In structural steel construction, what is the primary advantage of using high-strength bolts over welding for field connections?
Correct Answer
C) Weather independence and quality control
High-strength bolted connections can be installed in various weather conditions and provide consistent quality control, while field welding is sensitive to weather conditions and requires more extensive quality control measures.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
High-strength bolted connections (ASTM A325 or A490 bolts) can be installed in a wide range of weather conditions — rain, cold, humidity — without compromising quality. Field welding, by contrast, requires dry conditions, controlled temperatures, and pre/post-heat procedures that are difficult to maintain outdoors. Additionally, bolted connections allow for consistent, measurable installation quality (torque inspection, direct tension indicators) that is harder to verify for field welds, which require radiographic or ultrasonic testing. For field connections specifically, bolts win on weather independence and quality control.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Higher connection strength
Full-penetration welds can actually achieve higher theoretical connection strength than bolts in some configurations. However, this advantage belongs to shop welds under controlled conditions, not field connections. The question specifically asks about field connections, where weld quality is harder to guarantee.
Option B: Faster installation time
While bolting can be fast, it is not necessarily faster than welding in all scenarios — pre-drilling, alignment, and torquing take time. Speed is situational and not the primary or most reliable advantage of bolts over field welding.
Option D: Lower material costs
High-strength bolts (A325/A490) are relatively expensive fasteners. The bolts themselves, combined with the cost of drilling bolt holes in steel members, typically make bolted connections cost more in materials than a comparable welded joint. Material cost is not an advantage of bolting.
Memory Technique
Picture a crew trying to field-weld steel in a rainstorm — sparks flying, moisture ruining the weld. Now picture them installing bolts in the rain with no problem. 'Bolts don't care about the weather.' Weather independence = quality control in the field.
More nascla-commercial-gc Questions
How long should daily reports and project correspondence typically be retained after project completion?
Which AIA document contains the general conditions that govern the rights and responsibilities of all parties in a construction contract?
A construction company has direct labor costs of $85,000, direct materials of $120,000, and overhead costs of $45,000 for a project. What is the total job cost?
What is the primary purpose of job cost accounting in construction?
A construction company has current assets of $350,000 and current liabilities of $280,000. What is the company's working capital?
In CSI MasterFormat, which division covers earthwork and site preparation?
On an electrical plan, a rectangle with three parallel lines inside typically represents:
In a mechanical drawing, what does 'CFM' typically measure?
In CSI MasterFormat Division 08, which of the following would typically be included?
On a mechanical plan, what does the symbol 'RTU' typically indicate?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
A contractor needs a crane for 45 days. The rental cost is $850/day plus $200/day for an operator. Purchasing the crane costs $185,000 with $35,000 annual maintenance and an operator at $200/day. What is the cost difference between renting and buying?
Next Question
A contractor's current assets total $245,000 and current liabilities total $180,000. What is the current ratio and what does it indicate?