Section 6: High

O Strength
O Bolt Fastening
1-* 41

Section 6 High Strength Bolt Fastening

6.1 High Strength Bolts
a. Torshear Type High Strength Bolts (also called Twist Off Type Tension Control Bolts)
(1) Sets o f Torshear type high strength bolts
One Torshear type high strength bolt set for a structural joint comprises one bolt, one nut
and one washer. They shall'be manufactured in compliance with Table 6.1, JSS 11-09 (Sets
of Torshear type high strength bolt, hexagon nut and plain washer for structural joints),
which is the article approved by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and
Tourism.

Table 6.1 Grades for Torshear type high strength bolt set components
Combination of grades according to
mechanical properties of component parts
Bolt Nut Washer
S10T F10 F35

(2) Length of Torshear type high strength bolts

in order to determine the required length o f a Torshear type high strength bolt, the value
shown in Table 6.2 should be added to the grip (that is, the total thickness of ail connected
material, not including washers) and the nearest size shall be selected from those shown in
Table lo f Annex o f JSS 11-9. If the required length is not in an increment of 5 mm, it shall
be rounded off to the nearest 5 mm increment. For example, 2 mm is rounded down and 3
mm is rounded up, or similarly, 7 mm is rounded down and 8 mm is rounded up to the
nearest 5 mm increment o f length.

Table 6.2 Length added to the grip (Torshear type high strength bolts)
Nominal
Length added to the grip, in mm
bolt size
Ml 6 25
M20 30
M22 35
M2 4 40
M2 7 45
M30 50
42 ¡ASS 6 (2007)

b. High Strength Hexagon Bolts

(]| Sets of high strength hexagon bolts
One high strength hexagon bolt set for a friction grip joint (hereinafter referred to as
‘‘high strength hexagon bolts” ) comprises one bolt, one nut and two washers. They shall
conform to the standards in JIS B 1186 (Sets of high strength hexagon bolt, hexagon nut
and plain washers for friction grip joints) shown in Table 6.3.

Table 6.3 Class and grades for high strength hexagon bolt set components
Combination of grades according
Class of sets to mechanical properties of
component parts
Class according to Class according to
mechanical
properties torque coefficient Bolt Nut Washer
A (0.110-0.150)
Class 2 F10T F10 F35
B (0.150-0.190)

(2) Length of high strength hexagon bolts

In order to determine the required bolt length, the value shown in Table 6.4 should be
added to the grip (that is, the total thickness of all connected materia], not including
washers), and the nearest size shall be selected from those listed in Table 1 of Annex of
IIS B 1186. If the required length is not in an increment o f 5 mm, it shall be rounded off to
the nearest 5 mm increment For example, 2 mm is rounded down and 3 mm is rounded up,
or similarly, 7 mm is rounded down and 8 mm is rounded up to the nearest 5 mm
increment of length.

Table 6.4 Length added to the grip (high strength hexagon bolts)
Nominal
Length added to the grip, in mm
bolt size
M12 25
Ml 6 30
M20 35
M22 40
M24 45
M27 50
M30 55
 Seaton 6: High Strength Bolt Fastening 43

6.2 Handling of High Strength Bolts

a. Delivery
High strength bolts shall be delivered to the construction site in unopened and complete
packages.
b. Receiving at Construction Site
At the time o f receiving, the General Contractor shall confirm that the packing style, „type,
grade, bolt size, bolt length, lot number, etc., are consistent with the details shown on the
purchase order. High strength bolts delivered to the construction site shall comply with the
Certifícate of Standardized Article issued by the bolt manufacturer (in-house inspection report).
c. Handling at the Construction Site
(1) High strength bolts shall be divided by grade, size, length and lot number, and shall be
stored in a place free from moisture and dust or other possible contaminants and with little
temperature variation. The manufacturer’s instructions shall be followed when stacking
packages.
(2) During transportation and tightening, high strength bolts shall be handled carefully to
prevent thread damage. In addition to thread damage, Torshear type high strength bolts
shall be bandied carefully to prevent spline end damage.
d. Quality Confirmation Testing of High Strength Bolts
Although not required in general, when the General Contractor or the Engineer has a reason
to confirm the quality of delivered high strength bolts, testing for mechanical properties,
confirmation o f applied tension, testing o f torque coefficient, etc., may be undertaken to
confirm acceptance of the high strength bolts.

