Torque Introduction
Bolted Joints
Guidelines on the tightening of bolted joints
The guidelines presented below have been included so that an Engineer is aware of the potential pitfalls relating to the tightening of bolted joints. They are based upon experience and the results of published tests and research findings completed by organisations over many years. The guidelines are of a general nature, and not necessary specific to a particular industry.
1. Use a Calibrated Torque Wrench
Ensure that a calibrated torque wrench is used and that a torque value is specified on the tightening specification. Be aware that certain automatic tightening tools, such as impact wrenches, can result in significant variations occurring in the torque value and a bolts preload. A calibrated torque wrench should therefore be used for the final tightening operation.
2. Specify the correct tightening torque
Whenever feasible, specify the tightening torque based upon actual test results rather than a theoretically calculated value. Experimental determination of the tightening torque can be established by measurement of bolt extension, strain gauges or by the use of a load cell embedded in the joint.
3. Specify a tightening sequence
The majority of joints consist of more than one bolt and bring together surfaces which are not completely flat. The sequence of tightening bolts can have a major influence on the resulting preloads. With such joints, consideration should be given to specifying the sequence in which the bolts are to be tightened. Because the joint surfaces compress, tightening one bolt in the vicinity of another, will affect the preload generated by the first bolt tightened.
A good tightening sequence is one which ensures that an even preload distribution is achieved in the joint. Because joints containing conventional gaskets have a comparatively low compressive stiffness, bolt preloads in such joints are particularly sensitive to the tightening sequence. Based on experience, if the bolts are in a circular pattern, a cris-cross tightening sequence would normally be specified. For non-circular bolt patterns, a spiral pattern starting at the middle would normally be specified. On critical joints, a tightening pattern which tightens the bolts more than once can be specified to ensure an even preload distribution.
4. Be cautious with the use of plain washers
Use caution when specifying plain washers. Clearance between the bolt shank and the washer hole can result in relative lateral motion occurring. This can change the friction surface from nut and washer, to washer and joint surface during tightening. This affects the torque-tension relationship and will lead to large variations in preload. In some situations, such as to cover slots or to reduce the surface pressure under the bolt head, plain washers are traditionally specified. In such circumstances, ensure that they are of sufficient thickness and hardness and that they are a good fit to the bolt shank.
5. Flange Headed Bolts
On relatively soft materials, or when high tensile bolts are used, consideration should be given to the use of flange headed bolts and nuts. Such fasteners reduce the surface pressure under the nut surface reducing the amount of preload lost due to embedding. Because of the larger diameter bearing faces, generally a higher tightening torque is required because more torque is dissipated by friction.
6. Gaskets
Conventional gaskets creep; this results in a reduction in the bolts preload over time. The majority of such creep usually occurs shortly after installation. To reduce the effect of such problems, re-tightening of the bolts is frequently completed after allowing a period of time to elapse after initial tightening.
7. Embedding
Embedding is plastic deformation which occurs in the threads of the fastener and in the joint itself. It is caused by high stresses generated by the tightening process. Such embedding results in a loss of bolt extension and hence preload. Typically, preload loss due to embedding is in the region of 10%. It increases with the number of joint surfaces being clamped and with the roughness of those surfaces. High surface pressures under the bolt head can also be a cause of excessive embedding. This can be due to the use of high tensile fasteners in relatively soft materials. Hardened washers or the use of flanged fasteners can reduce such effects. Caution should also be exercised in the use of short bolts clamping several interfaces together. In such joints the small amount of bolt extension can be significantly reduced by the large amount of embedding which can be anticipated. Joint relaxation is a term often used to describe the combined effects of embedding and gasket creep.
