Bolts and Nuts for Steel structure flanged

connections.
This document prepared by mechanical engineer
Mr. Jahangir ayazi . senior piping engineer

Introduction

Among the many types of joints used in the industry, bolt tightening is one of the most used
due to some advantages such as easily and quickly assembly and disassembly, the low costs
and the ability to withstand transversal and longitudinal loads.
Bolts are used in the member’s joint for centuries, even in systems with high responsibility.
However, fatigue failure of bolted joints remains a concern, since the failure of only one bolt
can promotes the instability and the consequent loss of an entire system
Bolt fatigue strength depends on the magnitude of cyclic stresses it experiences.
The stress amplitude of the bolt depends on the external axial load, and also depends on the
stiffness of the joint, i.e., the bolt and the tightened members.
However, several factors seem to be still unsolved regarding to the calculation of the joint
stiffness and the portion of cyclic load effectively experienced by the bolt.
The issue regarding to the influence of the bolt length on the fatigue strength of the bolted
joints, for example, is not completely understood.
Does the stiffness of the joint the same as predicted by the linear theory, regardless of the
member’s thickness, i.e., regardless of the bolt length? There are few studies available in the
literature on the distribution of the bolt stress depending on the bolt length. However,
practical observation shows that longer bolts are more resistant to fatigue even when
tightened to a same preload, or torque, of the shorter bolts.
Improper Flange Connections - the Bolts are too short
What can you do.

This defect

The picture show a improperly bolted flange, because two bolts are too short, and the nuts are
not completely on the bolts. This means that the joint may not be as strong as it should be.
Flanges are designed so that the entire nut-bolt combination holds the forces on the flange. If
the nut is only partially screwed onto the bolt, the connection may not be strong enough.

A_ If your job includes putting equipment together, assembling flanged pipe, bolting
manhole covers or other bolted connections on equipment, or other equipment
assembly, remember that the job is not complete until all of the bolts are properly
installed and tightened

B_ Some equipment requires special bolt tightening procedures. For example, you may
have to use a torque wrench to correctly tighten the bolts to the specification, or
tighten the bolts in a special order. Make sure that you follow the correct procedure,
use the correct tools, and that you are properly trained in the equipment assembly
procedure

C_ Check pipes and equipment for properly bolted flanges as part of your plant safety
inspections. As simple guidance, bolts that do not extend beyond the nuts should be
reviewed by a plant piping craftsman or engineer

D_ If you observe improperly bolted flanges in your plant, report them so they can be
repaired, and make sure the required repairs are completed
E_ Inspect new equipment, or equipment which has been re-assembled after
maintenance, to make sure it is correctly assembled and properly bolted before starting
up

What is the proper length of a Stud Bolt.

As a rule, you can use: The free threads of the bolt above the top of the nut is equals to 1/3 times the bolt
diameter.
ISO 3800. Threaded fasteners – axial load fatigue testing – test methods and evaluation of results; 1993.

ISO 898–1. Mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon steel and alloy steel – Part 1: Bolts, screws and studs with specified property
classes – coarse thread and fine pitch thread; 2009.

ASTM A 370, Standard test methods and definitions for mechanical testing of steel products; 2012.

Prepared by: J.Ayazi 10/11/2021