Question

If two rows of adjacent fasteners (e.g. bolts) are laid out in a staggered pattern (like a zig-zag), how far apart do the bolts within each row have to be for the two rows to be able to be considered (for the purposes of calculation) as one row? Is it possible to have a nailed wood connection with a single wood element that is connected to two steel plates (one on either side steel-wood-steel)? Why or why not?

Answer 1