WRC 538 | Welding Research Council

Page 1 of 3

Login | Register

Home

About

Search Publications

News

Contact

WRC 538
Home WRC 538

Shopping Cart
Your shopping cart is empty.

Latest Bulletins
WRC 541
Evaluation of Material Strength Data for Use in API Std 530
WRC 540
A Study Concerning the Heat Affected Zone Toughness of Microalloyed Steels
WRC 538
Determination of Pressure Boundary Joint Assembly Bolt Loads

Digital Downloads
WRC Bulletins are only available as digital downloads through the WRC website. Print copies will no longer
be shipped to customers. See theTerms and Conditionsfor more information.

https://forengineers.org/bulletin/wrc-538

7/2/2014

WRC 538 | Welding Research Council

Page 2 of 3

Title:
Determination of Pressure Boundary Joint Assembly Bolt Loads
Category:

Miscellaneous

Publication Date:
February 2014
Authors:
W. Brown
Number of Pages:
34
Abstract:
This WRC Bulletin chronicles the development of the methods detailed in ASME PCC-1-2010 Appendix O
Assembly Bolt Stress Determination. It includes all the information necessary to enable engineers concerned
with sealing reliability to reproduce and build on the work that went into that part of PCC-1. The intent is not
to reproduce the method or to include all details of the development of the method. Instead it is to provide
references to the documents written during the development of the method and to provide additional details to
assist in the understanding and extension of the method in the future. This WRC Bulletin provides references to
the historical development articles, an explanation of the basis for the method, a step-by-step guide as to how
to apply the ASME code equations to determine flange limits, and a commentary on the Elastic-Plastic Finite
Element Analysis (FEA) methods presented therein.
The information presented will assist in developing general limits for acceptable bolt stresses that can be
applied to flanged joints without damaging them. This is the case for both standard piping flanges and custom
pressure vessel and heat exchanger flanges. By incorporating the equations outlined in this document, not only
can the correct assembly bolt load be determined, but the joint can be designed such that it is not possible to
over-stress the gasket or flanges. This approach vastly improves the practicality and reliability of the joint. By
strictly following these procedures it will not be possible to permanently damage the joint during assembly or
operation. The method presented also, enables determining which of a joints components are limiting. Absent
that knowledge it is not possible to correct the root causes of joint leakage. Finally, the document provides
important insight into gasket relaxation factors.

$75.00

https://forengineers.org/bulletin/wrc-538

7/2/2014

WRC 538 | Welding Research Council

Page 3 of 3

Add to cart

Login Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Frequently Asked Questions

Copyright 2014 Welding Research Council, Inc.

https://forengineers.org/bulletin/wrc-538

7/2/2014