02-20170608 Bolting1 McCormick Final PDF

Bolting and Bolted Connections -
1
Thursday, June 8
Jason McCormick, Ph.D.
Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of Michigan
Bolting and Bolted Connections - 1
Introduction to Bolting and Bolted Connections

High level overview of structural design
High level overview of bolting
Pertinent specifications
Installation Preparation
Installation Techniques
Engineering Considerations
Bolts, nuts, washers
Connection limit states
Detailing requirements
Splice Plates
Friday, June 9, 2017



Idea of component and connection design to support
forces
Load and Resistance Factor Design
Connection types
Bolt types and suitability for use in structural
connections
Installation techniques
Connection failure modes
Bridge Design High Level Overview
A bridge is a collection of members and

connections arranged so that it remains stable
and without appreciable change in form
Structural design is the process to determine
the dimensions and properties of a bridge so
that it can perform within specified constraints
of safety and cost
Prerequisites for Design
To design a bridge, structural engineers need to

know the internal forces at all locations in the
structure and the corresponding deformations
Internal forces dictate how much material
we need to place at a particular location or
how to join members
Deformations are associated with
serviceability limits
Component Design
Gusset Plate
Member Member
Connection
Probabilistic Basis of Design LRFD
(Load and Resistance Factor Design)
Applied force
(factored load effect)
ii i n
Q R
Ability to support force
(factored resistance of
component for given
effect)
Limit State Approach
Components and connections must satisfy the

LRFD equation for all specified force effects
and limit state combinations
Objectives are constructability, safety, and
serviceability
Limit states
Strength (calibrated structural reliability)
Service (calibrated expected member sizes)
Fatigue
Extreme-event
Strength Limit States
Ensure strength and stability of the bridge and

components under maximum expected load over 75
year design life
Calibrated to achieve uniform level of reliability
for all bridges and components
Force (left side)
Based on factored elastic structural response
Resistance (right side)
Based on applying inelastic response principles
Requires ductility and redundancy
Calibration of Strength Limit States
Probability Density Function
fQ(q)
fR(r)
Qn Rn
kqQ krR
R, S
Q Qn Rn R
Select and so Rn (resistance) is greater than Qn (load) and

the difference is sufficient to provided desired level of safety
Probabilistic Basis of Design
The overlapping area between both curves is a

qualitative measure of the probability of
failure, which can be reduced by:
Increasing the resistance - i.e. pushing the
resistance curve further to the right
Decreasing the load i.e. posting a bridge
Improving quality control of the materials -
i.e. making the resistance curve thinner.
Reliability Index (b)
(R-Q)
f(R-Q)
b
Probability
of failure
R-Q
In general the target reliability index is 3.5

Strength Limit States for Steel Bridges
LRFD Specification has 5 strength limit state

load combinations
Strength I
Strength II
Strength III
Strength IV
Strength V
All 5 are potentially applicable to steel bridges
Serviceability Limit States
Ensures durability and serviceability of the

bridge and its components under everyday
loads
Calibrated to result in section proportions
comparable to the Standard Specification
Not reliability based
Serviceability Limit States (cont.)
2 of 4 apply to steel bridges

Service I
Apply when optional live-load deflection control
is invoked by owner
Intended to control human perception of
deflection
Service II
Only for steel bridges
Intended to control permanent deformations due
to localized yielding or slip in slip-critical bolted
connections
Fatigue and Fracture Limit States
Separate from strength and service limit states

More severe consequences than service
Not necessarily as severe as strength
Applicable to specific details undergoing tensile stress
Not calibrated based on structural reliability
Utilize S-N curves
Stress range, S
Number of cycles to failure, N
2 limit states
Fatigue I Infinite fatigue life
Fatigue II Finite fatigue life
Will not focus on covered in another lecture
Extreme-Event Limit States
Deal with events where the return period is

much larger than the 75 year design life
Large magnitude events
Accept more risk and more potential for
damage
2 limit states
Extreme Event I Earthquakes
Extreme Event II Vessel, vehicle or ice flow
collisions and certain hydraulic events
Will not focus on covered in another lecture
Types of Forces
Axial Shear Flexural
Torsional Combination
How Bolts Transmit Forces
Axial
Shear
Bolts can only transmit forces in a limited manner

Bolts Transfer Forces at Connections
Shear force in each bolt

445 kN
14 Bolts
445 kN
Channel
Gusset Plate
Member axial force transfer is easy!

