BoltGroup — Eccentrically Loaded Bolt Group Shear Capacity
- In-Plane Forces
- Instantaneous Center
- Elastic Method
- Irregular Pattern
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, and switches easily between SI and US Customary units. The full algorithmic workflow is documented in an accompanying Mathcad Algorithm.
Sample Screenshots
Troubleshooting Installation Issues
When installing BoltGroup, you may encounter issues related to Excel macros (VBA) or the Solver add-in. Follow the steps below to resolve them.
1. Enable Macros
Go to File → Options → Trust Center → Trust Center Settings → Macro Settings. Select Disable all macros with notification (recommended), then click OK. This allows you to enable macros for BoltGroup only.
2. Install the Solver Add-in
Go to 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.
Step 1: Open the VBA editor by pressing Alt + F11.
Step 2: In the Project Explorer, check whether SOLVER.XLAM is listed. If it is not, the Solver reference is invalid.
Step 3: Select your BoltGroup workbook in the Project Explorer. Enter the VBA project password provided with your licensed copy, then click OK.
Step 4: Go to Tools → References. Locate the reference named Solver. If unchecked, check it. If marked MISSING, uncheck it, scroll through the list, and select the correct Solver reference (may appear as Microsoft Solver).
Step 5: Click OK to confirm, then save the workbook.
Contact us if you are still having trouble.