Design variables influencing the fatigue of Al 2024-T3 in riveted aircraft lap joints: Squeeze force and initial fit tolerance

•An initial interference-fit may be detrimental to the fatigue-life improvement.•Fatigue of riveted joints is more influenced by the squeeze force rather than initial fit tolerance.•A relative decrease in the fatigue life presents at a higher range of squeeze force.•A higher fatigue load is likely to weaken the effect of interference fit.•Fretting on the faying surface explains the decrease in fatigue life at higher squeeze forces.