Proof strength, or proof load, is the full size equivalent of a yield test. Yield testing is typically only performed on machined specimens. In most fastener standards, full size testing is the preferred method, and the referee method if there is a discrepancy between the two test results.
Because of the difficulty of getting reliable test results for yield when testing full size fasteners, the proof load test was developed as an alternative. In a proof load test, a headed bolt is placed in a testing machine with a nut on the threaded end, and a wedge under the head. The wedge varies from 4-10 degrees depending on the size and configuration of fastener, and serves to evaluate the ductility of the bolt. In a machine specimen test, you test ductility by measuring elongation and reduction of area, but those are impossible during a full size test, so head deflection is used in its place. Proof load testing is typically performed at 90-93% of the expected minimum yield strength and is a simple pass/fail test. The bolt length is measured, and after being subjected to the published proof load value for 10 seconds, if it has not elongated more than 0.0005″, it is deemed to have passed.
Portland Bolt can test many grades and sizes in our in house test laboratory, including full size bolts up to 200,000lbs, and machine specimens for bolts that exceed 200,000lbs.
Hi Dane , Is it possible the yield strength of grade 10.9 bolt is O.K but its proof load test result to be greater than 12.5 micron (according to ISO 898-1 ).
@Bijan- Are you asking if the bolt can pass the yield test but fail the proof load length measurement? Yes it can. However, depending on the language in the testing standard, it may or may not be determined to have failed. We are not familiar with the wording of ISO 898-1, but in most ASTM standards the proof load length test is the referee test method.
Are you performing axial tensile testing for API 20E Bolts
@Noel- We can perform full size and machine sample axial testing on many grades of fastener. We are not familiar with the specifics of API 20E, so we are unable to comment specifically on that standard.
Dane..heres where I am confused..the .2 elongation in newton meters squared vs full yield..for 304 threaded rod, one mtr offers a yield of 30 ksi in 0.2 N/mm^2 and the other offers yield in ksi without the .2 elongation mentioned..the two are significantly different values..65ksi for “yield” and 30 ksi for 0.2 N/mm^2..both are 304 threaded rod..are they they the same?
Tensile Strength Rm N/mm^2 : 550
Yield Strength Rp 0.2 N/mm^2 : 205
HardnessHB : 125
vs,
Yield Strength (N/mm’2) /Ksi 65min actual 119-122
see that the .2 is missing on the bottom yield calc..help?
@Robert- I am not sure that I understand your question. If you’d like, you can email me a copy of the MTRs you have and I would be happy to look them over. dane@portlandbolt.com
Is your proof load testing compliant to ASTM F606?
@Todd- Yes, we follow ASTM F606 procedures when we proof load our headed bolts.