Bolted connections in bridge structures are almost all installed using a torque-controlled tightening method. The use of controlled tightening enables the development of friction force between the plates of the bolted connections; they are therefore slip-critical connections. The resulting friction force allows for an enhanced performance of connections in fatigue conditions, reduces deflections in the structure and prevents bolts from loosening when subjected to impact loads and vibrations. The Turn-of-Nut method is widely used to obtain…
