Section 7 of the RCSC Specification requires pre-installation verification “only as indicated in Section 8.2.” In other words, pre-installation verification is only required when the bolts are to be pre-tensioned. ASTM Specifications are adequate and appropriate for the strength and quality of the separate components. Still, they may not be representative of the factors and conditions that determine performance of the fastener assembly during installation and service as it is used in construction. For one example, the bolt itself is tested for strength by the manufacturer by screwing the bolt into a standard testing fixture and subjecting it to pure tension. However, in typical applications, bolt tension is induced by torque on the nut and the bolt is subject to combined tension and torque, which may cause the bolt to fail at a load less than its strength in pure tension. RCSC states that pre-installation verification is necessary for:

1. Evaluating the suitability of the bolting assembly, including the lubrication that is applied by the Manufacturer or specially applied, to develop the specified minimum pretension;
2. Verifying the adequacy and proper use of the specified pretensioning method to be used;
3. Determining the installation torque for the calibrated wrench method of pretensioning;
4. Verifying the initial torque applied achieves at least the required initial tension when using the combined method of pretensioning; and
5. Demonstrating the suitability of the bolt tightening equipment to be used during installation.