Transfer of other Types of Forces
Shear force in each bolt
Shear and Moment

Bolts Loaded in Direct Tension
(Not common)
May have to
consider prying
action
P (kN)
Bolted Joint Types
Two basic load transfer mechanisms in bolted

joints:
Bearing: Load is transferred between
components by bearing on the bolts
Slip critical: Load is transferred between
components through friction
Bolted Joint Types (cont.)
Bearing
Bearing forces
Bolt pretension
Faying surface
Slip Critical
Friction
forces
Bolt pretension
Bolts in Bearing
Bolts in bearing where the connected elements are assumed

to slip into bearing against the body of the bolt
If the joint is designed as a bearing joint the load is
transferred through bearing whether the bolt is installed
snug-tight or pretensioned
Threads in the Shear Plane
The shear plane is the plane
between two or more pieces
under load where the pieces
tend to move parallel from
each other, but in opposite
directions
The threads of a bolt may
either be included in the
shear plane or excluded from
the shear plane Threads Included in Shear Plane
The capacity of a bolt is
greater with the threads
excluded from the shear
plane
The most commonly used bolt
is an AASHTO M 164 (ASTM
A325) 19.1 mm bolt with the
threads included in the shear
plane
Threads Excluded from Shear Plane
Slip-Critical Joints
In a slip-critical joint the bolts must be fully pretensioned to cause a

clamping force between the connected elements
Develops frictional resistance between the connected elements
The frictional resistance allows the joint to withstand loading
without slipping, although the bolts must still be designed for bearing
The faying surfaces in slip-critical joints require special preparation
Use of Slip-Critical Connections
AASHTO: Joints subjected to stress reversal, heavy

impact loads, severe vibrations or located where
stress and strain due to joint slippage would be
detrimental to serviceability should be designed as
slip critical. Examples:
Joints subjected to fatigue loading
Joints in shear with bolts installed in oversized
holes
Joints in shear with bolts installed in short- and
long-slotted holes with loads applied in any
direction other than perpendicular to the axis of
the slot
Use of Slip-Critical Connections (cont.)
Joints subjected to significant load reversals

Joints in which welds and bolts share in
transmitting load at a common faying surface
Joints in axial tension or combined axial tension
and shear
Joints in axial compression only, with standard
or slotted holes in only one ply of the
connection with the direction of the load
perpendicular to the direction of the slot
Based on the judgement of the engineer

forces
Connection types
connections
Bolts as Structural Fasteners
ASTM A307 Gr. A or B Machine Bolts

Ft = 420 MPa
AASHTO M 164, ASTM A325, F1852

High Strength Bolts
Ft = 830 MPa for diameters 12.7 through 25.4 mm
Ft = 725 MPa for diameters 28.6 through 38.1 mm
AASHTO M 253, ASTM A490, F2280

High Strength Bolts
Ft = 1035 MPa
Do not galvanize
Note: F1852 and F2280 are Tension Control Bolts or Twist-Off Bolts
which require a special tightening tool
Bolt Types
ASTM A307 Low carbon steel

