ASTM F1554

F1554 covers anchor bolts that are intended to be embedded in concrete in order to fasten structural supports to the concrete foundation. These anchor bolts are available in Grade 36, Grade 55, and Grade 105 – the number after the grade designates the fastener’s minimum yield strength (measured in ksi). Portland Bolt regularly manufactures headed anchor bolts in all grades of F1554.

ASTM A307

A307 covers carbon steel bolts and studs. A307 bolts are available in Grade A (intended for general use) and Grade B (intended for use in flange applications). A307 Grade C was an unheaded anchor bolt specification that was replaced by ASTM F1554 Grade 36 in 2007. A307 is no longer an appropriate anchor bolt specification. For headed anchor bolts with similar mechanical properties, see ASTM F1554 Grade 36. Note that most A307 Grade A hex bolts that are readily available in the marketplace will not cross-certify to ASTM F1554 Grade 36. For more information on this topic, refer to this FAQ.

ASTM A325

A325 is a structural bolt specification intended for use on steel to steel connections. Per the specification, the bolt must have a heavy hex head and a very short thread length to keep threads out of the shear plane. Although engineers frequently specify these bolts for anchoring purposes, A325 bolts are not an appropriate anchor bolt specification since the short thread length will typically not be enough for projection out of concrete. The A325 specification suggests switching to ASTM A449 for bolts with extended thread length or applications other than structural connections… in this case, headed anchor bolts.

ASTM A449

A449 covers quenched and tempered hex cap screws, bolts, and studs for general use. A449 is identical in strength to A325, but a more appropriate specification for headed anchor bolts. A449 is an appropriate anchor bolt specification when a project requires a bolt to be stronger than F1554 Grade 55 and not as strong as F1554 Grade 105. Portland Bolt is able to manufacture headed anchor bolts in ASTM A449.

ASTM A193

A193 covers alloy and stainless fasteners intended for use in high temperature or high pressure service and is commonly used for pressure vessels, valves, flanges, and fittings. The most common grade of A193 is Grade B7 which is an alloy fastener with minimum yield strength of 105 ksi. Although engineers often specify A193 Grade B7 for anchor bolt applications, ASTM F1554 Grade 105 may be a more appropriate specification since it possesses virtually identical chemical and mechanical (strength) requirements. Portland Bolt is able to manufacture headed anchor bolts meeting the requirements of ASTM A193 Grades B8 and B8M, both of which are stainless steel.

ASTM A320

A320 covers alloy and stainless fasteners intended for use in low-temperature service and is commonly used for pressure vessels, valves, flanges, and fittings. Grade L7 and Grade L43 are quenched and tempered, alloy steel bolts that are commonly specified as headed anchor bolts in cold temperature environments. These grades of the A320 specification require a Charpy Impact Test. Portland Bolt can also manufactures headed anchor bolts in ASTM A320  stainless steel grades B8 and B8M.

ASTM A490

Similar to A325, A490 is a heavy hex structural bolt specification intended for use in steel to steel connections. A490 is also limited to a short thread length based on its application. Due to the thread length requirements of A490, it is not an appropriate anchor bolt specification since the thread length will not project far enough if embedded in concrete. For headed anchor bolts, engineers should consider moving to an A354 Grade BD which has nearly identical strength and chemical requirements to an A490 bolt.

ASTM A354

A354 covers alloy steel bolts that are quenched and tempered and used for general applications. A354 does not have any restrictions on the configuration of the bolts. Bolts in A354 are available in Grade BC and Grade BD. Both grades are appropriate for headed anchor bolts, although A354 Grade BC is very similar mechanically to F1554 Grade 105. Portland Bolt can manufacture headed anchor bolts in both A354 Grade BC and Grade BD.