Why so many rivets?

"Ron Wanttaja" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 20:26:00 -0600, "Brian Sponcil"

wrote:

I'm currently considering embarking on an RV project and after checking
out
a few in our local EAA chapter I ran across a seemingly curious fact. I
recall the builders telling me that their RV kits have around 10,000
rivets.
Compared to a Piper Comanche at 3,714 and a Warrior at 1,785 that's a heck
of a lot of rivets.

So the question is, why so many???

Don't know for sure, but here are my guesses:

1. It's possible the RV uses smaller rivets. Smaller rivets are easier
for
amateur installers, while a manufacturer with trained riveters might use
larger
rivets to cut down the man-hours needed for construction.

2. Most of the RV series are aerobatic, while the Pipers are not. More
rivets
needed due to higher load factors

3. The designers add a bit of extra margin due to mistakes the amateur
might
make.

4. The "N" number of rivets listed for Pipers may not include rivets used
by
any companies that subcontract parts, while the builder does all the RV
rivets.

5. RVs seem to use rivets *everywhere*...perhaps the Pipers use more
bolts,
molded sections, etc.

6. Eighth-inch rivets are supposed to be installed about 32 to a foot,
and most
RV builders think this --- --- is six inches.
:-)

Ron Wanttaja

I'm not sure where I read it, but I remember something about by using more
rivets the strength of the structure will not be compromised by the
occasional badly driven rivet.

Ric