Most torque values are for lubricated bolts, etc. and require that the bolt is torqued-up several times to remove the irregularities in the threads to prevent errant macromolecular point to point 'welding' of the thread irregularities or 'roughness'.
The most common 'lubricant' for torquing is 30 weight oil.

Proper torquing changes the stress transfer patterns .... makes the 'join' a friction joint where the stress is transferred by the force of mating parts coming together and held in place by FRICTION, and not solely the material strength of the components. A friction joint transfers stress over a LARGE area or cross section and mitigates 'point to point' connection which causes 'stress risers' that can artificially stress WEAKEN the load bearing properties of the 'connection'. Youll have less vulnerability for 'fatigue' in a properly torqued connection in comparison to one where the loads are simply 'hung' on a bolt in shear.