Tapered Shim Plate Between Bolted Connection

[Uprising]

Hi, our Client has installed a cantilevered variable message sign (VMS) with the incorrect orientation (9 degree difference from the design angle). To fix the VMS orientation, they are proposing to install a tapered shim plate between the bolted connection of the post and the cantilevered sign structure (see attached file).

Does anyone see any issues with this proposed solution? There are alternative options to correct the orientation, however this would be the most simple.

Thanks

 

[racookpe1978]

Seems like a logical solution.

They've drawn a requirement for shimmed washers, but did not indicate any check on bolt hole diameter clearances for the off-perpendicular bolts.
Bolts need to be longer as well. The long-side bolts will require a greater clearance than the short by a few ten-thousandths.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Yeah, I think the only concern I would have is making sure the bolts can actually fit the geometry as the axis of the bolt holes is no longer lining up with the bolt axis. Still, just as a guess I think they'll fit reasonably well and the bolts wont have any addition stresses due to the geometry that I can see.

Maine Professional and Structural Engineer.

 

[Uprising]

Thanks for the feedback, I have just checked the alignment of the bolts and bolt holes, to find that the bolts on a 9 degree angle would not have fit.

 

[BUGGAR]

I frequently use two stacked tapered washers under the head of bolts that are not aligned parallel to the hole axis. Rotate the washers relative to each other and you can dial in the required angle for good bearing on the bolt head/nut.