Which installation method is used for high-strength bolted connections when pretensioned joints are not required?

The snug tightened method is the appropriate choice for high-strength bolted connections when pretensioned joints are not required. This method involves tightening the bolt until the connected parts come into firm contact, but does not require the additional tension that is characteristic of pretensioning.

This installation technique is effective for shear connections where the primary concern is the shear strength rather than the tension of the bolted joint. In this method, the bolts are installed using a standard torque until the surfaces of the connection are firmly seated against each other. This is often sufficient for applications where the joint does not need to absorb significant fluctuations or loads that might lead to slippage.

This approach is simpler and more efficient as it does not involve the extensive procedure of measuring and controlling the tension in each bolt, which is necessary for methods that require pretensioning. The snug tightened method provides an adequate level of performance for many structural applications without the complexities associated with higher pre-tensioning methods.