b6b09edb9460a8a9d074097f9a649c4528362b%2FclipP533.gif?alt=media)

## Results

This tab reports the calculated Center of Bolt Group location, calculated moment applied to the group from the load combination that creates the extreme moment and the eccentricity of the load application from the Center of Bolt Group.

In the table below are the calculated force for each bolt due to direct and torsional shears for each axis (after the applied load is resolved into X & Y components).

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-63d5a8dd7f593348c0103d677aaade8d507853e1%2FclipP535.gif?alt=media)

## Detailed Bolt Results

This tab provides the detailed calculations for all load combinations and all bolts.

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f7449ed8a7d44149afa3ddf43862f544c2e44fbc%2FclipP536.gif?alt=media)

## Sketch

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2ab3de096dbd0a95f4c9602f92f070a611cb0db8%2FclipP534.gif?alt=media)


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