Modes of failure in riveted joints Riveted joints can fail in multiple ways under load. Which of the following failure modes are relevant?

Introduction / Context:
Riveted and bolted joints transfer forces through a combination of bearing, shear, and tension in the connected plates. Understanding all possible failure modes is essential for safe detailing and for verifying that the joint has balanced strength in each path.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Lap or butt riveted joint in ductile plate material.
• Static loading along the joint line producing direct shear and bearing.
• Holes properly drilled; edge distance and pitch influence plate tearing.

Concept / Approach:

Four classical limit states are checked: tearing of plate at edge (insufficient edge distance), tearing between rivets (insufficient pitch or high net-section stress), shearing of rivets (insufficient shear area), and crushing (bearing) of rivet against the plate (insufficient projected bearing area).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Design codes for steelwork explicitly require checking net-section tension, bolt/rivet shear, and bearing (sometimes block shear). This confirms that multiple distinct limit states exist and the design must satisfy the minimum.

Why Other Options Are Wrong (as answers):

• Selecting only one of (a)–(d) ignores other governing possibilities; the correct comprehensive answer is “All the above”.

Common Pitfalls:

• Insufficient edge distance leading to premature end tearing.
• Too small pitch causing net-section fracture between holes.
• Overlooking bearing limits when rivet diameter is increased without thickening the plate.

Final Answer:

All the above.