The ‘neighbour effect’ of loosening one bolt

29 July 2021

By By Jonas Nilsagård, CEO TensionCam Systems AB

Ref: 220721

The clamping force of a bolted joint is mainly determined by the assembly of the bolt itself. However, settlements and relaxation of surfaces and soft materials in the joint, together with external loads, can lead to a reduction of the initial assembled clamping force during service. In worst case scenarios this can actually implicate bolts coming loose, leaking gaskets (if present in the joint) and/or catastrophic failure.