Standard Specification for Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36, 55, and 105-ksi Yield Strength - PDF

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ASTM F1554 is a critical specification used in the construction industry to cover the requirements for straight and bent, headed and headless, carbon and alloy steel anchor bolts designed for anchoring structural supports to concrete foundations. These anchor bolts are commonly used in buildings, bridges, light poles, sign structures, and other infrastructure applications.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of ASTM F1554, including its scope, material grades, mechanical properties, testing requirements, related standards, and best practices for equipment selection.

What Is ASTM F1554?

ASTM F1554 is a standard specification developed by ASTM International that defines the performance and manufacturing requirements for anchor bolts embedded in concrete. It applies to both cast-in-place and post-installed anchor bolts.

The standard specifies:

• Chemical composition

• Mechanical properties

• Threading requirements

• Testing procedures

• Marking and certification

ASTM F1554 is widely recognized by structural engineers and construction contractors for ensuring the performance and reliability of anchoring systems in high-load structural applications.

ASTM F1554 Grades

ASTM F1554 specifies three standard strength grades of anchor bolts:

Grade - Minimum Yield Strength (psi) - Typical Material

36 - 36,000 psi - Low-carbon steel

55 - 55,000 psi - Medium-strength steel (with optional weldability)

105 - 105,000 psi - High-strength heat-treated alloy steel

Each grade is selected based on the specific structural requirements of the project. Grade 36 is typically used in light structural applications, while Grade 105 is chosen for high-load, critical infrastructure.

Weldable vs. Non-Weldable Grade 55

ASTM F1554 Grade 55 can be specified with a weldable requirement. When weldability is required, the material must meet supplementary chemical composition limits to ensure safe and effective welding.

Mechanical Properties and Testing

The mechanical properties required for each grade are verified through destructive testing as defined in ASTM F1554. The key tests include:

1. Tensile Strength

Measured in accordance with ASTM A370, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) ensures the anchor bolt can withstand axial loads without breaking.

• Tensile Strength (psi) = Maximum Load (lbf) / Cross-Sectional Area (in²)

2. Yield Strength

Yield strength is the point at which the bolt begins to deform permanently. For Grades 36, 55, and 105, the minimum yield strength must be verified through tensile testing.

3. Elongation

The minimum percent elongation over a 2-inch gauge length is specified to ensure ductility:

• % Elongation = [(Final Gauge Length - Original Gauge Length) / Original Gauge Length] × 100

4. Reduction of Area

This test provides a measure of ductility and is calculated as:

• Reduction of Area (%) = [(Original Area - Fractured Area) / Original Area] × 100

Threading and Dimensions

Anchor bolts under ASTM F1554 may be partially or fully threaded. Threads must conform to ANSI/ASME B1.1 Unified Inch Screw Threads unless otherwise specified.

• For anchor bolts with diameters up to 4 inches, standard coarse threads (UNC) are typically used.

• Thread length and depth should match project-specific design and embedment depth requirements.

Supplementary Requirements

ASTM F1554 includes several supplementary requirements (S1–S5) that may be specified by the purchaser, including:

• S1: Charpy V-Notch Impact Test

• S2: Permanent Manufacturer's Identification

• S3: Permanent Grade Identification

• S4: Weldability requirement for Grade 55

• S5: Magnetic Particle or Liquid Penetrant Inspection

These additions improve traceability and quality assurance, especially for critical applications such as seismic and wind-load resistance.

Manufacturing and Fabrication

Anchor bolts are manufactured through hot forging, cold heading, or machining, followed by threading and heat treatment (if required by the grade). After machining, bolts undergo surface finishing processes such as galvanizing, plain finish, or zinc plating depending on the corrosion protection required.

Galvanizing must comply with ASTM A153 or F2329 when specified.

Inspection and Certification

Anchor bolts under ASTM F1554 must be clearly marked with the manufacturer’s ID and the appropriate grade mark, especially for Grades 55 and 105. A mill test report (MTR) or certificate of compliance (COC) is typically provided for traceability and documentation.

Testing and inspection requirements include:

• Dimensional verification

• Tensile and yield strength tests

• Visual and surface inspections

• Optional nondestructive testing (NDT)

Equipment Used in ASTM F1554 Testing

The following equipment is typically used for quality control and testing of ASTM F1554 anchor bolts:

• Universal Testing Machine (UTM): For tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and reduction of area.

• Thread Gauge: To verify thread pitch and fit.

• Impact Testing Machine: For Charpy tests under Supplementary Requirement S1.

• Magnetic Particle or Liquid Penetrant Test Equipment: For NDT inspections under S5.

• Optical Comparator or Micrometer: For precise dimensional inspection.

Related Standards

Several other standards are referenced or commonly used alongside ASTM F1554:

• ASTM A36: Structural steel with similar properties to Grade 36 bolts

• ASTM A193 / A307: Alternative specifications for bolts in different environments

• ASTM A370: Test methods for mechanical testing of steel products

• ASTM A153 / F2329: Specifications for zinc coatings (galvanization)

• ANSI/ASME B1.1: Thread specifications

• ASTM F2329: Hot-dip galvanizing of fasteners

Common Applications of ASTM F1554 Anchor Bolts

ASTM F1554 anchor bolts are used in a wide variety of structural and industrial applications, including:

• Bridge bearing supports

• Highway signage and lighting

• Transmission towers and poles

• Wind turbine foundations

• Heavy equipment foundations

• Steel building anchor points

Proper selection of the grade, size, and threading ensures safe, long-term performance under static and dynamic loads.

Conclusion

ASTM F1554 is a vital standard for anchor bolts embedded in concrete foundations across civil, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Understanding the differences in grades, mechanical properties, and testing requirements ensures safe engineering practices and compliance with building codes.

By using the proper testing equipment and adhering to the specification’s guidelines, manufacturers and quality engineers can maintain high performance and structural integrity in critical applications.