Print this page Fastener Facts
Semih Genculu, PE
Course Outline
This comprehensive course is prepared in such a way to benefit engineers from all disciplines since fasteners are utilized in a variety of applications. Selecting the proper fastener material for the specific environment and application shall be an easier task upon completion of this course. Fastener materials shall be discussed along with the following topics:
Platings and coatings used to provide corrosion protection
Precautions to take when plating high strength fasteners
Fastener properties and testing methods
Strength grading system and identifications
Galling and seizing
Thread lubricants
Manufacturing techniques and possible defects that may form
Installation torques and clamping loads
Locking methods to avoid loosening
Potential fastener failure mechanisms
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Have information about the various factors that need to be considered in fastener material selection;
- Understand the influence of the manufacturing processes and the service environment on the performance of mechanical fasteners;
- Be able to recognize some of the basic fastener characteristics and differentiate various fastener grades;
- Recognize the importance of specifying the proper installation torque on the long term performance of fasteners;
- Become familiar with the most common failure modes of fasteners; and
- Become knowledgeable in the testing methods and procedures that can be used to verify conformance to specifications.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for structural, mechanical and civil engineers.
Benefit for Attendee
Attendees of this course will not only become knowledgeable about the factors to consider for selecting the right type of fastener for the application, but also the most critical factors to consider during installation to avoid premature failures.
Course Introduction
Most people think the selection of fasteners (bolts, nuts, etc.) is a simple task. In reality it is rather complicated and could result in catastrophic failures if consideration is not given to factors such as corrosion, temperature, dynamic loading (fatigue), vibration and initial preload. This course is intended to cover sufficient data on topics such as bolting materials, coatings and installation torques to enable all fastener users to make informed decisions regarding proper selection for a particular application.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
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Course Summary
Strength, operating temperature, corrosivity, vibration and fatigue loading are the main factors to be considered in selecting the right fastener for the application. Knowing which critical characteristics to consider, taking proper precautions during fastener manufacturing and processing, and defining the proper installation methods are key to eliminating or reducing the susceptibility to premature failures once the mechanical joint is placed in service.
Related Links and References
Fastener Standards, Industrial Fastener Institute
Society of Automotive Engineers Handbook
Fastener Design Manual, NASA Reference Publication 1228
Guide to Design Criteria for Bolted and Riveted Joints, American Institute of Steel Construction
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Fastener Standards
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
