ASTM FAQs
Torque Charts and Anchor Bolts
Do torque charts for tensioning fasteners apply to anchor bolts?The AISC Steel Construction Manual, 13th Edition has this to say about anchor rod nut installation. “The majority of anchorage applications in buildings do not require special anchor rod nut installation procedures or pretension in the anchor rod. The anchor rod nuts should be “drawn down tight” as columns and bases are erected. This condition... Read more
A307 Grade 36 vs F1554 Grade 36
Can the anchor bolts type ASTM F1554 grade 36 be replaced with ASTM A307 grade 36?This question was submitted by a Port Authority on the East Coast. Anchor bolts were supplied by another company claiming they met or exceeded the requirements of F1554 grade 36. As it turns out, they did not. Hi Greg, Sorry for being late to send you a clear copy of the Mill certification. Just to... Read more
Grade 5 or A449 vs F1554 Grade 55
Can I substitute Grade 5 or A449 bolts for F1554 grade 55 bolts?In most circumstances the answer is no. For Grade 5 the answer is never. Although, Grade 5 meets the minimum yield requirements of F1554gr55, the minimum tensile requirements exceed the maximum tensile requirements in all cases. A449 is similar in regards to meeting the minimum yield strength of F1554 Grade 55 across the board but... Read more
A307 Grade A vs F1554 Grade 36
Will imported A307 grade A hex bolts meet the requirements of F1554 grade 36?Anchor bolts which are embedded in concrete and used for structural anchorage purposes can assume several forms. Common forms of anchor bolts include right angle bend anchor bolts, swedged rods, and threaded rods (typically with a nut and/or square plate attached to the bottom of the rod). Another common configuration for an anchor bolt is... Read more
F1554 Grade 36 All Thread Rod
Does commercially available mild steel all thread rod meet ASTM F1554 grade 36?In almost all cases, commercially available all thread rod will not meet F1554 grade 36. First, it is rare that distributors or manufacturers keep lot control on all thread rod. In other words, different heats of all thread rod are commingled so that it is difficult to determine the exact certification document that corresponds to... Read more
Installing Timber Connectors
Can I install a Split Ring without using a Grooving Tool or a Shear Plate without using the Dapping Tool?In theory, one could potentially carve out a groove that would be sufficient for fitting a shear plate or split ring. However the labor and ability to carve an exact fitting grove would be time consuming as well as tedious. All references to the proper installation of shear plates and split rings, such as the... Read more
F1554 Grade 55 vs A307 Grade C
My plans call for an A307 grade C anchor bolt and my supplier is offering F1554 grade 55 anchor bolts as a substitution. Is this acceptable?Theoretically, this substitution makes sense. However, one should always check with the project engineer before making any alterations to the grade or configuration of product that has been specified for the structure. Please note that for liability reasons, Portland Bolt is not recommending that this substitution be made without appropriate approval. The A307 grade A... Read more
Structural Bolt Connection Types
My company is looking to purchase A325SC, A325N, and A325X heavy hex structural bolts. What is the difference between these three?There is no difference between these bolts. The “X”, “SC”, and “N” simply identify the type of connection the bolts are used in. “X” and “N” are bearing type connections, where the bolts are being used in shear. “X” means these particular A325 heavy hex structural bolts will be used in a bearing type connection... Read more
A325T
What is an A325T bolt?An A325T bolt is a fully threaded version of an F3125 grade A325 heavy hex structural bolt. The F3125 specification is very specific when it addresses thread lengths. Standard A325 bolts have very short thread lengths due to their application as a bolt intended for use in structural steel connections since often it is undesirable... Read more
Ordering A193 Class 2 Bolts
What is an "A193 Class 2" heavy hex bolt and how do I order them?ASTM A193 is a specification for alloy and stainless steel fasteners for high temperature service, high pressure service, or both. Within the A193 specification there are multiple grades of bolts made from either alloy or stainless steel. The stainless steel grades, such as B8 and B8M, can be ordered as either Class 1 (carbide solution... Read more