What role does the Engineer of Record play in relation to thermally cut bolt holes?

The role of the Engineer of Record is pivotal in the approval process of thermally cut bolt holes. When steel components are being prepared for construction, particularly when thermally cutting is employed, the Engineer of Record is responsible for ensuring that the modifications or additions meet the required structural standards and specifications. This approval is crucial because it validates that the bolt holes, through which the structural integrity of the project is affected, adhere to design criteria and safety regulations.

While designing the holes may fall under their purview initially, it is not typically the Engineer of Record’s direct responsibility to create design specifications for bolt holes once they are laid out; that task often belongs to the design team or fabricators. Inspections usually involve quality control measures, and although the Engineer may assist in this regard, it is generally the inspector’s or quality assurance personnel’s responsibility to conduct thorough inspections. Fabricating the bolts is a task designated to manufacturing or fabrication entities and does not fall within the typical duties of the Engineer of Record. Thus, approval is the most accurate interpretation of the Engineer of Record's function in relation to thermally cut bolt holes.