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8.2.1. Turn-of-Nut Pretensioning: All bolts shall be installed in accordance with the
requirements in Section 8.1, with washers positioned as required in Section 6.2.
Subsequently, the nut or head rotation specified in Table 8.2 shall be applied to
all fastener assemblies in the joint, progressing systematically from the most
rigid part of the joint in a manner that will minimize relaxation of previously
pretensioned bolts. The part not turned by the wrench shall be prevented from
rotating during this operation. Upon completion of the application of the
required nut rotation for pretensioning, it is not permitted to turn the nut in the
loosening direction except for the purpose of complete removal of the individual
Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts, December 31, 2009
RESEARCH COUNCIL ON STRUCTURAL CONNECTIONS
16.2-54
Not more
3 turn 2 turn q turn
than 4d b
Commentary:
The turn-of-nut pretensioning method results in more uniform bolt pretensions
than is generally provided with torque-controlled pretensioning methods.
Strain-control that reaches the inelastic region of bolt behavior is inherently
more reliable than a method that is dependent upon torque control. However,
proper implementation is dependent upon ensuring that the joint is properly
compacted prior to application of the required partial turn and that the bolt head
(or nut) is securely held when the nut (or bolt head) is being turned.
Match-marking of the nut and protruding end of the bolt after snug-
tightening can be helpful in the subsequent installation process and is certainly
an aid to inspection.
As indicated in Table 8.2, there is no available research that establishes
the required nut rotation for bolt lengths exceeding 12db. The required turn for
such bolts can be established on a case-by-case basis using a tension calibrator.
Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts, December 31, 2009
RESEARCH COUNCIL ON STRUCTURAL CONNECTIONS