What is BS EN 15048-1 - Non-preloaded structural bolting assemblies about?
BS EN 15048 is a series of the European standard on structural bolting assemblies that discusses the features of bolts to strengthen the construction joints.
BS EN 15048-1 is the first part of the BS EN 15048 series of documents that specifies the general requirements for bolting assemblies for non-preloaded structural bolting.
Bolting assemblies in accordance with BS EN 15048-1 are designed to be used in structural bolting connections for shear and/or tensile loading.
The intended use of bolting assemblies in accordance with BS EN 15048-1 is structural metallic works.
BS EN 15048-1 applies to bolts (the term used when bolts partially threaded, screws, studs and stud-bolts are considered all together) and nuts made of carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel or aluminium or aluminium alloy with the following property classes:
- Bolts made of carbon steel or alloy steel: 4.6, 4.8, 5.6, 5.8, 6.8, 8.8, 10.9 (in accordance with EN ISO 898-1)
- Nuts made of carbon steel or alloy steel: 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 (in accordance with EN ISO 898-2)
- Bolts made of austenitic stainless steel: 50, 70, 80 (in accordance with EN ISO 3506-1)
- Nuts made of austenitic stainless steel: 50, 70, 80 (in accordance with EN ISO 3506-2)
- Bolts made of aluminium or aluminium alloy: AL1 to AL6 (in accordance with EN 28839)
- Nuts made of aluminium or aluminium alloy: AL1 to AL6 (in accordance with EN 28839).
Note 1: BS EN 15048-1 applies to bolting assemblies with ISO metric coarse pitch thread from sizes M12 to M39 for use in steel structures according to EN 1090-2, and from M5 to M39 for use in aluminium or aluminium alloy structures according to EN 1090-3.
Note 2: The use of thread sizes larger than M39 is not precluded provided all applicable requirements of BS EN 15048-1 are met.
Note 3: High-strength structural bolting assemblies for preloading that meet the requirements of EN 14399–1 is not within the scope of BS EN 15048-1, but they are also suitable for use in non-preloaded structural bolting.
Note 4: Bolting assemblies in accordance with BS EN 15048-1 are not designed to be welded.
Note 5: Railway rail fasteners are not covered by BS EN 15048-1.
Who is BS EN 15048-1 - Non-preloaded structural bolting assemblies for?
BS EN 15048-1 on structural bolting assemblies is useful for:
- Mechanical and electrical engineers
- Designers and manufacturers screws, bolts and nuts
- Designers of stainless and alloy steels
- Personnel of quality control systems
Why should you use BS EN 15048-1 - Non-preloaded structural bolting assemblies?
BS EN 15048-1 assess through the verification of the properties of the structural components and bolting assemblies.
BS EN 15048-1 specifies the tensile resistance of bolt/nut assemblies made of carbon steel or alloy steel, stainless steel and aluminium or aluminium alloy.
BS EN 15048-1 provides appropriate combinations of bolts and nuts with regard to property classes and minimum impact strength of bolts.
BS EN 15048-1 specifies the product grade that covers tolerances on dimensions and shape for bolts and nuts.
The geometry of test specimens, test apparatus, testing procedure and evaluation of test results are specified in BS EN 15048-1 for each component of the bolting assembly and for combinations as bolting assemblies.
BS EN 15048-1 provides assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP) with the compliance of structural bolting assemblies with the requirements and the performances by determining product-type by type-testing and factory production control.
Overall, BS EN 15048-1 guides you in designing structural bolting assemblies used in structural steel joints in heavy construction and available in diameters ranging.
As a result, you can get high-quality steel bolts designed for strength and durability of structure that is secured with the mating of screw threads on the other end.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 15048-1:2016 supersedes BS EN 15048-1:2007. BS EN 15048-1:2016 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 15048-1:2007. These include:
- The requirements of this standard only relate to the product characteristics of bolting assemblies which are necessary for CE marking
- All clauses dealing with further technical or other requirements have been transferred to EN 15048-2
- Washers are not considered as part of the non-preloaded bolting assemblies however they can be used as relevant
- Addition of bolting assemblies made in aluminium and aluminium alloys and nominal diameters M5 to M10
- Railway rail fasteners have been excluded.