6.3 Assembly of Connection

a. Assembly Accuracy o f Joints
(1) Special attention shall be paid to achieve a tight fit between the different components of
the joint. Distortion, warping and bending o f the joint or the connected members, or
bending o f splice plates, distortion o f base metal due to welding, deformation, spatter,
burrs resulting from drilling, etc., shall be corrected and repaired with care not to damage
the friction surfaces.
(2) If the joint surface of a member is misaligned, it shall be treated in accordance with
Table 6.5.
Table 6.5 Action to be taken in the case of misaligned joint surfaces

Degree of misalignment Action Required

Not larger than ! mm No treatment required
Larger than 1 mm Insert filler plates
 44 fASS 6 (2007)

(3) Filler plate material may be Grade 400N/mm2, regardless of the material of the
connected members. Both surfaces of filler plates shall be treated as friction surfaces.
Filler plates shall not be welded to the base metal or to splice plates.
b. Correction of Bolt Hole Misalignment
(1) When bolt holes on over lapping plates are out of alignment by 2 mm or less, alignment
may be corrected by reaming.
(2) When bolt holes on overlapping plates are out of alignment by more than 2 mm, the
corrective measure shall be decided through discussion with the Engineer.
c. Temporary Hexagon Bolts for Erection
Tightening of temporary hexagon bolts for the erection o f structural members shall comply
with Item g of Section 10.4 “Erection”.
(1) Temporary hexagon bolts for erection shall be free from oil.
(2) Temporary hexagon bolts shall not be used for final tightening.

6.4 Tightening of High Strength Bolts

a. Tightening o f Torshear Type High Strength Bolts
(1) General
i) The tightening procedure for Torshear type high strength bolts shall be in accordance
with Section 6.5 “Confirmation o f Tightening Method” and shall be reviewed and
confirmed prior to the start o f tightening work.
^T ightening of Torshear type high strength bolts shall be done by rotating the nut end,
with one washer placed under the nut, after the integrity of the bolts has been
confirmed.
iii) As each high strength washer and nut has an inner and outer surface, special care shall
be taken to ensure the correct installation configuration, (see Fig, 6.1).

Thu surface with the symbol mark The surface with inside chainfcrrine
is the outer surface of rhe nut. is the outer surface of the washer.

Fig. 6.1 Contact surfaces of nut and washer

 Section 6 : High Strength Bolt Fastening 45

iv) Tightening of Torshear type high strength bolts shall be made in the sequence shown
in Fig. 6.2, and care shall be taken to achieve a tight fit of the joint parts. Tightening
shall be made in the three steps described below: preliminary tightening, marking and
full tightening.

-.1.
^ ■
O 0 0
( Q o Q
O 0 o
ci o o
>O Q O <
L co o o
o o
)
C_Q C O

-A

group of bolls

o - > Tightening sequence

Tightening of bolts shall be done from the center outwards.

Fig. 6.2 Tightening sequence of bolts

v ) The torque wrench used for tightening o f Torshear type high strength bolts shall be
correctly adjusted to the accuracy o f ±3 %.
vi) Daily calibration at one joint shall be conducted to verify tightening accuracy prior to
tightening additional joints.
vii) The complete installation process, from inserting bolts to full tightening, shall
typically be finished within one day.
(2) Preliminary tightening
i) The preliminary tightening of every joint and every group of bolts shal l be done in the
sequence shown in Fig. 6.2, immediately after the insertion o f bolts.
ii) Tightening shall be done by rotating the nut to the applicable torque value shown in
Table 6.6, using a preset-type torque wrench, an electric impact wrench for preliminary
tightening or a similar tool.
46 MSS 6 (200/1

Tabic 6.6 Torque values for preliminary tightening

Nominal Torque values for

bolt size preliminary tightening, in N*m
Ml 2 Approx. 50
Ml 6 Approx, 100
M20, M22 Approx. 150

M24 Approx. 200

M il Approx. 300
M30 Approx. 400

(3 j Marking
After preliminary tightening, a mark running across the bolt, nut, washer and member
shall be made on each bolt(see Fig. 6.3).

