Question

Staggering of holes __________ the load carrying capacity of tension member

(a) reduces

(b) improves

(c) does not affect

(d) halves

The question was posed to me by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.

This intriguing question originated from Angles Under Tension and Factors affecting Strength in portion Design of Tension Members of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

The correct option is (b) improves

For explanation I would say: Staggering of holes improves the load carrying capacity of tension member for given number of bolts. The failure paths may occur along sections normal to axis of member, or they may include zigzag sections when more than one bolt hole is present  and staggering of holes may help to make the net area minimum.