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Evaluation of Material Strength Data for Use in API Std 530

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WRC 538

Determination of Pressure Boundary Joint Assembly Bolt Loads

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Page 1 of 3WRC 538 | Welding Research Council

7/2/2014https://forengineers.org/bulletin/wrc-538

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

Page 2 of 3WRC 538 | Welding Research Council

7/2/2014https://forengineers.org/bulletin/wrc-538

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Page 3 of 3WRC 538 | Welding Research Council

7/2/2014https://forengineers.org/bulletin/wrc-538