Structural fasteners
Structural fasteners are strong, heavy-duty fasteners that are necessary for the construction of structures which include steel to steel connections. In other words, they are used when one metal structure needs to be connected to another.
The typical application of structural fasteners is in bridge and building construction, where they are used to connect metal beams and girders. To be considered for structural purposes, fasteners need to be made of quenched and tempered steel with a minimal tensile strength of 120 ksi.
Some of the most commonly used structural fasteners are:
- Heavy hex bolts. This type of bolt or cap screw comes with a hexagonal head, and is larger and thicker than standard hex bolts. A325 and A490 specifications are suitable in this application.
- Heavy hex nuts, also known as finish nuts. Heavy hex nuts are used along with bolts - both for strength and for a thick finished look.
- Flat washers. These high hardness and low-deformation plain washers, punched washers, or flat washers are used as spacers and load distributors.
- Tension control bolts. TC bolts are extremely adept at handling vibrations and preventing load reversals and they eliminate slips in connections.
The quality of structural fasteners specified is of prime importance because they will be holding together heavy and crucial structures. Therefore, they must be durable, sturdy, rust-proof and corrosion-free for several years. Using poor quality structural fasteners not only reduces the durability of the overall structure but also puts lives at risk.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bolts.
- Civil engineer.
- Civil Engineering during the Industrial Revolution in Britain.
- Concept structural design of buildings.
- Elements of structure in buildings
- Fastener.
- Fixing.
- Nails.
- Nuts.
- Rivets.
- Substructure.
- Superstructure.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Quality Planning for Micro and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises
A CIOB Academy Technical Information sheet.
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.