A bolt is a common fastener used for connecting steel members in construction and structural applications. Bolts provide a strong mechanical connection that can resist shear and tensile forces, making them ideal for joining steel parts such as beams, columns, and plates. When combined with nuts and washers, bolts create a secure and durable assembly that can be easily adjusted or removed if necessary.
While a nut is paired with a bolt to secure the connection, it is not itself a connecting element for two steel members; rather, it serves as part of the fastening system. Washers, similarly, play a supportive role by distributing the load over a larger surface area and reducing the likelihood of damage to the connected materials, but they do not act alone to connect steel members. Rivets, on the other hand, are also used to connect steel components, particularly in older structures, but bolts are more prevalent in modern construction because of their ease of installation and flexibility. Thus, the bolt stands out as a primary fastener in the context of connecting steel members.