GATE 2016 CE (CE2) – Question 47
Two bolted plates under tension have the alternative hole arrangements in Figures 1 and 2. Hole diameter, pitch and gauge are $d,p,g$, respectively. Which condition must be ensured for Figure 2 to have greater net tensile capacity than Figure 1?
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Correct answer: (C) $p^2>4gd$
Explanation
For plate width b and thickness t, the single-hole straight net section is $A_{n,1}=(b-d)t$. The two-hole staggered section is $A_{n,2}=(b-2d+p^2/(4g))t$. Requiring $A_{n,2}>A_{n,1}$ gives $p^2/(4g)>d$, hence **C: $p^2>4gd$**. This compares the indicated sections. For equal overall widths, a straight path through one hole remains possible in Figure 2; the condition alone does not prove a strictly greater governing capacity of the whole plate.