The 2025 Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC) Specification for Structural Joints using High-Strength Bolts introduces several important updates to the requirements surrounding structural bolting, including a new Section 1.8. Bolting Personnel Qualifications.
The specification defines specific knowledge and skill requirements for personnel responsible for installing, supervising, and inspecting bolts, along with requirements for qualification assessments and documentation.
For contractors, the update places greater emphasis on making sure bolting personnel have the knowledge and skills needed for the work they perform, and that there is documented evidence of those qualifications.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 RCSC Specification includes a dedicated Section 1.8. for Bolting Personnel Qualifications.
- Installation personnel, supervision and inspection personnel, and all bolting personnel have defined knowledge and skill requirements.
- Contractors are responsible for ensuring bolting personnel are qualified and must have documented evidence of their training, knowledge, and skills.
- Qualification assessments are required annually or when the applicable installation method has not been used by an installer for more than six months.
- Contractors have responsibilities for written bolting procedures, required testing, inspection, equipment, and correction of deficiencies under Section 1.7.
What Is Section 1.8.?
Section 1.8. Bolting Personnel Qualifications establishes the knowledge and skills that bolting personnel are expected to have based on their responsibilities.
The section addresses three groups:
- Installation personnel
- Supervision and inspection personnel
- All bolting personnel
The goal is to ensure that the personnel performing and overseeing structural bolting understand how to operate an installation tool, but also the procedures, components, testing, and requirements associated with the work.
Who Needs to Be Qualified?
Installation Personnel
Under Section 1.8.1., contractors are responsible for ensuring personnel installing bolting assemblies have the knowledge and skills required to:
- Snug-tighten joints in accordance with Section 8.1.
- Pretension joints, when applicable, using the method or methods being used on the work in accordance with Section 8.2.
For pretensioned joints, the applicable installation method matter. The 2025 Specifications recognize these four methods in Section 8.2:
- Turn-of-Nut method
- Twist-off tension control bolt method
- Direct tension indicator method
- Combined method
Supervision and Inspection Personnel
Section 1.8.2. addresses personnel responsible for supervision and inspection. These individuals need the knowledge and skills required to supervise and inspect:
- Pre-installation verification (PIV) testing for the pretensioning method being used.
- Rotational Capacity (RoCap) testing when required.
- Installation of bolting assemblies, including the applicable installation method.
Proper structural bolting involves more than watching a wrench operator install bolts. Supervisors and inspectors need to understand the testing and installation requirements associated with the work.
All Bolting Personnel
Section 1.8.3. outlines knowledge that applies to all bolting personnel. This includes understanding:
- Types and markings of bolts, nuts, washers, and special components
- Proper storage and lubrication
- Bolt hole types, dimensions, and quality
- Washer requirements
- Bolt dimensions and orientation when threads must be excluded from the shear plane
- Proper use of installation tools
These requirements reinforce the importance of understanding the entire bolting process, not just operating the installation tool.
Qualification Assessments & Documentation
One of the most significant additions in the 2025 specifications is the requirement for ongoing qualification assessments and documentation.
Qualification Assessments
Section 1.8.4.1. states that qualification assessments shall be conducted annually, or when the applicable installation method has not been used by the installer for more than six months. This means qualification is not simply a one-time event. Contractors need a process for tracking qualification assessments and ensuring personnel continue to have the knowledge and skills required for the work they perform.
Documentation
Section 1.8.4.2. requires contractors to have documented evidence of the training, knowledge, and skills of all bolting personnel.
The 2025 Specification also places recordkeeping responsibilities on contractors under Section 1.7. Required PIV test results must be kept by the contractor and made available to those required to examine them. When applicable, RoCap test results must also be maintained.
This is an important distinction: training is one part of qualification, but training alone is not the entire requirement. Contractors need documented evidence that personnel have the training, knowledge, and skills necessary for their responsibilities.
Contractor Responsibilities
Section 1.7. Contractor Responsibilities connects personnel qualifications with the broader requirements for structural bolting. Under the 2025 RCSC Specification, contractors are responsible for:
Qualified personnel
Bolting may be performed only by personnel qualified in accordance with Section 1.8.