Fig. 6.3 Marking

(4) Full tightening

i) Full tightening shall only be done using tools exclusively for Torshear type high
strength bolts and the nut shall be tightened until the spline end is sheared off.
ii) If tightening tools exclusively for Torshear type high strength bolts cannot be used, due
to difficulty o f tightening position or for any other reason, Torshear type high strength
bolts shall be replaced with high strength hexagon bolts and they shall be tightened
using the tum-of-nut method or the torque control method.
b. Tightening of High Strength Hexagon Bolts
(1) General
i) The tightening procedure for high strength hexagon bolts shall be in accordance with
Section 6,5 ‘‘Confirmation o f Tightening Method" and shall be reviewed and confirmed
prior to the start of tightening work.
 Section 6 : High Strength Boh Fastening 47

^T ightening of a high strength hexagon boit shall be done by rotating the nut, with
washers placed under the bolt head and nut, after bolt integrity has been confirmed,
iii) As each high strength washer and nut has an inner and outer surface, special care shall
be taken to ensure the correct installation configuration (see Fig. 6.4).

The surface with the symbol mark The surface with inside chamferring
is the outer surface o f the nut. is the outer surface of the washer.

Fig. 6.4 Contact surface of nut and

iv) Tightening o f high strength hexagon bolts shall be made in the sequence shown in Fig.
6.2. and care shall be taken to achieve a tight fit o f the joint parts. The specified bolt
tension given in a Table 6.7 shall be achieved via the three steps described below:
preliminary tightening, marking and full tightening. Tightening shall be done by the
tum-of-nut or torque control methods.

Table 6.7 Specified bolt tension high strength bolts in site

Grade of Nominal Specified bolt tension,
bolt bolt size in kN
M12 62.6
M16 117
M20 182
Fl OT M2 2 226
M2 4 262
M27 341
M30 417

v ) The torque wrench used for tightening high strength hexagon bolts shall be correctly
adjusted to an accuracy of ±3 %.
vi) Daily calibration at one joint shall be conducted to verify tightening accuracy prior to
tightening additional joints.
vii) The complete installation process, from inserting bolts to full tightening, shall
 48 IASS 6 (2007)

typically be finished within one day.

(2\ Preliminary tightening
0 The preliminar)' tightening of every joint and every group o f bolts shall be done in the
sequence shown in Fig. 6.2, immediately after the insertion of bolts,
ii) Tightening shall be done to the torque values shown in Table 6,6, using a preset- type
torque wrench or an electric impact wrench.
(3) Marking
After preliminary tightening, a mark running across the bolt, nut, washer and member
shall be made on each bolt (see Fig. 6.5).

Fig. 6.5 Marking

(4) Full tightening

i) Full tightening using the tum-of-nut method shall be done by rotating the nut through
120°(60° for M12 bolts) after the completion of preliminary tightening and marking.
When the bolt length exceeds five times the nominal bolt size, the amount of nut
rotation shall comply with the Special Notes.
ii) Full tightening using the torque control method shall be done using tightening tools that
have been properly calibrated, so that the specified bolt tension is obtained. In general,
the calibration of tightening tools shall be made everyday, prior to the start of tightening
work.

6.5 Confirmation of Tightening Method

Prior to the start o f tightening o f high strength bolts, the tightening method to be used for the
project shall be confirmed in accordance with the project requirements, and the delivered high
strength bolts and tightening tools. The detailed procedure for the confirmation o f tightening
method is outlined below.
(1) Select a tightening tool to be used for the project and confirm proper calibration,
(2) Select multiple bolted joints of the same type of typical connection for the project and
tighten bolts in accordance with the procedure given in Section 6.4,item a. (1) ii) through
iv) for Torshear type high strength bolts, or item b. (1) ii) through iv) for high strength
hexagon bolts.
(3) Inspect each joint in accordance with the procedure shown in Section 6,6 “inspection
 Section 6 : High Strength Boil Fastening 49

after Tightening” and verify compliance for each joint.

