Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the ASTM A307 grade C specification?

In August of 2007, ASTM A307 grade C was replaced by F1554 grade 36. ASTM A307 covers low carbon steel bolts and currently consists of grades A and B. Grade A covers bolts for general applications, while grade B covers heavy hex bolts and studs for cast iron flange connections. Until it was eliminated, A307 grade C covered unheaded, bent anchor bolts or straight rods. F1554 grade 36 has replaced A307 grade C and covers mild steel anchor bolts of any configuration including headed bolts.

Can I weld to F1554 anchor bolts?

It depends on the grade. F1554 grade 36 is mild steel and is weldable. Grade 55 is a modified mild steel and is weldable, provided it meets the weldability requirements as described in Supplementary Requirement S1 of the F1554 specification. Grade 55 material that does not meet the S1 carbon equivalency parameters is not weldable. Grade 105 is not weldable since the heat generated during welding could alter the mechanical properties of the medium carbon alloy quenched and tempered material.

Can I galvanize F1554 anchor bolts?

All three grades of F1554 (grade 36, 55, and 105) can be galvanized. Both hot-dip galvanizing per ASTM F2329 and mechanical galvanizing per ASTM B695, class 50 are acceptable. Portland Bolt operates an in-house, state-of-the-art hot dip galvanizing line designed specifically for threaded fasteners.

Does standard all thread rod that my local distributor stocks meet the requirements of F1554 grade 36?

Probably not! This question is answered in detail by following this link to Portland Bolt's main website: F1554 Grade 36 All Thread Rod.

Is F1554 grade 55 all thread rod readily available in the marketplace?

It is virtually impossible to find stock all thread rod conforming to the requirements of F1554 grade 55. However, Portland Bolt stocks 5/8" - 1" diameter F1554 grade 55 all thread rod that is domestic and meets the supplemental welability requirements. Portland Bolt manufactures F1554 grade 55 all thread rod in diameters larger than 1".

Can A193 grade B7 all thread rod be substituted for F1554 grade 55 all thread rod?

Absolutely not! ASTM A193 grade B7 is not an acceptable substitution since F1554 grade 55 has a maximum tensile strength requirement of 95 ksi and A193 grade B7 has a minimum tensile strength requirement of 125 ksi.

Is F1554 grade 105 all thread rod readily available in the marketplace?

It is extremely difficult to find F1554 grade 105 all thread rod in stock. Portland Bolt inventories F1554 grade 105 all thread rod from 1/2" - 1-1/2" diameter. All diameters above 1/2" are 100% domestic. Larger diameter F1554 grade 105 all thread rod can be manufactured to order.

Do imported hex bolts meet the requirements of F1554 grade 36?

In most cases, mild steel hex bolts that are readily available in the marketplace will not meet the requirements of F1554 grade 36. In theory, imported A307 grade A hex bolts might meet the F1554 grade 36 requirements, but the test reports that accompany the product, if they even exist, will not verify this. The A307 grade A specification only has mechanical requirements for tensile strength (60 ksi minimum) and elongation (18% minimum). F1554 grade 36 has different requirements for tensile and elongation, in addition to having requirements for yield strength and reduction of area. Since A307 grade A does not have requirements for these additional two mechanical properties, they are typically omitted from the test reports, making it impossible to prove they meet all of the criteria without additional testing. ASTM F1554 grade 36 hex bolts will need to be manufactured on a "per order basis".

ASTM Spec Mechanical Properties
Yield, ksi, minimum Tensile, ksi Elongation, minimum Reduction of Area, minimum
A307 Grade A -- 60 min 18% --
F1554 Grade 36 36 58 - 80 23% 40%
-- indicates there is no requirement.

My plans call for anchor bolts meeting the requirements of F1554 grade 248. I thought the three grades were 36, 55, and 105. What does 248 mean?

On some projects, engineers will designate the minimum yield strength (grade) of F1554 anchor bolt in megapascal (MPa). In this example, 248 MPa equals 36 ksi, while 380 MPa equals 55 ksi and 724 MPa equals 105 ksi.

Where can I buy a copy of the F1554 specification?

ASTM offers the complete specification on their website in hardcopy or PDF.

Do any State Departments of Transportation (DOT) use this specification?

Yes, F1554 is a commonly specified anchor bolt by many state DOTs for sign structures, light poles, traffic signals, bridges bearings, and a number of other applications.

Does the ASTM F1554 specification have an AASHTO equivalent?

The AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) equivalent to ASTM F1554 is AASHTO M314.

What thread pitch is used on F1554 anchor bolts?

Unless otherwise specified, threads will be Unified Coarse Thread Series per ANSI/ASME B1.1.