Load indicating washers, also known as Direct Tension Indicator (DTI) washers, are specialised washers designed to verify that a structural bolt connection has achieved the precise required clamping tension.
Unlike standard flat washers, they feature raised, arch-like protrusions on one face that predictably flatten as the fastener assembly is tightened.
How They Work
Placement: The DTI is typically placed under the bolt head or nut.
Compression: As the nut or bolt turns, the joints squeeze together and compress the raised bumps.
Tension over Torque: They directly measure the actual clamping force (tension) in the bolt rather than the twisting force (torque), which can be highly unreliable due to friction, oil, or rust.
Environmental Stability: They maintain accurate tension readings even if they are heavily coated, oiled, or rusted.
They require the installer to manually check the remaining gap with a specialised, tapered feeler gauge.
When the gauge is refused (cannot fit into a specified number of gaps), the minimum tension is reached.
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