Riveted connections terminology: In steelwork practice, the “gross diameter” of a rivet refers to the diameter of which item?

Introduction / Context:
Precise terminology avoids mistakes in connection design and checking. In design of riveted joints, engineers distinguish between rivet diameter, hole diameter, gross and net areas of connected plates.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• “Gross diameter of a rivet” is asked, not “gross diameter of the hole”.
• Nominal sizes are the basis for rivet designation before installation.

Concept / Approach:
Gross diameter of a rivet is the nominal shank diameter of the rivet before it is driven. The rivet hole is usually slightly larger (clearance allowance) than the rivet diameter. After driving, the shank upsets and fills the hole, but design checks still rely on standard nominal definitions.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Connection design tables: rivet shear and bearing capacities are tabulated against nominal rivet diameters, while plate net area uses hole diameter when checking tearing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Driven rivet diameter is not a standard reference; the hole diameter corresponds to another definition; heated state is transient and not used for nominal sizing.

Common Pitfalls:
Using hole diameter in shear capacity of rivet; using rivet diameter instead of hole diameter when computing member net area.

Final Answer:
The cold rivet shank before driving (nominal rivet size)