ARE YOU PROPERLY
SPECIFYING MATERIALS?
By Charles J. Carter, PE
Part one
T
in a HE MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS USED
IN BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUC-
TION are almost universally desig-
three- nated by reference to an appropriate
ASTM specification. This simplifies the
part design and construction process because
all characteristics of the product speci-
series: fied are defined by simple reference to
an approved standard. However, with
structural dozens of ASTM specifications applica-
ble in steel building construction alone
shapes and several new ones now available, it
can be challenging to keep the standard
designations in contract documents cur-
rent.
This article (Part One) is a summary
of the common ASTM specifications
used for structural members in building
design and construction. Parts Two and
Three will focus on plate and fastening
products, respectively.
The common structural shapes are
either hot-rolled cross sections (such as
W-shapes, channels and angles), steel
pipe or hollow structural sections. The
generally applicable ASTM specifica-
tions for each are given in Table 1.
Also included is a discussion of the
usual and other applicable ASTM speci-
fications for each type of structural
shape. The usual ASTM specifications
are summarized by product in Table 2.
W-SHAPES
The usual material specification for
W-shapes is ASTM A572 grade 50 with
special requirements per AISC
Technical Bulletin #3, dated March
1997 (See box on page 50). A572 Grade
50 with special requirements is cur-
rently being phased in while both ASTM
A36 and A572 grade 50 are being
phased out (for wide-flange shapes
only). This modified ASTM specification,
which will eventually bear the simpler
name ASTM A992, covers only W-
shapes and has specified minimum val-
ues for Fy and Fu of 50 ksi and 65 ksi,
respectively.
W-shapes with higher yield and ten-
Modern Steel Construction / January 1999
sile strength can be obtained by specify-
ing ASTM A572 grade 60 (applicable to
tensile group 1 and 2 W-shapes only),
ASTM A572 grade 65 (applicable to ten-
sile group 1 W-shapes only) or ASTM
A913 grades 60, 65 or 70. W-shapes
with atmospheric corrosion resistance
(weathering) characteristics can be
obtained by specifying ASTM A588
grade 50. Other material specifications
applicable to W-shapes include ASTM
A529 grade 42 (tensile group 1 W-
shapes only), A529 grade 50 (tensile
groups 1 and 2 W-shapes only), A572
grade 42 and A913 grade 50. However,
the availability of W-shapes in grades
other than ASTM A572 grade 50 with
special requirements per AISC
Technical Bulletin #3, dated March
1997 should be confirmed prior to their
specification.
Regardless of the material specifica-
tion chosen, the cross-sectional dimen-
sions and production tolerances for W-
shapes are given in ASTM A6.
M-SHAPES
The usual material specification for
M-shapes is ASTM A36 (Fy = 36 ksi; Fu
= 58 ksi), although ASTM A572 grade
50 (Fy = 50 ksi; Fu = 65 ksi) is increas-
ingly very common.
M-shapes with higher yield and ten-
sile strength can be obtained by specify-
ing ASTM A572 grade 42, 50, 60 or 65,
or A529 grade 42 or 50. M-shapes with
atmospheric corrosion resistance
(weathering) characteristics can be
obtained by specifying ASTM A588
grade 50. However, the availability of
M-shapes in grades other than ASTM
A36 should be confirmed prior to their
specification.
Regardless of the material specifica-
tion chosen, the cross-sectional dimen-
sions and production tolerances for M-
shapes are given in ASTM A6.
S-SHAPES
Also known as American Standard
beams, the usual material specification
for S-shapes is ASTM A36 (Fy = 36 ksi;
 Table 1. ASTM specifications and their product-specific applicability

Product Applicable ASTM specifications Notes:

Hot-rolled structural shapes A36, A529, A572, A588, A913, A992 1, 2, 3
Steel pipe A53 grade B --
HSS A500, A501, A618, A847 --

Notes:
1. ASTM A992 is also known as “ASTM A572 grade 50 with special requirements
per AISC Technical Bulletin #3, dated March 1997” and is only applicable to wide-
flange shapes.
2. ASTM A529 is most commonly used as a specification in the metal building indus-
try, but can be obtained in many smaller shape sizes (tensile groups 1 or 2) for
hot-rolled structural shapes.
3. ASTM A913 is a relatively new product specification that covers hot-rolled struc-
tural shapes produced by the quenching and self-tempering process.

