The terms "bearing bolt" and "friction bolt" refer to two different types of bolts used in construction and engineering, each serving distinct purposes and functioning differently. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between them:
Bearing Bolt:
Function: A bearing bolt, also known as a structural bolt or high-strength bolt, is primarily used to provide structural support and to transfer loads between connected structural elements. It is designed to withstand high loads and stresses, making it suitable for applications where structural integrity is critical.
Construction: Bearing bolts are typically made from high-strength materials such as carbon steel or alloy steel. They are engineered to have specific mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and shear strength, to ensure reliable performance under heavy loads.
Installation: Bearing bolts are installed using torque-controlled methods, such as torque wrenches or hydraulic torque equipment, to achieve precise tightening according to design specifications. Proper installation is crucial to ensure that the bolt can effectively transfer loads between connected members without failure.
Usage: Bearing bolts are commonly used in structural steel connections, such as column-to-beam connections, truss joints, and base plate connections. They are also used in bridge construction, industrial facilities, and other applications where high-strength fasteners are required to withstand substantial loads.
Friction Bolt:
Function: A friction bolt, also known as a expansion bolt or wedge bolt, is primarily used for anchoring or fastening non-structural elements to concrete, masonry, or other solid surfaces. It relies on friction between the bolt and the surrounding material to provide anchorage and resist pull-out forces.
Construction: Friction bolts typically consist of a threaded bolt or rod with a tapered expansion sleeve or wedge nut at one end. When the bolt is tightened, the expansion sleeve or wedge nut is forced against the inner surface of the hole, creating friction and securing the bolt in place.
Installation: Friction bolts are installed by drilling a hole into the base material, inserting the bolt, and then tightening it using a wrench or impact driver. As the bolt is tightened, the expansion sleeve or wedge nut expands to grip the surrounding material, creating a secure anchor point.
Usage: Friction bolts are commonly used in construction, renovation, and maintenance projects to anchor fixtures, equipment, handrails, and other non-structural elements to concrete or masonry surfaces. They are also used in mining and tunneling applications for rock reinforcement and ground support.
In summary, the main difference between a bearing bolt and a friction bolt lies in their intended function, construction, and usage. Bearing bolts are used for structural connections and rely on high-strength materials and precise installation techniques to transfer loads between connected members. Friction bolts, on the other hand, are used for anchoring and fastening non-structural elements to solid surfaces, relying on friction to provide secure anchorage.