AASHTO M 164 (ASTM A325) High-strength medium
carbon steel
Most common bolts used in bridge construction
AASHTO M 253 (ASTM A490) High-strength heat
treated steel
ASTM designation and manufacturers designation are
indicated on the head of the bolt
Bolt Types (cont.)
Round Head
Spline Round head (or button head) TC
bolts are most common
ASTM F1852 High-strength medium

carbon steel
ASTM A325 bolt equivalent Hex Head
Contains spline (above)
ASTM F2280 High-strength heat treated
ASTM A490 bolt equivalent
Contains spline (above)
The base ASTM designation (A325 or A490) for Twist-off

or Tension Controlled (TC) bolts is required to be indicated
on the head of the bolt
Galvanizing
AASHTO M 164 (ASTM A325) Type 1 bolts can be

galvanized
Hot dipped galvanized (AASHTO M 232M/ M23,
class C)
Mechanically galvanized (AASHTO M 298, class
50)
Bolts should be retested after galvanizing
AASHTO M 253 (ASTM A490) cannot be galvanized
Bolt, washer and nut should be galvanized by the
same process
Nuts should be overtapped to the minimum
requirement and lubricated
Common Bolt Sizes
High-strength bolts are available in diameters

ranging from 12.7 mm to 38.1 mm
Most common sizes
19.1 mm, 22.2 mm, and 25.4 mm
High-strength bolts are commonly available in
incremental length up to 203 mm
Can be fully threaded for some diameters and
lengths
Washers
Hardened steel washers are used to spread pressure from the bolt
tightening process over a larger area
Washers are required to completely cover oversized or slotted hole
AASHTO M 293 (ASTM F436) flat washers are most common
Tapered washers are used when the surface being bolted has a
sloped surface, such as the flange of a channel or an S shape
For pretensioned joints, ASTM A325 bolts require a washer under
the turned element (head or nut) being turned to tighten the bolt
For pretensioned joints with base metal specified yield strength
less than 275 MPa, A490 and F2280 bolts require a washer under
both the head and nut
Nuts
High-strength nuts for AASHTO M 253 (ASTM A325)

bolts must meet the requirements of AASHTO M 291
(ASTM A563) Grade DH, DH3, C, C3 and D
High-strength nuts for AASHTO M 253 (ASTM A490)
bolts must meet the requirements of AASHTO M 291
(ASTM A563) Grade DH and DH3
Nuts must be hot dip galvanized in accordance with
AASHTO M 232
Galvanized nuts must be tapped oversize in
accordance with AASHTO M 291 and must be coated
with a lubricant containing a visible dye
Parts of a Bolted Assembly
Grip is the distance from behind the bolt head to

the back of the nut or washer
It is the sum of the thickness of all the parts
being joined exclusive of washers
Thread length is the threaded portion of the bolt
Bolt length is the distance from behind the bolt
head to the end of the bolt
Bolts and Joint Failure
Tear
Out
Bearing Bearing
Yield
Bolts in bearing are designed to meet two limit states:

Yielding: inelastic deformation
Fracture: failure of the joint
The material the bolt bears against is subject to
bearing or tear out
Snug-tight Installation
Snug tight is the tightness attained by a few impacts of an

impact wrench, or the full effort of a person using an
ordinary spud wrench. A bolt in snug tight condition will
carry no less than 10% of its pretension load.
Turn-of-Nut Installation
Installation beyond snug-tight is called pretensioning

Turn-of-nut pretensioning involves several steps:
1. The bolt is brought into tight contact then snug-tightened
2. Matchmarks are placed on each nut, bolt, and steel surface in a
straight line
3. The part not turned by the wrench is prevented from turning
4. The bolt is tightened with a prescribed rotation past the snug-
tight condition
The specified rotation varies by diameter and length (between 1/3
and 1 full turn)
Calibrated Wrench Method
Calibrated wrench pretensioning uses an impact wrench (above

left) to tighten the bolt to a specified tension
A Skidmore-Wilhelm calibration device is used to calibrate the
impact wrench to achieve the specified tension
A sample of bolts representative of those to be used in the
connections are tested to verify that the correct tension will be
achieved
Tension Controlled Bolt Installation
ASTM F1852 and F2280 bolts are twist-off-type