So what is “ASTM A572 grade 50 with special requirements per AISC

Technical Bulletin #3, dated March 1997” anyway?
In the early 90s, wide-flange steel producers began a practice called dual-certification, tar-
geting their production of wide-flange material for the window of overlap between the
mechanical, chemical and other requirements in both ASTM A36 and A572 grade 50. Among
other factors, the lack of an upper limit on yield strength in ASTM A36 made this possible.
Steel producers benefited because the resulting product could be stocked universally and
sold as either A36 or A572 grade 50. The consumer benefited because price differentials
between ASTM A572 grade 50 and A36 quickly eroded. Alas, there was often confusion
about the product being supplied because it usually carried both names.
To eliminate confusion and facilitate the shift to a single grade material for wide-flange
shapes, AISC proposed the material specification “ASTM A572 grade 50 with special
requirements per AISC Technical Bulletin #3, dated March 1997” Since that time, it has been
approved by ASTM as specification A992.
Note however, that ASTM A992 has not yet been incorporated into all industry docu-
ments, including AWS D1.1. Thus, to avoid the otherwise unnecessary project-specific quali-
fication of ASTM A992 material for welding, call it by its longer name in this interim period
until the codes catch up.
To get a copy of Technical Bulletin #3, please fax a request to Jeri Irwin at 312-670-5403.

Modern Steel Construction / January 1999

Fu = 58 ksi), although ASTM A572 grade
50 (Fy = 50 ksi; Fu = 65 ksi) is increas-
ingly very common.
S-shapes with higher yield and ten-
sile strength can be obtained by specify-
ing ASTM A572 grade 42, 50, 60 or 65
(tensile group 1 S-shapes only), A529
grade 42 (tensile group 1 S-shapes only)
or 50. S-shapes with atmospheric corro-
sion resistance (weathering) character-
istics can be obtained by specifying
ASTM A588 grade 50. However, the
availability of S-shapes in grades other
than ASTM A36 should be confirmed
prior to their specification.
Regardless of the material specifica-
tion chosen, the cross-sectional dimen-
sions and production tolerances for S-
shapes are given in ASTM A6.
HP-SHAPES
Also known as bearing piles, the
usual material specification for HP-
shapes is ASTM A36 (Fy = 36 ksi; Fu =
58 ksi), although ASTM A572 grade 50
(Fy = 50 ksi; Fu = 65 ksi) is increasingly
very common.
HP-shapes with higher yield and ten-
sile strength can be obtained by specify-
ing ASTM A572 grade 42, 50 or 60 (ten-
sile group 2 HP-shapes only) or A529
grade 50 (tensile group 2 HP-shapes
only). HP-shapes with atmospheric cor-
rosion resistance (weathering) charac-
teristics can be obtained by specifying
ASTM A588 grade 50. However, the
availability of HP-shapes in grades
other than ASTM A36 should be con-
firmed prior to their specification.
Regardless of the material specifica-
tion chosen, the cross-sectional dimen-
sions and production tolerances for HP-
shapes are given in ASTM A6.
CHANNELS
The usual material specification for
American Standard Channels (C-
shapes) and miscellaneous channels
(MC-shapes) is ASTM A36 (Fy = 36 ksi;
Fu = 58 ksi), although ASTM A572 grade
50 (Fy = 50 ksi; Fu = 65 ksi) is increas-
ingly very common.
Channels with higher yield and ten-
sile strength can be obtained by specify-
ing ASTM A572 grade 42, 50, 60 or 65
(tensile group 1 channels only) or A529
grade 42 (tensile group 1 channels only)
or 50. Channels with atmospheric corro-
sion resistance (weathering) character-
istics can be obtained by specifying
ASTM A588 grade 50. However, the
availability of channels in grades other
than ASTM A36 should be confirmed
prior to their specification.
Regardless of the material specifica-
tion chosen, the cross-sectional dimen-
sions and production tolerances for
channels are given in ASTM A6.
ANGLES
The usual material specification for
angles is ASTM A36 (Fy = 36 ksi; Fu = 58
ksi).
Angles with higher yield and tensile
strength can be obtained by specifying
ASTM A572 grade 42, 50, 60 (tensile
groups 1 and 2 angles only) or 65 (ten-
sile group 1 angles only) or A529 grade
42 (tensile group 1 angles only) or 50
(tensile groups 1 and 2 angles only).
Angles with atmospheric corrosion
resistance (weathering) characteristics
can be obtained by specifying ASTM
A588 grade 50. However, the availabili-
ty of angles in grades other than ASTM
A36 should be confirmed prior to their
specification.
Regardless of the material specifica-
tion chosen, the cross-sectional dimen-
sions and production tolerances for
angles are given in ASTM A6.
STRUCTURAL TEES
Structural tees are split from W-, M-
and S-shapes to make WT-, MT- and
ST-shapes, respectively. For the usual
materials specification, as well as other
suitable material specifications, for
structural tees, refer to the foregoing
discussions in the sections on W-, M- or
S-shapes, as appropriate.
STEEL PIPE
The sole material specification for
steel pipe is ASTM A53 grade B (Fy = 35
ksi; Fu = 60 ksi). Note that steel pipe as
a product is different from round HSS.
So it is also designated differently (see
box). The cross-sectional dimensions
and production tolerances for steel pipe
are also given in ASTM A53.
ROUND HSS
The usual material specification for
round HSS is ASTM A500 grade B (Fy =
42 ksi; F u = 58 ksi), although ASTM
A500 grade C (Fy = 46 ksi; Fu = 62 ksi) is
increasingly more common.
Round HSS with atmospheric corro-
sion resistance (weathering) character-
 Table 2. Structural shapes and their usual ASTM specifications

