A simple method for determining the effects of bolt–hole clearance on load distribution in single-column multi-bolt composite joints

In this paper, a simplified method for determining the effects of bolt–hole clearance on the load distribution in composite multi-bolt joints is presented. The method is applicable to joints with a single column of bolts and is an extension of a previous method which did not include clearance effects. It can be applied to both single-lap and double-lap joints. The method is validated against three-dimensional finite element models, and some examples of different clearance cases are shown. It is shown that even small amounts of clearance can significantly alter the load distribution in the joint. Finally the method is used in a parameter study to examine the effects of various joint parameters on load distribution.