Bolt Calculation and Design
We calculate and dimension bolted connections in compliance with standards and loads – individually tailored to your technical requirements.
Binding Assessments of Your Components
Analyze bolted connections. Secure strength precisely.
A strength verification of bolted connections is crucial for the safe design of mechanical structures – for example, in mechanical engineering, vehicle technology, or steel construction. Bolts are often subjected to combined loads such as tension, shear, and possibly bending – often under dynamic conditions.
The calculation is performed considering geometry, preload, friction, load collectives, and material properties – according to applicable standards such as VDI 2230 or DIN EN 1993. The goal is to verify load-bearing capacity, identify critical bolted connections, and avoid over-dimensioning.
Our Services
Static strength verifications - load and standard compliant
With static strength verifications, we assess the load-bearing capacity of your components in a standard-compliant and reliable manner. Based on FEA analyses, you can identify weak points or optimization potential early on and ensure compliance with relevant guidelines – efficiently and precisely.
Static Strength Verification
A static strength verification checks whether a component can withstand the intended loads safely and permanently.
Fatigue Strength Assessment
Fatigue describes the gradual failure of components under repeated, cyclic loading.
Weld Calculation
Load-compliant design of weld seams for static and cyclic stress.
Bolt calculations are essential when...
Your Safety – Our Responsibility
bolted connections are in highly stressed areas – such as in the force flow – and must be evaluated as potential weak points.
load-bearing bolted connections are dynamically or cyclically stressed, and a fatigue strength verification is required.
elevated temperatures occur, and the preloaded elements expand differently than the bolt.
damage has already occurred during operation, and it is now necessary to prevent this through constructive optimizations.
the bolted connection is safety-critical, and failure could lead to personal injury or system failures.
Benefits of Bolt Calculations
Measurable Benefits. Verifiable Quality.
Our bolt calculations are based on current standards such as VDI 2230 and take into account all relevant influences – from preload force to temperature and load collective. For bolted connections you can rely on.
Prevention of Bolt Failure
With a sound bolt calculation, it can be ensured that the connection withstands the actual operating loads. This allows for early detection of failure risks and effective protection of people and assets.
Reliable Design
We determine the required dimensions and preload forces for your bolts – considering standards, loads, and boundary conditions.
Efficient Bolt Design
Optimized design makes it possible to create bolted connections that are leaner, lighter, or use fewer components – without compromising safety.
Our Expertise for Your Project
We look forward to your inquiry!
As a specialized engineering firm for FEA calculations, we offer you sound technical support in the design, optimization, and assessment of bolted connections. Whether static, dynamic, or thermally influenced loads – we check whether your connection permanently withstands the requirements.
Do you have questions, need an assessment, or want to start directly?
We look forward to your message – by phone, email, or in person.
Your contact: Jonas Compart
elbcore engineers GmbH
Lerchenstraße 28a
22767 Hamburg
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick Answers. Clear Solutions.
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our services.
Which standards apply to bolt calculation?
For the verification of bolted connections, VDI 2230 – especially Sheet 1 – is the authoritative guideline. It describes a detailed calculation procedure for determining bolt forces, preload, and safety, both in static and dynamic ranges. In structural engineering applications, particularly in steel construction, DIN EN 1993 (Eurocode 3) may also be relevant, as it specifies design rules for bolted connections within the framework of structural planning.
Can bolted connections be reliably represented in an FEA simulation?
Yes, FEA simulations are very well suited for realistically analyzing bolted connections – especially for complex geometries or when local stress distributions need to be considered. In practice, we often combine numerical simulations with analytical calculations according to VDI 2230 to achieve reliable and verifiable results.
What information do you need to perform a bolt calculation?
For a sound calculation, we need information on the geometry and arrangement of the bolts, the loads occurring (e.g., forces and moments), the materials used, and assembly parameters such as preload force and friction coefficient. Additionally, boundary conditions such as temperature or dynamic loads may also be relevant.