tension-control bolts
These bolts must be pretensioned with a twist-off-
type tension-control bolt installation wrench that has
two coaxial chucks
The inner chuck engages the splined end of the bolt
The outer chuck engages the nut
The two chucks turn opposite to one another to
tighten the bolt
The splined end of the F1852 and F2280 bolt shears
off at a specified tension
Direct Tension Indicators (ASATM F959)
Another way to try to ensure proper pretensioning of a bolt is

through the use of direct tension indicators (DTIs)
These washers have protrusions that must bear against the
unturned element
As the bolt is tightened the clamping force flattens the protrusions
and reduces the gap
The gap is measured with a feeler gage
When the gap reaches the specified size the bolt is properly
pretensioned
Equipment
Common tools used by Ironworkers include spud wrenches, pins, and

corrections bars of various sizes
Impact wrenches will be needed for certain installations
Electricity or compressed air is required depending on the impact wrench
being used
A generator as well as an air compressor may be needed

forces
Connection types
connections
Bolting Specifications
Norma Colombiana de
Diseo de Puentes
LRFD CCP 14
AASHTO LRFD AASHTO LRFD

Bridge Design Bridge Design
Specifications Specifications
(2012) (2014)
Other Bolting Resources
AASHTO LRFD Bridge Research Council on

Construction Structural
Specification Connections
Bridge Construction Specification
(AASHTO)
Companion to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design
Specification
Focuses on basic requirements governing
materials, equipment, and methods used in
construction of bridges
Research Council on Structural Connections
(RCSC)
The Research Council on Structural Connections
(RCSC) prepares specifications and documents
related to structural connections
RCSCs Specification for Structural Joints Using
High-Strength Bolts is a widely used
specification which discusses joints, fasteners,
limit states, installation, and inspection
AASHTO adopts (with modifications) some of
the RCSC recommendations

forces
Connection types
connections

Connections
Pre-Construction Considerations
Pre-Installation Requirements
Rotational Capacity Testing
General Installation Requirements
Turn-of-Nut Method
Direct Tension Indicator Method
Twist-Off Bolt Method
Turn-of-Nut Method
Shipping Fasteners
Black bolts, loose nuts, and washers of each length,

diameter, or size should be packed separately
Hot dipped galvanized bolts must be shipped in full assemblies
(bolt, nut, and washer) and kept together as an assembly
Storage and shipping should be done in moisture proof
boxes, crates, kegs, or barrels
Gross weight of each package limited to 136 kg
Contents should be labeled on outside of shipping
container
Supply 5% more high strength bolts of each size and
length than required for the job
Lubrication
Black bolts should be oily to the touch

Nuts of galvanized fasteners must be lubricated with a
clean and dry material to the touch
Wax
Contains a visible dye
Fastener Paperwork
Documents with each bolt shipment will become a part

of the construction record
Packing list with each shipment of bolts
Other documents
Test reports
Mill test report
Manufacturer certified report
Distributor certified report
Paperwork for any lot of bolts, nuts, and washers
should be maintained
Container information should be checked to ensure it
matches the provided paperwork
Packing List
Detailed list of all fastener assemblies

Manufacturers and Suppliers Name
Shipment item
Bolt size and grade
Bolt, nut, and washer lot number
Coating data
Quantity
Other Documents
For galvanized bolts a letter

should be provided confirming:
Type of galvanized bolt
ASTM specification under which
they were produced
Hot dip
Mechanically galvanized (coating
prone to chipping)
Test Data Certification
Mill Test Report (MTR)

Manufacturer Certified Test Report (MCTR)
Distributor Certified Test Report (DCTR)
Mill Test Report (MTR)
Documents mill steel (raw material) used to

manufacture bolts, nuts, and washers
Can be used to verify specification compliance for
chemistry only
Must be provided by steel producer and provides:
Heat number
Chemical Analysis
Location where melted and manufactured
Location of testing
Date of testing
Manufacturer Certified Test Report
Prepared by the bolt, nut, or washer manufacturer

