Bolted Connections

Bolted connections can be problematic when subject to cyclic loading as often seen in flanged pipe connections, engine cylinder head applications, machinery base plates......etc.

Bolts (especially high grade i.e. 8.8 and above) have a low fatigue endurance limit and will fail under fairly low cyclic loading if they do not maintain sufficient pre load hence the choice of bolt diameter and tightening method are of great importance.

We use specialist software to evaluate bolted connections to ensure that the correct size bolts are used and they are tightened such to ensure the correct pre load is maintained.