Four Types of Connections Used in Light Steel Framing
Blind Bolt US | 28th January 2021
US Construction Industry
Using light steel framing is far from simple, but there are a number of ways to get the job done. There are four basic types of connection where light steel framing is concerned and they are:
- Welded connections
- Bolted connections
- Press joining – also known as clinching connections
- Riveted connections
Welded Connections
Welded connections are placed under a great deal of stress, but still, perform well in terms of connecting steel framing. It creates a strong join between the beams, but also presents a couple of negative issues.
The first of these is that the welding has to take place on the construction site, which creates the risk that it will not be done as thoroughly as possible. Factors such as the effect of the wind and the movement of the steel members themselves can make it difficult to create the kind of perfect join which is being aimed for.
Press Joining/Clinching Connections
Press joining or clinching light steel framing in place is a slightly complex process. It is a method which connects the pieces of steel together by forming and drawing the material in a way which locks two or more layers in place. It has been described as a puzzle, but an extremely strong puzzle.
Clinching is effective when it comes to connecting light steel framing, but the fact that it is so time consuming means that it is used less often than the other connections.
Riveted Connections
Riveted connections come in two varieties – blind rivets and self-piercing rivets. Blind rivets use pre-drilled holes, while the same isn’t true of self-piercing rivets. Despite the differences, the two methods can be relied upon to create a strong bond with a highly effective pull-out resistance.
The disadvantage of riveted connections is that they perform most effectively when used for thin connections such as the seams running along profiled decking and sheeting. The other downside of self-piercing rivets is that using them requires the operation of a hydraulic operated tool and involves multiple steps. This is why riveted connections, for all of their benefits, don’t really measure up to the next connection to be considered – bolted connections.
Thin Wall Bolts and Wall Bolts
Wall bolts are utilized more than any other method to collect lighting steel sections, and their simplicity of application doesn’t impact on the effectiveness of the join created. Standard wall bolts are ideal to use during the roll forming process, thanks to the fact that they can easily penetrate through the steel sectioning.
The strength and durability of any connection between bolt and steel is generally based upon the thinner of the two materials, but as a rule bolted wall connections get the job done. They are a quick and simple method for completing the task of light steel framing.
Thin wall bolts are also known as TW bolts and they were developed as a blind fixing for use when applying cladding material or lightweight steel sheet.
TW bolts combine convenience and ease of use with top-notch quality. The fact that the installation process is so quick and simple helps to make any assembly being carried out much more achievable. The finished item will be both durable and aesthetically pleasing, thanks to the fact that the thin wall fasteners have only a very low visible profile.
In comparison with the other methods mentioned, TW bolts offer high quality and durability combined with the ease of use and visual appeal outlined above. Taken together, this all adds up to the best possible connection for light steel framing.
Bolted Shut
Here at BlindBolt we came up with thin wall bolts (TW bolts) as a way to meet the need for blind fixings to play a role when utilizing lightweight steel sheets or cladding materials. In the years since we have explored a range of new uses for our TW bolts, constantly working to make sure we can offer our customers the blind fixing solution they need.
Interested in finding out more about our thin wall bolts? Get in touch and speak to a member of the BlindBolt team today on (630)882-9010 or send us an email on enquiries@blindbolt.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
TW Bolts