Minnesota Boiler License Practice Exam

What is meant by "pitch of rivets" in boiler construction?

1. The distance between the centers of two rivets in the outer row

2. The distance between any two adjacent rivets

3. The strength of rivets used in pressure joints

4. The measure of rivet size

The correct answer is: The distance between the centers of two rivets in the outer row

The term "pitch of rivets" refers specifically to the distance between the centers of two rivets in the outer row of a riveted joint. This dimension is crucial in boiler construction as it dictates how rivets are spaced to ensure the integrity and strength of the joint. Proper pitch helps distribute stress evenly across the joint, which is particularly important in pressure systems like boilers where the forces are significant. For effective structural performance, appropriate pitch reduces the likelihood of failure due to excessive local stress concentrations. It is determined based on engineering standards and the specific design requirements of the boiler. Other definitions related to rivets may refer to the spacing between adjacent rivets in a row or the physical dimensions and strength characteristics of the rivets themselves, but these do not specifically address the pitch, which is concerned solely with the outer row's spacing.