Documents physical tests conducted as part of
manufacturing
Tests are performed on the finished product (i.e. rotation-
capacity tests)
Includes:
Mill heat number
Lot number assigned by fastener manufacturer
Required physical test results
Bolt mechanical tests (Tension, Rotational-capacity, Hardness, Coating
thickness (galvanized))
Nut tests
Washer tests
Distributor Certified Test Report
Prepared by the fastener distributor

Documents rotational-capacity tests and rotational
capacity lot numbers
Does not replace MTRs or MCTRs
Contains:
Fastener manufacture lot number
Distributor assigned rotational-capacity lot number
Rotational-capacity test results
Location and date of rotational-capacity tests
Certification statement that the MCTRs for all
components conform to appropriate AASHTO material
specifications
Production Lots
Production lot traceability is required by RCSC

It is necessary to keep lots separate for proper pre-installation
verification testing which is required for slip-critical joints
Mixing bolts and nuts from different production heats/lots is not
permitted (even if same diameter)
Storage of Fasteners
Fastener components must be protected from dirt an

moisture in closed containers
Only the number of fasteners required to be installed and
tightened during a working shift should be removed from
storage
Unused fasteners should be returned to protected storage at
the end of a shift
Lubricant must not be removed
Storage of Galvanized Fasteners
Galvanized bolts and nuts (above) are provided by the supplier in a set
and have special storage requirements
Each bolt/nut set is pretested by the supplier and shipped together
and must be kept together as an assembly
Poor thread fit may result if the bolt and nut are mismatched
The lubrication on galvanized fasteners is generally more durable than
that on black bolts, but protected storage is still recommended
AASHTO M 253 (ASTM A490), F1852 and F2280 bolts are not allowed to
be hot-dipped galvanized (ASTM F1136 Grade 3 coating is permitted)
(SSTC 2010)
Pre-Bolting Inspection Cont.
O Observe these items on a random basis

P Perform these tasks for each bolted connection
Rotational-Capacity Test
Conducted on high strength bolt assemblies

Used to show that the nut may be rotated from snug tight
condition well in excess of the rotation required for
pretensioned installation and
No stripping of the bolt threads
Achieve desired pretension load
Used for calibration of wrenches
Used for understanding proper installation procedures
Tests should be performed prior to starting installation
Engineer may require periodic retesting
Tests are carried out in accordance with AASHTO M164
Rotational-Capacity Test Cont.
Washers are required even though they may not be

required for installation (coating must be the same as
on the bolt and nut)
Minimum of 2 assemblies must be tested per rotational-
capacity lot
Rotational-capacity lot consists of each combination of bolt
production lot, nut lot, and washer lot
Long bolts tested in Skidmore-Wilhelm Bolt Tension
Calibrator
Short bolts may be tested in a steel joint
Galvanized fasteners tested after assembly has been
galvanized
Equipment
Skidmore-Wilhelm Bolt Tension Calibrator
Equipment Cont.
Standard Torque Wrench
Rotational-Capacity Test Procedure
Select 2 bolt, nut, and washer assemblies for each

bolt diameter, length, and heat
Install bolt, nut, and washer with additional face
plates and shims to achieve 3-5 threads in grip
Rotational-Capacity Test Procedure Cont.
Tighten nut to 10% of the minimum required
bolt tension (snug-tight)
Minimum Required Bolt Tension
AASHTO M 164 AASHTO M 253

Bolt Diameter
(ASTM A325) (ASTM A490)
(mm)
(N) (N)
15.9 84 107
19.1 125 156
22.2 173 218
25.4 227 285
28.6 249 356
31.8 316 454
34.9 378 538
38.1 458 658
Min Required Bolt Tension = 70% specified min bolt tensile strength
Mark the socket on the nut to reference the
point on the Skidmore-Wilhelm or shim plates
and rotate nut per chart
Nut can be tightened with a torque wrench or
air wrench
Bolt Length Rotation
L 4d 2/3 turn (240o)

