What type of joint is referred to as a lap joint?

A lap joint is characterized by one plate overlapping another plate. This design allows for a strong and stable connection, as the two materials can bond together, creating a larger surface area for attachment. Lap joints are commonly used in various applications because they can distribute stress more evenly and resist movement better than some other joint configurations.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of joints that do not capture the essence of a lap joint. For example, the first option refers to a joint where two ends meet, which could pertain to a butt joint but doesn’t specify the overlapping nature. The third option describes plates that are butted together, indicating that their edges are aligned but not overlapped. Finally, the mention of rivets pertains to a joining method rather than a specific joint type, which may apply to both lap joints and others but doesn’t define what features a lap joint has. Therefore, the overlapping characteristic of one plate over another is what fundamentally defines a lap joint.