The Hows and Whys of Structural Bolting
On-Demand Webinar
There are certain procedures for ensuring a certain minimum tension in structural bolts for bridge and other steel structures. Despite clear specifications from the Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC), there are still many questions about how structural bolting works, and why particular steps are required. What do we really mean when we say we “torque” a bolt? What really holds bolted connections together? How do the various installation methods work? What do preinstallation and rotational capacity tests tell us?
This on-demand webinar covers the fundamentals of how structural bolted connections work, along with basics on various installation and test methods. Specific reference will be made to the RCSC’s Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts and ASTM F3125, Standard Specification for High Strength Structural Bolts and Assemblies, Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, Inch Dimensions 120 ksi and 150 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength, and Metric Dimensions 830 MPa and 1040 MPa Minimum Tensile Strength.
Key Learning Points:
- The role of bolt tension in structural connections
- What a slip-critical joint is
- The importance of snug-tightening
- Fundamentals of four installation methods: turn of nut, direct tension indicator, twist-off bolts, calibrated wrench
- Purpose and basic method of preinstallation verification and rotational capacity testing
Who Should Watch?
- Inspectors or installers who want to know more about why the methods work
- Engineers who want to know more about the practical aspects of how design tension is achieved
- Anyone who would like an introduction to or a refresher on structural bolting fundamentals
Speaker:
Heather Gilmer is a DOT Staff Engineer at TÜV Rheinland. She provides technical direction, instruction, and training to public and private entities regarding steel fabrication. Heather also represents TÜV Rheinland on national technical standards committees, including the American Welding Society, the AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration, the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association, ASTM, and SSPC.
Heather has over 20 years of experience in the steel fabrication and engineering industry and is highly accomplished in her field. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in both civil engineering and linguistics, and she is a winner of the Special Achievement Award from the American Institute of Steel Construction.
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