Grade 5 or A449 vs F1554 Grade 55

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 is a little different in regards to tensile strengths due to there being different strength requirements for specific diameter ranges. Looking at the chart below, you can see that A449 runs into the same tensile problems as Grade 5 in diameters ¹⁄₄” – 1¹⁄₂”. In diameters 1⁵⁄₈”-3”, the minimum tensile strength for A449 drops down to 90 ksi leaving a small window to comply with F1554 Grade 55 requirements. In addition to hitting the tensile perfectly, the elongation must also be well above its minimum of 14% and hit 21%.

Grade	Marking	Size, inches	Tensile, ksi	Yield, ksi min	Elong. % min	RA % min	Meets
Grade 5		1⁄4 – 1	120	92	14	14	NO
		11⁄8-11⁄2	105	81	35	35	NO
F1554 Grade 55		1⁄2 - 2	75 - 95	55	21	30	-
		21⁄4 - 21⁄2	75 - 95	55	21	22	-
		23⁄4 - 3	75 - 95	55	21	20	-
		31⁄4 - 4	75 - 95	55	21	18	-
A449		1⁄4 - 1	120	92	14	35	NO
		11⁄8 - 11⁄2	105	81	14	35	NO
		15⁄8 - 3	90*	58	14**	35	YES*
*Only if the tensile falls between 90-95ksi. **Elongation must meet or exceed 21%.

If there is a supplemental weldabilty requirement (S-1) requested by the engineer; this is all null and void because both Grade 5 and A449 are heat treated to gain their strength properties. When heat is reapplied to a bolt that has been heat treated, it is probable that the physical properties (strength) of the bolt may be altered. See Welding High Strength Bolts for further information. Portland Bolt stocks from ¹⁄₂” through 3¹⁄₄” diameter F1554 grade 55 round bar that complies to the S-1 supplemental requirement for weldability.