(4) When a part o f a joint or high strength bolts do not pass inspection, reconfirm the
tightening procedure after determining the cause of the non-compliance and implementing
corrective measures.
(5) For tightening using the torque control method, set the proper torque value to achieve the
specified bolt tension prior to commencement of tightening. The procedure is outlined -
below.
i) For each bolt diameter, calculate .the required tightening torque value Tf, using the
torque coefficient k, obtained from the manufacturer’s in-house inspection report for
that bolt diameter. (Tr = k d\Nf. d\. bolt diameter, N q : design bolt tension, N /\ specified
bolt tension = 1. IN q)
ii) Calibrate the tightening tool so that the average applied tension is within ±10 % of the
specified bolt tension, using a tension meter based upon the above calculated torque
value.
iii) Tighten 5 bolts in a typical lot with a tension meter, using the calibrated tightening
tool and confirm that the average of the resulting bolt tension is within the limit of the
applicable value shown in Table 6.8 and that each measured value is within ±15 % o f
the average.

Table 6.8 Range of average applied tension for continuation test

o f high strength hexagon bolts at room temperature

Nominal Range of average of applied tensions for inspection lot,

bolt size in kN
Ml 2 58.5 - 71.2
M16 110-133
M20 172 - 207
M2 2 2 1 2 -2 5 6
M24 247 -2 9 8
M2 7 322 -3 8 8
M30 394 - 474

iv) Measure full torque values of the above 5 bolts and use the average of the 5 values as
the standard torque value for inspection.

6.6 Inspection after Tightening

Torshear Type High Strength Bolts
ij The rupture of spline ends shall be continued for all bolts for which lightening has been
 JO MSS 6 (2007)

completed. Regardless of any washer rotation, the nut rotation amount and length of j
thread run-out from the nut shall be visually inspected by making reference to marks j
made after the preliminary tightening. Bolts without the abnormalities mentioned above \
shall be accepted. \
ii) For each group of bolts, if a significant discrepancy is found in the amount of nut \
rotation, the nut rotation o f all bolts in the group shall be measured and the average j
rotation angle shall be calculated. j
iii) Bolts with rotation angles within ¿30° o f the average rotation angle shall be accepted. |
Rejected bolts shall be replaced with new ones.
iv) Insufficiently tightened bolts shall be retightened after confirming their integrity.
v ) Tbe acceptable length o f thread run-out is limited to between one (1) and six (6)
threads.
b. High Strength Hexagon Bolts
(1) T um-of-nut method
i) After the completion of tightening, regardless of washer rotation, the nut rotation
amount and length of thread run-out from the nut shall be visually inspected by making
reference to marks made after the preliminary tightening. Bolts without the
abnormalities mentioned above shall be accepted.
ii) High strength hexagon bolts with a nut rotation of I20°±30°(or 60°-0°/+30° for M12
bolts) after full tightening shall be accepted. When the bolt length exceeds five times
the nominal bolt size, the amount of nut rotation shall comply with the Special Notes.
iii) Bolts tightened in excess of the aforementioned range shall be replaced. Bolts with
insufficient nut rotation shall be tightened to the required nut rotation.
iv) The acceptable length o f thread run-out is limited to between one (1) and six (6)
threads.
(2) Torque control method
i) After the completion of tightening, regardless of washer rotation, the nut rotation
amount and length of thread run-out from the nut shall be visually inspected by making
reference to marks made after the preliminary tightening. Bolts without the
abnormalities mentioned above shall be accepted.
ii) For each group of bolts, if significant discrepancy is found in the amount of nut rotation, j
the accuracy of torque values shall be checked for all bolts by additional tightening of
nuts by the use o f a torque wrench.
iii) High strength hexagon bolts that have been tightened to a torque within ±10 % of the
required value shall be accepted.
iv) Bolts tightened to torque values in excess of the aforementioned range shall be
replaced. In each group o f bolts, if insufficient or incomplete tightening is found in any
 Section 6: High Strengih Bolt Fastening 5i

one bolt, all bolts in the group shall be inspected and tightened to the required torque
values.
v)The acceptable length of thread run-out is limited to between one (1) and six (6)
threads.
c. Replacement o f Bolts
The bolt set, including the nut and washers, shall be replaced when: there is bolt rotation
with nut and washer rotation for the case o f high strength hexagon bolts; there is washer
rotation with nut and bolt rotation for the case o f Torshear type high strength bolts; a
discrepancy is found in the nut rotation amount; or, the length of thread run-out from the nut is
outside of the specified limits.
d. Re-use of High Strength Bolts
Re-use of high strength bolts is prohibited.
 52 !ASS 6 (2007)

