A review paper on looseness detection methods in bolted structures

Abstract

Bolted structures are widely utilized in industrial structures and equipment due to the numerous advantages they possess. However, the use of bolts in these structures by itself can cause considerable flaws or damages. One of the major reasons of flaw in such structures is looseness. Since the looseness is initiated with a reduction in the axial force, measurement and estimation of this force can contribute to a healthy performance of the structure. The methods used to measure axial force of bolts are divided into two: those which measure or estimate the force directly and those which, by controlling physical parameters, do this indirectly. Based on this categorization, this paper examines over 16 methods used for evaluation of axial force of bolted structures, and presents their theoretical bases, drawbacks and advantages, with the literature on each method being discussed separately. Finally, the methods are compared and the most important criteria in selecting the methods are introduced.