Min. Fy Min. Fu
Structural Shapes Usual ASTM Specification (ksi) (ksi)

W-shapes1 ASTM A572 grade 50 with special 50 65

requirements per AISC Technical
Bulletin #3, dated March 1997
(ASTM A992)
M-, S- and HP-shapes A36 36 58
A572 grade 50 50 65
Channels A36 36 58
A572 grade 50 50 65
Angles A36 36 58
Steel pipe A53 grade B 35 60
Round HSS A500 grade B 42 58
A500 grade C 46 62
Square and A500 grade B 46 58
rectangular HSS A500 grade C 50 62

Notes:1. “ASTM A572 grade 50 with special requirements per AISC Technical Bulletin #3,
dated March 1997” is also known as ASTM A992.

istics can be obtained by specifying

ASTM A847. Other material specifica-
tions applicable to round HSS include
ASTM A501 and A618. However, the
availability of round HSS in grades
other than ASTM A500 grade B should
be confirmed prior to their specification.
The cross-sectional dimensions and
production tolerances for round HSS are
also given in the selected material speci-
fication.
SQUARE AND RECTANGULAR HSS
The usual material specification for
square and rectangular HSS is ASTM
A500 grade B (Fy = 46 ksi; Fu = 58 ksi),
although ASTM A500 grade C (Fy = 50
ksi; F u = 62 ksi) is increasingly more
common.
Square and rectangular HSS with
(weathering) atmospheric corrosion
resistance characteristics can be
obtained by specifying ASTM A847.
However, the availability of square and
rectangular HSS in grades other than
ASTM A500 grade B should be con-
firmed prior to their specification.
The cross-sectional dimensions and
production tolerances for square and
rectangular HSS are also given in the
selected material specification.
Designating Steel Pipe, Round HSS and Square and
Rectangular HSS Properly.
Steel pipe is designated as follows:
1. By NPS designation through NPS 12 (e.g., Pipe 5 Std., Pipe 5
x-strong or Pipe 5 xx-strong). Note that this notation has com-
monly been abbreviated as follows for the examples given: P5,
PX5 and PXX5, respectively.
2. In the format “Pipe” followed by diameter x nominal wall thick-
ness, each expressed three decimal places, to for NPS desig-
nations greater than NPS 12 and other non-NPS sizes (e.g.,
NPS 14 Standard is designated Pipe 14.000x0.375)
A round HSS is designated by nominal diameter and wall thick-
ness, each expressed to three decimal places, e,g,, HSS
5.563x0.258
A square or rectangular HSS is designated by nominal outside
dimensions and wall thickness, each in rational numbers, e.g.,
HSS 5x3x3/8
Charles J. Carter, PE, is Director of
Manuals with the American Institute of
Steel Construction, Inc. and an occasion-
al contributor of articles to Modern Steel
Construction.
 ARE YOU PROPERLY
SPECIFYING MATERIALS?
By Charles J. Carter, PE
Part two
T
in a HE MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS USED
IN BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUC-
TION are almost universally desig-
three- nated by reference to an appropriate
ASTM specification. This simplifies the
part design and construction process because
all characteristics of the product speci-
series: fied are defined by simple reference to
an approved standard. However, with
structural dozens of ASTM specifications applica-
ble in steel building construction alone
plates and several new ones now available, it
can be challenging to keep the standard
designations in contract documents cur-
rent.
This article (Part Two) is a summary
of the common ASTM specifications
used for structural plates, bars and
other plate products in building design
and construction.
Part One (see January 1999 Modern
Steel Construction) covered structural
members. Part Three will focus on fas-
tening products.
The generally applicable ASTM speci-
fications for structural plates are given
in Table 1. Following is a discussion of
the usual and other applicable ASTM
specifications for structural plates and
other plate-type products. The usual
ASTM specifications are summarized by
product in Table 2.
STRUCTURAL PLATES
The usual material specification for
