Why Bolted Connections are Better than Screws for Steel ConstructionWhy Bolted Connections are Better than Screws for Steel Construction

When it comes to erecting a pre-engineered steel frame building or portal frame structure, there are several connection methods available. While some builders may opt for welding (which requires specialised tools and expertise) or self-tapping screws, here at Atlantic Steel Buildings, we overwhelmingly favour bolted connections.

Bolts offer several distinct advantages over their screwed-in counterparts, especially when considering the longevity and structural integrity of a large building kit.

Understanding the Difference: Bolts vs. Screws

At a fundamental level, both bolts and screws are designed to connect materials. However, their mode of operation is fundamentally different:

1. Unmatched Structural Strength

Bolts are significantly stronger than screws of a similar diameter, which is critical for steel frame buildings that must withstand significant wind and snow loads.

The key to this superior strength is the introduction of the washer. The washer sits between the material and the bolt head, helping to distribute the load force across a broader surface area of the steel component. This prevents localised stress and enhances the overall stability of the structure. In contrast, a screw-connected structure concentrates the load at the tiny point beneath the screw head.

It is often cited in the industry that one structural bolt can offer the equivalent strength of six self-tapping screws, making bolts the definitive connector of choice for all load-bearing and heavy-duty structural joints.

2. Precision and Accuracy Guaranteed

Accuracy is paramount when constructing a steel building. If you attempt to connect a large frame using only screws, you run the risk of misaligning components or driving the screw in at a slight angle, which could seriously jeopardise the structure's integrity.

With bolted connections, the process is foolproof:

• The necessary guide holes are precisely cut (punched) at the factory during the manufacturing process.

• Your sheeting rails, purlins, and frame members are cut to exact lengths.

• The system is designed for a perfect fit, every time, eliminating guesswork and ensuring a robust, plumb structure.

3. Simplified and Faster Assembly

When you purchase a prefabricated steel portal frame building from us, it is designed for maximum ease of assembly. The manufacturer has already performed the critical, precise work of punching all the necessary connection holes into your frame and panels.

This allows for easy, direct alignment of components. Simply line up the holes, slip the bolt through, and secure the nut. There is no need for awkward positioning, overlapping of components, or struggling to start a self-tapping screw into thick steel.

4. Easy Future Adaptability and Disassembly

One of the great advantages of a bolted system is its flexibility. There may come a time when you wish to expand, adapt, or even relocate your building.

With a bolt-assembled construction, removing the nuts is quick and easy, leaving the steel members completely reusable and undamaged. The pre-drilled holes remain if you want to reassemble the frame elsewhere or attach new pieces of framework to expand your existing structure. Welding, by contrast, creates a permanent joint that makes modification extremely difficult.

Whether you choose to assemble your structure yourself or take advantage of our professional installation service, we guarantee the highest quality connections for maximum safety and longevity.

For more information and a free, no-obligation quote on your bespoke steel building kit, get in touch with Atlantic Steel Buildings today on 01872 560488.