4d < L 8d 1 turn (360o)
8d < L 12d 1-1/3 turn (480o)
hold bolt head from turning
Rotation value will be 2 times the value used during turn of
the nut installation
Minimum tension in the bolt at the specified rotation shall
be equal to or greater than 1.15 times the minimum
required installation tension
Record one reading of tension and torque after exceeding
the minimum required installation tension
Torque shall not exceed:
0.25
Max Allowable Torque Bolt Diameter (ft.)
(ft.-lbs)
Measured Bolt Tension
(lbs.)
Remove and examine the bolt and nut
Thread stripping
Shearing of threads FAILURE
Torsional failure
Check to see if the nut still turns freely
Elongation of the bolt in the threads is not
classified as failure
Comparison Between Bolt Tension and
Torsion Failure Modes
Torsion Tension
Short Bolt Modifications

For bolts too short to fit in the Skidmore-Wilhelm the
bolts can be tested in a steel joint
Plate thickness can be adjusted with steel shims
(proper hole size required)
Cannot measure tension, only torque with a standard
torque wrench
Short Bolt Modifications (cont.)

Install bolt, nut, and washer with additional face plates
and shims to achieve 3-5 threads in grip
Provide initial tension with spud wrench (do not exceed
20% of maximum allowed torque see table)
Match mark the nut, bolt, and plate
Tension the bolt with a torque wrench
L 4D 1/3 turn
4D < L 8D 1/2 turn
Short Bolt Modifications (cont.)

Measured torque should not exceed
Bolt Diameter (in.) 5/8 3/4 7/8 1 1-1/8 1-1/4 1-3/8 1-1/2
Torque (ft-lbs) 290 500 820 1230 1500 2140 2810 3690
Further tighten the bolt by further rotation

L 4D 2/3 turn
4D < L 8D 1 turn
Rotation measure from initial marking
Loosen nut and check for signs of failure

Specifications and procedure for high strength bolt

installation are contained in:
AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification
New construction
AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specification
New construction
AASHTO Standard Specification for Highway
Bridges
Rehabilitation projects
Research Council on Structural Connections
(RCSC) Specifications
General Installation Requirements Cont.
Fastener assemblies must be protected from

dirt and moisture
Components should not be cleaned of lubricant
as received
Galvanized nuts should have visible wax
lubricant
Fastener assemblies should be rejected if
corrosion or contamination is present
Faying surfaces must be properly treated
Installation
Install bolts from the most rigid part of the
connection to the free edge
AASHTO M 164 (A325) galvanized bolts cannot
be reused once tightened beyond snug tight
Nuts should be inside of the fascia and up in
flanges (i.e. opposite traffic)
Installation Cont.
Connections should be aligned prior to inserting connection
bolts using drift pins or sacrificial bolts (ASTM A325 or
A490)
May require at least 10% of connection be filled with
temporary bolts to bring plies together prior to installing
permanent bolts
Install permanent bolts in remaining holes and commence
turn of the nut tightening
Remove temporary bolts and replace with permanent ones
Inspections
Materials, Procedures, and Workmanship must

be in conformance with:
Construction documents
RCSC Specification
Primary method is observation of bolting
operation
Inspections Cont.
Example of AISC Requirements
Inspections Cont.
In addition to the erectors quality control program, tests and inspection

are specified by the Engineer of Record and/or the owner
Snug-tightened joints require visual inspection for firm contact and
proper use of washers
Pretensioned joints require pre-installation verification and routine
observation of proper application
Slip-critical joints require inspection of the faying surfaces in addition to
the above inspections
Inspections Cont.
There are several bolted connection inspections

that can be performed:
Look at the bolt stick-out
Stick-out is the amount the bolt extends beyond the
outside surface of the nut (should be consistent)
Positive or zero stick-out is acceptable
Negative stick-out, where the end of the bolt is inside
the nut is not acceptable
Inspections Cont.
Inspect the turn-of-nut match marks to ensure the bolts

have been pretensioned
If F1852 or F2280 bolts are used, make sure the ends have
been snapped off all bolts (see above)
In some cases, due to insufficient clearance for the installation
wrench, F1852 and F2280 bolts will be tightened by alternative
methods so the ends will not be snapped off (requires turn-of-nut
match marks)
Turn-of-Nut Method
There are several accepted methods for

