Recently, TÜV SÜD Industry Service Germany launched the first part of the inaugural International Bolting Engineer (IBE) training programme, aimed at equipping engineers and technicians who design and implement bolted joints with the necessary skills for their respective joint bolting tasks. This new multi-stage training features in-depth lectures and hands-on workshops focused on bolted technology.
Frank Götz, Business Development Manager for Construction at Nord-Lock Group, is certain this initiative will address poor bolting workmanship, one of the common causes of bolting-related structural failures in industries worldwide.
Contrary to general misconceptions, not everyone can do bolting – let alone joint bolting, clarifies Götz, who helped develop the IBE programme’s curriculum. It is a task that requires specialised expertise, he stresses.
“There is somehow the mindset that everyone can tighten a bolted connection because it’s just using a wrench and tightening the bolt. That leads to problems, especially when it comes to critical joints, like in industrial settings or for bridges and railroads,” explains Götz.
Real need
Götz sees a real need for such training. In his role at Nord-Lock, he regularly meets with customers seeking bolted solutions, and some struggle to address the underlying causes.
“There are many different factors that can affect a bolted connection and cause it to fail,” Götz notes. “Sometimes it’s just about the wrong design of the joint. And even if the joint is designed properly, then there is a mistake made during tightening, surface preparation, or even the choice of fastener itself.”
Structure and curriculum
Real-world experience proved essential in helping the IBE programme development team shape the programme’s structure and curriculum. As outlined on the IBE page on TÜV SÜD’s website, the programme is organised into basic and advanced modules. The basic module explains topics such as preload force, torque, friction, materials, tightening methods, and tools.
Each of the advanced modules has a specific industry focus: steel construction, flange connections, and railway vehicles. Participants can take the advanced modules individually or as a complete series, depending on their needs.
On the course’s significance, Götz says: “Participants gain a clear understanding of the many factors that influence a bolted connection – and where the limits lie. Just as importantly, they learn how to positively influence those factors through proper design and execution.”
Long overdue
Götz hails the launch of the programme as well-timed, noting that globally certified training for working with bolted connections is long overdue. He points out that similar certifications and qualifications for techniques like welding have been recognised worldwide for years.
Global recognition
Currently, the programme is offered in German, and TÜV SÜD is exploring the possibility of providing an English version in the future. The aim, however, is for the course to become a globally recognised industry certification. In due course, bolting engineers in the Middle East and Africa are expected to benefit.
