Hello Community,

I have a question regarding the Virtual Bolt Checker and applying preload for tightening bolts. I'm using the Linear Structural Validation app (Structural Designer role, not Structural Engineer role).

When applying the torque value for a steel bolt, I believe the axial forces resulting from the clamping effect of the preload are giving us "misleading" values for the forces affecting the bolts. What I'm specifically interested in is viewing only the service loads affecting the bolts, not the combination of service loads and preload forces.

Is there a way to adjust the checker to display nuanced results that separate these values?

Even though we perform a simplified test with a minimal load applied to a steel structure, the bolt is not verified as acceptable. This leads us to believe that the applied torque value might be the issue (even though it has been verified using table values).

Thank you for your help!