Written procedures
Bolting personnel must be provided with written procedures specifying the required steps for installation, snug-tightening, and pretensioning, including bolt orientation when required for pretensioned and slip-critical joints.
Appropriate equipment and materials
The tools and bolting components conform to the applicable requirements.
Testing and verification
Required PIV and, when applicable, RoCap testing is performed and documented.
Inspection
Contractors are responsible for inspecting completed work in accordance with Section 9 and project requirements.
Documentation
Contractors maintain evidence of personnel qualifications and required testing.
Together, Sections 1.7. and 1.8. establish a framework that connects qualified personnel, documented procedures, testing, equipment, inspection, and accountability.
How To Prepare
Contractors can take several practical steps to prepare their teams for the 2025 requirements.
- Identify Your Bolting Personnel
Determine who is responsible for installation, supervision, and inspection on your projects. - Identify the Methods Used on Your Work
Understand which pretensioning methods your crews are expected to use and make sure personnel have the appropriate knowledge and skills for those methods. - Assess Knowledge and Skills
Evaluate whether personnel understand the applicable installation procedures, components, equipment, testing, and inspection requirements. - Document Qualifications
Maintain documented evidence of training, knowledge, and skills for your bolting personnel. - Establish a Reassessment Process
Track annual qualification assessments and identify when an applicable pretensioning method has not been used by an installer for more than six months. - Keep Project Documentation Organized
Make sure written bolting procedures and required PIV and RoCap records are available to the appropriate personnel.
Taking these steps can help contractors establish a consistent process for maintaining qualified bolting personnel and supporting project documentation.
How GWY Can Help
Proper structural bolting requires more than knowing how to operate a wrench. Personnel need to understand the installation method, equipment, fastener components, testing requirements, and procedures that apply to their work.
At GWY, we provide structural bolting training designed to help teams develop the practical knowledge and skills needed for bolting operations. Installers, supervisors, and inspectors are able to better understand the requirements and practices involved in successful bolting through hands-on training. Documentation is also provided upon completion.
Whether you’re preparing new personnel, refreshing an experienced crew, or establishing a qualification and documentation process, training can be an important part of maintaining consistent bolting practices.
Jobsite Training
Sessions tailored to your crew, tools, and project requirements.
FAQs
What is Section 1.8. of the 2025 RCSC Specification?
Section 1.8., Bolting Personnel Qualifications, establishes knowledge and skill requirements for installation personnel, supervision and inspection personnel, and all bolting personnel.
Who needs to be qualified under the 2025 RCSC Specification?
Contractors must ensure that bolting is performed only by personnel qualified in accordance with Section 1.8. The section addresses installation personnel as well as personnel responsible for supervision and inspection.
How often do qualification assessments need to be conducted?
Qualification assessments are conducted annually or when an applicable pretensioning method has not been used by the installer for more than six months.
Would every installer need to be identified on each installed bolt?
No. Section 1.8.5. states that markings or other methods used to identify the person responsible for installing a bolting assembly are not required.
Does training alone satisfy the proposed requirements?
Training is an important part of developing qualified personnel, but the proposed requirements also emphasize qualification assessments and documentation of training, knowledge, and skills.
Does the 2025 RCSC Specification require bolting personnel to take a training class?
No. The Specification requires personnel to have the knowledge and skills necessary for their responsibilities and requires contractors to maintain documented evidence of training, knowledge, and skills. It does not state that every bolting employee must complete a particular type of training class.
What documentation must contractors maintain?
Contractors must maintain documented evidence of the training, knowledge, and skills of bolting personnel. Contractors also have responsibilities for maintaining required PIV and, when applicable, RoCap test records.
What is PIV testing?
Pre-installation verification testing verifies the suitability of the bolting assembly, pretensioning method, and equipment when required by Section 8.2.
Is the Calibrated Wrench method still recognized by the 2025 RCSC Specification?
No. The Calibrated Wrench method was removed from the 2025 edition.
