For most of the specimens that were tested, bolt holes in the beam and external continuity plates were drilled, and bolt holes in the fuse plates were cut with a plasma cutter. The plasma cut holes were left rough, and some did not meet AISC Specification surface requirements. Good performance was observed even when rough holes were present.
The specific bolts that were used in qualification testing were 7/8-in.- (22-mm-) diameter ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade F1852; 1-in.- (25-mm-) diameter ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade F2280; 1 1/8-in.- (29-mm-) diameter ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade F2280; and 1 1/4-in.- (32-mm-) diameter ASTM F3125/F3125M Grade A490 or A490M.
Many of the qualification tests involved a column assembly that had been used for previous tests and that had external continuity plates that were bent. In most cases, the bent plates were not straightened prior to the installation of the fuse plate, and gaps of 1/2 in (13 mm) or more between the fuse plate and external continuity plates were closed without providing shims, with the fuse plate and external continuity plates bending during bolt tightening. These tests exhibited acceptable rotation capacity, with multiple cycles beyond the minimum required for prequalification. The 1/4 in. (6 mm) limit on gap is given to be consistent with the Bolted Flange Plate connection.