structural plates is ASTM A36 (Fy = 36
ksi; F u = 58 ksi). Note that the yield
strength given is applicable when the
plate thickness is equal to or less than
8”. Above 8” thickness, Fy = 32 ksi.
Structural plates with higher yield
and tensile strength can be obtained by
specifying ASTM A572 grade 42, 50, 60
or 65, ASTM A529 grade 42 or 50,
ASTM A514 grade 90 or 100, or ASTM
A852. Structural plates with atmospher-
ic corrosion resistance (weathering)
characteristics can be obtained by speci-
fying ASTM A588 grade 42, 46, or 50.
However, the availability and cost effec-
Modern Steel Construction / February 1999
tiveness of structural plates in grades
other than ASTM A36 should be con-
firmed prior to their specification. Note
also that the availability of grades other
than ASTM A36 varies through the
range of thickness.
Regardless of the material specifica-
tion chosen, the production tolerances
for structural plates are given in ASTM
A6.
STRUCTURAL BARS
The foregoing comments for structur-
al plates apply equally to structural
bars, except that neither ASTM A514
and nor A852 is applicable. So again,
the usual material specification for
structural bars is ASTM A36 (Fy = 36
ksi; Fu = 58 ksi).
Actually, it should be highlighted
that there is very little, if any, structur-
al difference between flat bars and
plates. Consequently, plate is becoming
a universally applied term today and a
PL ½ x 4½ x 1’-3”, for example, might
be fabricated from plate or bar stock.
From AISC’s A Guide to Engineering
and Quality Criteria for Steel
Structures—Common Questions
Answered (AISC Publication S323), the
historical classification system for flat
bars and plates would suggest that
there is only a physical difference
between them that centers on size (see
Table 3) and production procedure. In
raw form, flat stock has historically
been classified as a bar if it is less than
or equal to 8” wide and as a plate if it is
greater than 8” wide. Flat bars are
rolled between horizontal and vertical
rolls and trimmed to length by shearing
or flame cutting on the ends only. Plates
are generally produced using one of
three methods: (1) sheared plates are
rolled between horizontal rolls and
trimmed to width and length by shear-
ing or flame cutting on the edges and
ends; (2) universal mill (UM) plates are
rolled between horizontal and vertical
rolls and trimmed to length by shearing
or flame cutting on the ends only; and,
(3) stripped plates are sheared or flame
cut from wider sheared plates.
 Table 1. ASTM specifications and their product-specific applicability

Product Applicable ASTM specifications Notes:

Structural plate A36, A514, A529, A572, A588, A852 1
Structural bar A36, A529, A572, A588 1
Raised-pattern floor plate A786 2
Sheet and strip A570, A606, A607 —

Notes:
1. Availability varies through the range of thickness.
2. Ordered as "commercial grade" or to plate material specification,
such as ASTM A36, A572 or A588. "Commercial grade," per ASTM A786 Section
5.1.2, means "the product will be supplied 0.33 percent carbon and without speci-
fied mechanical properties."

Specifying Plates
for Detail Materials
Plates for detail materials, such as shear plates, flange plates, gusset plates,
transverse stiffeners and web doubler plates, are commonly designated with the let-
ters “PL” followed by thickness x width x length. The thickness and width are speci-
fied as fractional inch dimensions and the length is specified in feet and inches.
Thus, a ½”-thick flange plate with 8½” width and 16” length would be specified as
PL ½ x 8½ x 1’-4”. Similarly, a ¾”-thick gusset plate with 18” width and 36” length
would be specified as PL ¾ x 18 x 3’-0”.
While structural plates and bars can be produced in thickness increments far
smaller, it is recommended that thicknesses be selected for detail materials in 1/8-in
increments. That is, use thickness increments such as 3/8” and ½” rather than 5/16”
and 7/16”, respectively. Fabricators will rarely stock plates in 1/16” thickness incre-
ments.

