Which factor does NOT need to be considered when determining minimum rivet spacing?

When determining minimum rivet spacing in structural applications, certain factors are critical for ensuring the integrity and performance of the joint. Rivet length is not a factor that influences minimum spacing requirements. Instead, the spacing is primarily determined by parameters such as material thickness, which affects the amount of material available for the rivet to grip, and load conditions, which dictate the forces that the rivets will need to withstand without failure. Furthermore, rivet diameter plays a crucial role since it directly relates to the strength and capacity of the rivet to hold the joined materials together; larger diameters typically allow for more load-bearing capacity, which can influence spacing.

Considering these relationships, rivet length does not influence the spacing calculations because it pertains more to the physical size of the rivet itself rather than how far apart the rivets should be placed in relation to each other or to the edges of the materials being joined. This is why it is the factor that does not need to be considered when establishing minimum rivet spacing.