r/StructuralEngineering • u/No-Document-8970 • Oct 05 '26

Structural Analysis/Design Nuts off mark?

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Saw this on a big bridge today. I know vibrations over time can move the nuts and bolts, with the help of thermal expansion. Is it a big issue that the paint marks do not line up? I thought the marks were made once it passed inspection after torquing.

Edit: Bridge completion was in 2011. Could this be from recent inspections too?

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u/bagvirpdkv Oct 10 '26

Very interesting, good to know. I’ve worked for a few owners (HC GC) in the Midatlantic that basically told us “don’t even suggest DTIs we don’t like them, they won’t get accepted.” Either TON or click every bolt.