installing structural bolts
Turn-of-Nut Method
Each method has to be routinely verified to
ensure consistency in the installation
Turn-of-Nut Method
Prior to fastener installation, a representative

sample of not less than three nut and bolt
assemblies of each diameter must be checked
in a device indicating bolt tension
These tests should demonstrate that controlling
the turns from a snug tight condition develops a
tension at least 5% greater than the required
tension
Turn-of-Nut Method (cont.)
Must have tight iron prior to snug-tightening

After snug-tightening, nut is turned a
specific amount based on the bolt size
(diameter and length) and grade to develop
required pretension
Snug-tight refers to the tightness when the
plies of the joint are in firm contact
Few impacts of an impact wrench
Full effort using ordinary spud wrench
Bolts elongate when tightened to a

pretensioned load
Method relies on strain control rather than
torque control
Provides a more uniform pretension than torque
controlled methods
Strain control inherently more reliable
The head of the bolt must remain stationary relative to the

nut (or bolt head can be turned if there is an accessibility
issue)
AASHTO requirements:
Bolt Length Both faces normal to bolt axis
L 4d 1/3 turn
4d < L 8d 1/2 turn
8d < L 12d 2/3 turn
Tightening should progress systematically from most rigid

part of the joint to its free edges
Tolerances
1/2 turn or less are 0 up to +30o
2/3 turn or more are 0 up to +45o
Marking should be witnessed
by an inspector
Steel should be marked both at the start and end points

based on the nut mark
May only be used when installation procedures

are calibrated on a daily basis
Hardened washers must be used under the
turned element
Tables or formulas relating torque to tension
are not recognized by AASHTO
Calibrated wrenches shall be set to provide a
tension at least 5% in excess of minimum
required
Calibrated Wrench Method (cont.)
Variables affecting relationship between torque

and tension:
Finish and tolerance of bolt and threads
Uniformity and degree and condition of lubrication
Shop or job-site conditions (cause dust and
corrosion)
Friction between turned element and supporting
surface
Variability in wrench air supply
Condition, lubrication, and power supply of the
wrench
Repeatability on wrenches
Installation method:
Use properly calibrated wrench
Hardened washer under turned element
Snug joint
Use systematic tightening (rigid -> free edge)
Touch up after tightening
Recalibration is required:
Daily
With change in air supply
With change in lubrication
With change in thread conditions
For different rotational-capacity lots
For change in rotational-capacity lots
Each of these variables can affect the tension
induced in the bolt
Direct Tension Indicators
Direct tension indicators (DTIs) are special

washers with raised protrusions on one face
which compress when the bolt is tightened
Quick method for verifying proper tensioning
without relying on torque-tension relationship
Squirter DTI extrude orange silicone to
indicate proper tensioning
Direct Tension Indicators (cont.)
Verification Testing
3 verification tests are required for each
Rotational-Capacity lot
DTI lot
DTI position within the assembly
Perform in a calibrated bolt tension measuring device
(Skidmore-Wilhelm)
Stationary element in the field must be restrained
2 stage process
Stage 1: Tension to 105% of minimum bolt pretension
Stage 2: Further tension and ensure nut can run down the
complete thread length
DTI Placement
Under the fixed element (protrusions facing the fixed
fastener element)
Under the turned element (washer is placed between
the turned fastener element and the protrusions of the
DTI)
Under the fixed element (protrusions facing the fixed
fastener element) with a washer between the
connection element and the DTI for oversized and
slotted holes
DTI protrusions should not face the connection element
It is essential that direct tension indicators be properly oriented in the

assembly
a) The bolt head is stationary while the nut is turned DTI under bolt
head
b) The bolt head is stationary while the nut is turned DTI under nut
(washer required)
c) The nut is stationary while the bolt head is turned DTI under bolt
head (washer required)
d) The nut is stationary while the bolt head is turned DTI under nut
Installation
Two stages:
Snug-tight (meet maximum feeler gage refusal requirement)
Pretension (meet minimum feeler gage installation refusal
requirement
Stationary element should be prevented from rotating
at each stage
Twist-off Bolt Method
ASTM F1852 (A325 equivalent) and ASTM F2280
(A490 equivalent)
Bolts that have a spline that twists off at a
torque corresponding to the proper pretension
bolt pretension
Applied Bolt Technology (2014)

