§ Standards
Status
CURRENT
Last verified
2026-09-06
Research Council on Structural Connections · STANDARD
Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts
Overview
The US bolting specification covering snug tight, pretensioned and slip critical joints, pre-installation verification and the four accepted tightening methods.
The US bolting specification covering snug tight, pretensioned and slip critical joints, pre-installation verification and the four accepted tightening methods.
Who uses it
Connection designers, fabricators and site teams selecting and tightening structural assemblies.
Details
Official source: boltcouncil.org
Requirements
Pre-installation verification · Bolting
Pretensioned and slip critical assemblies require pre-installation verification of the complete fastener assembly, lubrication condition and tightening method before production bolting begins.
BoltingVerification testing
Source: RCSC Specification
Related
High Strength Structural Bolts and Assemblies
The consolidated specification covering grades A325, A490, F1852 and F2280 structural bolts and twist-off assemblies.
United StatesBoltingCURRENTPaid
Specification for Structural Steel Buildings
The US design specification for steel buildings, covering LRFD and ASD member and connection design; adopted by reference in the International Building Code.
United StatesDesign codesCURRENTFree
Compressible-Washer-Type Direct Tension Indicators
Direct tension indicating washers used to verify bolt preload by measuring gap closure.
United StatesBoltingCURRENTPaid
High-strength structural bolting assemblies for preloading — General requirements
The framework for preloaded assemblies: bolt, nut and washer are qualified together as a K-class assembly, not mixed between suppliers.
United KingdomBoltingCURRENTPaid
Preloaded bolting assemblies — System HRC bolt and nut assemblies with calibrated preload
Tension control bolts whose spline shears off at the calibrated preload, giving a visible indication of correct tightening.
United KingdomBoltingCURRENTPaid
Preloaded bolting assemblies — System HR hexagon bolt and nut assemblies
System HR assemblies in property classes 8.8 and 10.9, the common UK preloaded system.
United KingdomBoltingCURRENTPaid
Status
Editorial reference information compiled and maintained by the StructuralSteel.ai team. It is not a design certificate and is not issued under an engineer's seal.
Last reviewed
Calculations
Any figures produced on this page are indicative estimates for early sizing and comparison only — they are not engineered design outputs.
References
Final member selection, loading, connection design, fire design, fabrication and compliance must be verified for your specific project by a suitably qualified structural engineer. Standards are revised; check the edition in force where the work is built.
Verification
StructuralSteel.ai provides technical reference information and links to authoritative sources. Project specifications, applicable legislation, current standards editions and requirements of the responsible engineer or authority should always be verified before fabrication or supply.