We have determined the shear flow that must be provided to the built-up beam.

This shear flow will be provided by the shear strength of two bolts spaced every s inches along the beam.

The shear strength of each bolt is computed from its allowable shear stress and its cross-sectional area.

Combining these values, the allowable bolt spacing can be computed.

Bolt spacing in built-up steel beam

Bolt spacing in built-up steel beam

Note: 6.68 in. is the maximum bolt spacing.