Path C-F-J-M Length and Net Area
The path length, in this case, is the plate width (12") less four EFFECTIVE HOLE DIAMETERS:
EFFECTIVE HOLE DIAMETER = bolt dia. + 1/16" for std hole + 1/16" damage allowance
Path Length = 12" - (4 hole diameters)*(3/4" + 1/8") = 8.50 inches
The net area equals the path length times the plate thickness:
Net Area = (8.50")(1.00") = 8.50 in2
Note that this is the smallest, and hence the controlling, valid path for this plate. The following figure shows the fracture area with respect to the overall connection.