Grades stocked: 36 · 55 · 105
Scope
ASTM F1554 is the primary specification for carbon, carbon-boron, and alloy steel anchor bolts intended to anchor structural supports to concrete foundations. It covers straight and bent anchor rods from 1/4" through 4" diameter, with grades distinguished by yield strength.
F1554 replaced Grade C of ASTM A307 in 1994 and has become the default specifying standard for structural anchorage.
Grades
| Grade | Yield (min) | Tensile (min) | Material | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 36 ksi | 58–80 ksi | Low-carbon steel | General anchorage, column base plates, light-to-medium loads |
| 55 | 55 ksi | 75–95 ksi | Medium-carbon or carbon-boron, weldable | The specify-when-in-doubt grade; weldable by S1 supplement |
| 105 | 105 ksi | 125–150 ksi | Alloy steel, Q&T | High-load anchorage, pre-tensioned connections, large equipment foundations |
Mechanical properties in detail
Grade 36
- Tensile: 58 ksi min, 80 ksi max
- Yield: 36 ksi min
- Elongation in 2": 23% min
- Reduction of area: 40% min
- Chemistry: Generally conforms to A36 or 1018 low-carbon; weldable; low cost
Grade 55
- Tensile: 75 ksi min, 95 ksi max
- Yield: 55 ksi min
- Elongation in 2": 21% min
- Reduction of area: 30% min
- Chemistry: Medium-carbon or carbon-boron steel; weldability per Supplement S1 on request
Grade 105
- Tensile: 125 ksi min, 150 ksi max
- Yield: 105 ksi min
- Elongation in 2": 15% min
- Reduction of area: 45% min
- Chemistry: Alloy steel, quenched and tempered (commonly 4140 or similar)
- Hardness: 321 HBW max (35 HRC)
Supplementary requirements
F1554 includes optional supplementary requirements that can be invoked on the order:
- S1 — Weldability of Grade 55. Limits carbon equivalent (CE ≤ 0.45) and requires a chemistry supporting field welding. If Grade 55 anchors will be welded — for example, welded to reinforcing cages or to base plates in tension zones — specify F1554 Grade 55 S1.
- S2 — Charpy impact test. Low-temperature toughness verification.
- S3 — Long thread length. Non-standard thread projections.
- S4 — Extended galvanizing. Extended threads beyond standard projection for HDG clearance.
- S5 — Testing frequency. Increased mechanical test sampling.
Geometry and configurations
F1554 anchors ship in many configurations:
- Straight rod with threads both ends (double-end) — the most common, paired with a heavy plate or heavy hex nut at the embedded end
- Straight with hooked bend (L-bolt) — embedded anchorage via mechanical hook
- J-bolt — similar to L but with a tighter return radius
- Headed anchor rod — a heavy hex head or forged head at the embedded end; the structural best practice for tension anchorage
- Swaged or upset end — forged thicker embedded termination
- Bent configurations — right-angle and bent-end anchors to designer drawings
Modern structural practice (AISC, ACI 318 Appendix D) strongly favors headed anchor rods over hooked configurations for tension applications, because hook pullout capacity depends on bearing at a single bend rather than the concrete breakout mechanism that governs headed anchors.
Coatings and finishes
- Plain — No coating; used in protected interior or temporary applications
- Hot-dip galvanized per F2329 — Most common for exposed exterior anchors; HDG may require thread overtapping on mating nuts per F2329 allowances
- Mechanically galvanized per B695 — Alternative to HDG for diameters where hydrogen embrittlement is a concern
- Zinc electroplated per F1941 — Lighter coating for interior or controlled environments
Hot-dip galvanizing of Grade 105 is possible but requires close attention — the higher strength and hardness of Grade 105 increase susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. Baking after pickling and in-process controls are required.
Recommended nuts and washers
| Anchor grade | Nut | Washer |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 36 | A563 Grade A heavy hex | F436 or F844 |
| Grade 55 | A563 Grade A or DH heavy hex | F436 or F844 |
| Grade 105 | A563 DH or A194 2H heavy hex | F436 (hardened) |
For structural connections subject to seismic or cyclic loading, specify heavy hex nuts and F436 hardened washers regardless of grade.
Marking requirements
F1554 requires the manufacturer's identification symbol plus a grade symbol. The standard color-code marking (on the tip or on the nut end) aids field identification when markings wear off:
- Grade 36 — Blue
- Grade 55 — Yellow
- Grade 55 S1 — Yellow + red
- Grade 105 — Red
Color markings are the fastest way to verify grade at install — worth checking before grouting.
Typical applications
- Column base plates
- Equipment foundations (pumps, compressors, motors)
- Light standards, sign structures, traffic control
- Pre-engineered metal buildings
- Crane rail and runway anchoring
- Bridge bearings and expansion joints
- Wind turbine towers (Grade 105 common)
- Solar racking embedments
Related specifications
- ACI 318 Appendix D — Anchorage design in concrete
- AISC 360 — Steel construction specification (reference to F1554)
- F436 — Hardened washer for higher-grade anchors
- F2329 — Hot-dip galvanizing
- A563 — Carbon and alloy steel nuts (common pairing for Grades 36 and 55)
- A194 — Heavy hex nuts (common pairing for Grade 105)
- A449 / A354 BC / A354 BD — Alternative high-strength rods where F1554 Grade 105 is not sufficient
Documentation
All California Fastener F1554 orders ship with mill certificates showing heat number, chemistry, mechanical properties, and coating thickness reports. Supplement S1 Grade 55 orders include carbon equivalent reporting. AISC-certified project orders include documentation package to match submittal requirements.