SPREADSHEETS FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS

BoltGroup calculates the shear capacity of eccentric bolted connections using the AISC 16th Edition instantaneous center of rotation method (LRFD). Handling simultaneous in-plane forces and moment, it is ideal for design of gusset plates and girder splices.

The program supports irregular bolt patterns and can automatically generate standard rectangular or circular bolt layouts. It provides clear design summaries and theoretical formulas. Easily switches between SI and US customary units. For those interested, the full algorithmic workflow is documented in an accompanying Mathcad worksheet printout.

1. Enable macros

File/Options/Trust Center/Trust Center Settings/Macro Settings. Select Disable all macros with notification (recommended). This allows to enable macros for Boltgroup only. Click OK to save.

2. Install the Solver add-in

Go to the File/Options/Add-ins/Manage Excel Add-ins/Go.. Check the box next to Solver Add-in and click OK.

Confirm the Solver command appears under the Data tab in the Analysis group.

3. Fix Solver VBA Reference Errors

If you receive an Excel warning after clicking Calculate from the Boltgroup menu, the Solver VBA automation library may not be referenced correctly. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the VBA editor by pressing ALT + F11.

Step 2: In the Project Explorer (usually on the left), review the list of open workbooks and add-ins. If SOLVER.XLAM is listed, the issue lies elsewhere. If it is not listed, the Solver reference is invalid.

Step 3: In the Project Explorer, select your Boltgroup workbook. Enter the VBA project password provided with your licensed copy of Boltgroup, then click OK.

Step 4: From the VBA menu, go to Tools -> References. Locate the reference named Solver. If it is unchecked, check the box. If it is marked as MISSING, uncheck it, scroll through the list, and select the correct Solver reference (it may appear as Microsoft Solver).

Step 5: Click OK to confirm, then save the workbook.