A structural steelworker who fastens steel plates and beams together using hot rivets. The process involves heating a solid steel pin until malleable, driving it through aligned holes in the steelwork, and flattening the unformed end with a pneumatic hammer to create a permanent mechanical joint. While high-strength bolting and welding have largely replaced this practice in new construction, these specialists are still required for bridge restoration and heritage building rehabilitation.
We need a certified riveter on the viaduct job to match the existing lattice girders.
Safety regulations and the sheer noise of pneumatic riveting hammers mean these crews work under strict hearing protection protocols.
Related terms
Steelwork
The complete assembly of structural steel components in a building.
Rehabilitate
The extensive restoration and repair of a deteriorated building to make it fully functional and code-compliant.
Viaduct
A multi-span bridge structure carrying a road or railway over a valley, gorge, or other low ground.