What is a cylindrical metal fastener used to connect multiple pieces of metal?

• A. Bolt
• B. Rivet
• C. Pin
• D. Nut

Answer: (B)

Rivets are cylindrical metal fasteners that join two or more pieces of metal by passing through aligned holes and then deforming the tail to form a second head, pulling the pieces tightly together for a permanent connection. This makes rivets ideal for metal-to-metal assemblies where a continuous clamping force is desired without relying on threads. In bridge practice, riveting provides a strong, fluid load path and can be installed in areas where access is available from one or both sides, with methods ranging from solid rivets driven hot or cold to blind rivets that set from one side.

Bolts and nuts rely on threaded engagement to clamp parts together and are typically removable, which is a different fastening behavior than a rivet’s permanent joint. A pin is mainly used for alignment or securing parts without forming the same clamping connection, and it does not provide the same multi-piece fastening as a rivet. Nut is the threaded component used with a bolt, not a standalone connecting fastener for joining multiple metal pieces.