Tension clip (Tee section) resolution of forces?

[enghelp2806]

Hello,

I'm trying to size a tension clip, but am confusing myself and fear this problem is simpler than I'm making it out to be. I have a tee shaped tension clip, and have distributed an external loading into the two fasteners. Now, my problem is that because of some asymmetricities in the loading, bolt 1 is seeing a different tension loading than bolt 2 (F1 vs F2). The tension clip method I've been provided requires a single resultant force (R).

Can I simply add the two bolt tension forces to get my "R", as shown? Should I consider the lefthand side separately from the righthand (so two angles instead of a tee section)?

Thanks

 

[JoshPlumSE]

What is this clipped to?

Have you considered the potential for prying action? Your clip looks really thick, so if that's accurate then maybe you won't get any prying.

Regardless, you still have to obey statics. So, sum of the force must equal zero. Therefore, R = F1 and F2. But, you also have to obey moment equilibrium. So, there should be a Moment M at the same location as R.

 

[hootrpootr]

Thanks for the response! I should have stated that the drawing attached is not to scale, sorry. In reality, it is as you would expect, thinner.

I see what you’re saying. I’d overlooked the moment M. But would that moment M exist somewhere at the center of the tee section (where the web and flange of the tee meet)?

 

[r13]

But would that moment M exist somewhere at the center of the tee section (where the web and flange of the tee meet)?

Yes, it rotates about the flange and stem junction. But it has no direct effect on the tee, since the moment is mainly resisted/carried by the bolt (with larger load).

 

[hootrpootr]

So then would it be reasonable if I sized the tee section based on the resultant force R? Thanks

 

[r13]

Yes, shear and bending on stem (R & M), and larger bending due to bolt force on the flange. Note that prying action needs to be investigated.