Section 7 Hexagon Bolt Fastening

7.1 Hexagon Bolts
Hexagon bolt are intended for use in building structures of limited size. The Building
Standards Law prescribes that hexagon bolts require nuts with locking devices to prevent
loosening. Hexagon bolts are generally acceptable for structures with a maximum roof height
less than 9 m, column spacing less than 13 m and total floor area of less than 3,000 m2. Beyond
these limits, hexagon bolts may only be used for structures with designs confirmed by
structural calculation in accordance with standards given by the Minister o f Land,
infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism,
a. Hexagon Bolts, Nuts and Washers
(1) The quality o f hexagon bolts, nuts and washers shall comply with the special notes. If not
specified, hexagon bolts shall be Grade 4.8according to JIS B 1180 (Hexagon head bolts),
nuts shall be Grade 5 according to JIS B 1181 (Hexagon nuts) and washers shall be plain
washers according to JIS B 1256 or spring washers according to JIS B 1251. The finishing
quality shall be the medium level or above.

Table 7.1 Mechanical properties of hexagon bolts

Grade according to
4.6 4.8 5.6 5.8 6.8
mechanical properties
Stamping 4.6 4.8 5.6 5.8 6.8
Tensile strength, in N/mm2 over 400 over 400 over 500 over 500 over 600
Hardness, in HB over 114 over 124 over 147 over 152 over 181

(2) The combination of hexagon bolts and nuts shall comply with Table 7.2; nuts with a
tensile strength higher than that prescribed in Table 7.2 may be used.

Table 7.2 Combination of hexagon bolts and nuts

Grade of hexagon bolts 4.6 - 5.8 6.8
Grade of nuts 5 6

b. Length of Hexagon Bolts

The hexagon bolt length shall be indicated as the nominal bolt length as listed in the tables of
 Section 7 Hexagon Bolt Fastening 53

Annex of JIS B 1180. and -selected so that not less than three threads extend beyond the nut
after tightening (see Table 7.3).

Table 7.3 Length added to the grip

Length added to the grip, in mm

Nominal bolt size
Single nut Double nut
M12 Not less than 20 Not less than 27
M16 Not less than 26 Not less than 36
M2u Not less than 30 Not less than 42
M22 Not less than 35 Not less than 48
M24 Not less than 37 Not less than 51

c. Washers
Washers shall be used under the bolt head and the nut.

7.2 Assembling of Connection and Bolt Tightening

a. Bolt Holes
Diameters of bolt hole shall comply with item (4) of Section 4.9 '‘Drilling”. For secondary
structural members such as purlins and girts, etc., this requirement need not be followed.
b. Bolt Tightening
Bolts shall be properly tightened using a hand wrench or an impact wrench, etc. Bolts shall
not be over-tightened.
c. Nut Locking
For primary structural elements or members, nuts shall be prevented from loosening by
means of a spring washer or other approved locking device.
d. Correction of Misaligned Bolt Holes
Bolt holes with a misalignment greater than 0.5 mm in the overlapping plates requires that
the connection plates or splice plates be replaced.

7.3 Inspection after Tightening

a. Inspection
After completion of bolt tightening, all bolts shall be inspected for the following:
(1) Bolts not of the prescribed grade
(2) Bolts not of the prescribed size
(3) Nuts with no prescribed locking device
54 IASS 6 (200?)

(4) Loose boits or bolts which are not tightened to the required torque
(5) Over-tightened bolts
(6) Bolts with insufficient thread extending beyond the nut
b. Handling of Defective Bolts
(1| Bolts that are not of the prescribed quality and/or size shall be replaced by those ol
prescribed grade 'and/or size.
(2) Nuts with no locking device shall be fitted with locking device.
(3) Bolts which are not tightened to the required torque or which are loose shall be tightened
correctly.
(4) Boits which are over-tightened shall be replaced.
(5) When less than the required thread run-out exists after full tightening, the bolt shall be
replaced.