Twist-off Bolt Method (cont.)
Torque control method, but achieved within the
fastener rather than with a wrench
Can rapidly inspect that it is properly installed
Spline on not properly tensioned
Spline off properly tensioned
Require lot testing to ensure QA/QC
Twist-off Bolt Method (cont.)
Installation
Completely snug tighten in a systematic manner
Spline should not twist off during this operation
May require use of an impact wrench so spline does not
twist off
Use special wrench to tighten until spline shears off
based on manufacturers instructions
Tanner Bolt & Nut Corp. (2014)

Turn-of-Nut Method

Engineering Considerations
Bolts, nuts, washers
Connection limit states
Detailing requirements
Splice Plates
Gusset Plates
Friday, June 9, 2017

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Bolting and Bolted Connections -

Introduction to Bolting and Bolted Connections

Friday, June 9, 2017

Introduction to Bolting and Bolted Connections

Introduction to Bolting and Bolted Connections

A bridge is a collection of members and

To design a bridge, structural engineers need to

Components and connections must satisfy the

Ensure strength and stability of the bridge and

Select and so Rn (resistance) is greater than Qn (load) and

The overlapping area between both curves is a

In general the target reliability index is 3.5

LRFD Specification has 5 strength limit state

Ensures durability and serviceability of the

2 of 4 apply to steel bridges

Separate from strength and service limit states

Deal with events where the return period is

Bolts can only transmit forces in a limited manner

Shear force in each bolt

Member axial force transfer is easy!

Shear force in each bolt

Shear and Moment

Two basic load transfer mechanisms in bolted

Bolts in bearing where the connected elements are assumed

In a slip-critical joint the bolts must be fully pretensioned to cause a

AASHTO: Joints subjected to stress reversal, heavy

Joints subjected to significant load reversals

Introduction to Bolting and Bolted Connections

ASTM A307 Gr. A or B Machine Bolts

AASHTO M 164, ASTM A325, F1852

AASHTO M 253, ASTM A490, F2280

ASTM A307 Low carbon steel

ASTM F1852 High-strength medium

The base ASTM designation (A325 or A490) for Twist-off

AASHTO M 164 (ASTM A325) Type 1 bolts can be

High-strength bolts are available in diameters

High-strength nuts for AASHTO M 253 (ASTM A325)

Grip is the distance from behind the bolt head to

Bolts in bearing are designed to meet two limit states:

Snug tight is the tightness attained by a few impacts of an

Installation beyond snug-tight is called pretensioning

Calibrated wrench pretensioning uses an impact wrench (above

ASTM F1852 and F2280 bolts are twist-off-type

Another way to try to ensure proper pretensioning of a bolt is

Common tools used by Ironworkers include spud wrenches, pins, and

Introduction to Bolting and Bolted Connections

AASHTO LRFD AASHTO LRFD

AASHTO LRFD Bridge Research Council on

Introduction to Bolting and Bolted Connections

Introduction to Bolting and Bolted Connections

Black bolts, loose nuts, and washers of each length,

Black bolts should be oily to the touch

Documents with each bolt shipment will become a part

Detailed list of all fastener assemblies

For galvanized bolts a letter

Mill Test Report (MTR)

Documents mill steel (raw material) used to

Prepared by the bolt, nut, or washer manufacturer

Prepared by the fastener distributor

Production lot traceability is required by RCSC

Fastener components must be protected from dirt an

O Observe these items on a random basis

Conducted on high strength bolt assemblies