Structural member connections requirements

You must not release the hoisting line until each member is secured with at least two bolts per connection drawn up wrench-tight (or an equivalent specified by the project structural engineer of record). See the requirement in 1926.756(a)(1).

• Bolts must be the same size and strength as shown on the erection drawings, unless the project structural engineer specifies an equivalent method.
• The exception in paragraph (b) (for diagonal bracing) does not apply to this general rule for solid web members. See 1926.756(a).

A competent person must determine whether more than two bolts are necessary to ensure the stability of cantilevered members, and if additional bolts are needed, they must be installed. See 1926.756(a)(2).

• "Competent person" means someone with the knowledge to identify hazards and authority to correct them; document that person in your site safety program when required.
• If there is any doubt about stability, install the additional bolts before releasing the hoisting line (see 1926.756(a)).

Solid web members used as diagonal bracing must be secured by at least one bolt per connection drawn up wrench-tight (or an equivalent specified by the project structural engineer of record). See 1926.756(b).

• Even though only one bolt is required, the bolt must be tightened to the wrench-tight level or an engineer-approved equivalent to ensure the brace performs as intended.
• If conditions suggest more secure connections are needed, consult the project structural engineer or a competent person for additional measures (see 1926.756(a)).

Yes — when two structural members on opposite sides of a column web, or a beam web over a column, share common connection holes, at least one bolt with its wrench-tight nut must remain connected to the first member unless a shop-attached or field-attached seat or equivalent device secures the first member. See 1926.756(c)(1).

• The purpose is to prevent the column from being displaced while making the second connection.
• If you use a seat or equivalent device, follow 1926.756(c)(2) and ensure the device is designed to carry the load during the connection process.

A seat or equivalent device used for double connections must be designed to support the load during the double connection process. See 1926.756(c)(2).

• The seat must prevent displacement of the column while shared bolts or nuts are being removed or repositioned.
• Appendix H to the subpart contains examples of equivalent connection devices; consult the project engineer of record to confirm the device meets the design intent (see 1926.756(c)(1)).

The seat or device must be adequately bolted or welded to both a supporting member and the first member before the nuts on the shared bolts are removed. See the general text of 1926.756.

• This ensures the first member remains supported while the shared bolts are worked on.
• If you rely on a seat or device, document its installation and confirm its capacity per the project structural engineer's guidance and 1926.756(c)(2).

Each column splice must be designed to resist a minimum eccentric gravity load of 300 pounds located 18 inches from the extreme outer face of the column in each direction at the top of the column shaft. See 1926.756(d).

• The 300-pound eccentric load applies in both directions (i.e., laterally on either side of the column face).
• Design calculations or shop details should show the splice meets this requirement and any project-specific loading required by the structural engineer.

Perimeter columns must extend at least 48 inches above the finished floor to permit installation of perimeter safety cables, and they must have holes or devices at 42–45 inches above the finished floor and at the midpoint between the finished floor and the top cable to permit cable installation required by 1926.760(a)(2), unless constructibility does not allow. See 1926.756(e)(1) and 1926.756(e)(2).

• These features let you install perimeter safety cables before erecting the next tier of steel.
• If constructibility prevents meeting these dimensions or hole locations, consult Appendix F to the subpart and the project structural engineer for acceptable alternatives (see 1926.756(e)).

The holes or devices required in perimeter columns by 1926.756(e)(2) are provided to permit installation of the perimeter safety cables mandated by 1926.760(a)(2).

• In practice, this means you should plan column details so the safety cable anchorage points align with the heights and midpoint spacing specified to allow safe, timely cable installation.
• If constructibility prevents meeting those exact locations, document the limitation and use an engineer-approved alternative consistent with 1926.756(e).

(See 1926.760 for the broader perimeter safety cable requirements.)

Yes — bolts used to secure final-placed solid web structural members must be of the same size and strength as shown in the erection drawings, unless an equivalent is specified by the project structural engineer of record. See 1926.756(a)(1).

• If the erection drawings call for a specific bolt grade or size, do not substitute a smaller or weaker bolt without written approval from the engineer of record.
• Any approved equivalent should be documented and meet the engineer's specified performance criteria.

It means bolts must be tightened to a snug, wrench-tight condition as shown in the erection drawings, or to an alternative tightening condition that the project structural engineer of record has specified and approved. See 1926.756(a).

• If the engineer specifies an "equivalent," get that method in writing (e.g., torque values, turn-of-nut procedures, or use of calibrated tools).
• Keep documentation on site showing the engineer's equivalent method so inspectors and workers understand the acceptance criteria.

No — for final placing of solid web structural members you may not release the hoisting line until the members are secured with at least two bolts per connection drawn up wrench-tight (except for diagonal bracing under 1926.756(b)). See 1926.756(a)(1).

• Releasing the load with fewer than the required bolts risks instability and displacement of the members.
• Use temporary safety measures (e.g., seats or additional bracing) approved by the engineer when you must work with fewer permanent bolts.

The purpose is to keep the first member secured and prevent the column from being displaced while the second member is connected; this is required unless a seat or equivalent device securely supports the first member. See 1926.756(c)(1).

• This retained bolt provides a temporary restraint against movement during the double connection process.
• If you use a seat or equivalent device instead, ensure it meets the load-support requirement in 1926.756(c)(2).

It means that the 48-inch extension above the finished floor and the specified holes/devices at 42–45 inches and the midpoint are required unless physical or design constraints make those features impossible; in such cases, alternative means consistent with the project’s constructibility and safety should be used. See 1926.756(e)(1) and 1926.756(e)(2).

• When constructibility prevents compliance, consult Appendix F to the subpart and the project structural engineer for acceptable alternatives.
• Document the constructibility limitation and the engineering-approved alternate measures so you can show how perimeter fall-protection needs will still be met (see 1926.756(e)).

Yes — Appendix H to the subpart includes examples of equivalent connection devices that can be used during double connections; however, any device used must still meet the design and load-support requirements in 1926.756(c)(2). See 1926.756(c)(1).

• Use the examples as guidance but obtain the project structural engineer’s approval for the specific device and installation.
• Ensure the device is installed and tested as required to support the load during the connection process.