A finite element analysis was performed for the structuralconnections of a downhole nuclear test emplacement assembly. The bolt loads as well as the stresses in the cable trayr and end plates of the assembly were examined for a rangeof bolt preloadsand appliedexternalaxial loads.The focus of this study was the effectsof preloadon the bolt load and the stressesin variousparts of the assembly. The effects of bolt size and door strap were also examined. A full-scalepull test of the structuralconnectionswas performed.The resultsof the test validatednot only the finite element analysis but also the computer code NIKE3D used in the analysis.