Modern Steel Construction / February 1999

 Table 2. Plate products and their usual ASTM specifications

Min. Fy Min. Fu
Product Usual ASTM Specification (ksi) (ksi)

Structural plate A36 36 58

Structural bar A36 36 58
Raised-pattern floor plate A786 see Note 2 see Note 2
Other plate products varies with application varies varies

Notes:
1. Fy = 32 ksi for ASTM A36 material over 8” thick.
2. If ordered as "commercial grade", no minimum strength is applicable. If ordered to a
plate material specification such as ASTM A36, A572 or A588, Fy and Fu are as specified
therein. "Commercial grade," per ASTM A786 Section 5.1.2, means "the product will
be supplied 0.33 percent carbon and without specified mechanical properties."

Table 3. Classification of Plate Products

Width (in.)
over 3 /2 1
over 6 over 8 over 12 over 48
Thickness (in.) to 31/2 to 6 to 8 to 12 to 48
0.2300 and over bar bar bar plate plate plate
0.2031 to 0.2299 bar bar strip strip sheet plate
0.1800 to 0.2030 strip strip strip strip sheet plate
0.0449 to 0.1799 strip strip strip strip sheet sheet
0.0344 to 0.0448 strip strip
0.0255 to 0.0343 strip Hot-rolled sheet and strip not generally
to 0.0254 produced in these widths and thicknesses

Modern Steel Construction / February 1999

RAISED-PATTERN FLOOR PLATES
ASTM A786 is the standard specifica- Charles J. Carter, P.E., is Director of
tion for rolled steel floor plates. As floor- Manuals with the American Institute of
plate design is seldom controlled by Steel Construction, Inc. and an occasion-
strength considerations, ASTM A786 al contributor of articles in Modern Steel
“commercial grade” is commonly speci- Construction.
fied. If so, per ASTM A786 Section 5.1.2,
“the product will be supplied 0.33 per-
cent maximum carbon and without
specified mechanical properties.”
Alternatively, if a defined strength level
is desired, ASTM A786 raised-pattern
floor plate can be ordered to a defined
plate specification, such as ASTM A36,
A572, or A588; see ASTM A786 Sections
5.1.2 and 8 and Appendix Table X1.1.
OTHER PLATE PRODUCTS
Sheet and strip products, which are
generally thinner than structural plate
and bar products (see Table 3), are pro-
duced to such ASTM specifications as
A570, A606 or A607. Skelp is a general
term for the plate products used in the
production of hollow structural sections
(HSS).
 ARE YOU PROPERLY
SPECIFYING MATERIALS?
By Charles J. Carter, PE
Part
T
three in a HE MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS USED
IN BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUC-
TION ARE ALMOST UNIVERSALLY DES-
three- IGNATED by reference to an appropriate
ASTM specification. This simplifies the
part design and construction process because
all characteristics of the product speci-
series: fied are defined by simple reference to
an approved standard. However, with
fastening dozens of ASTM specifications applica-
ble in steel building construction alone,
products it is often a challenge to keep the stan-
dard designations in contract docu-
ments current. Compounding this chal-
lenge, there have been several recent
additions to the roster of available
ASTM specifications of which many
specifiers may be unaware.
This article (Part Three) provides a
summary of the common ASTM and
other specifications used for fastening
products in building design and con-
struction. The usual and other applica-
ble ASTM specifications are addressed.
Parts One (January 1999 MSC) and
Two (February 1999 MSC) focused on
structural shapes and plate, respective-
ly.
BOLTS
The usual material specification for
conventional (heavy-hex) high-strength
bolts in steel-to-steel structural connec-
tions is ASTM A325, although ASTM
A490 can be specified when higher
strength is desired. In either case, Type
1 is most commonly specified. When
atmospheric corrosion resistance is
desired, Type 3 can be specified.
For some time now, alternative-
design fasteners have been specified as
described in Section 2(d) of the Research
Council on Structural Connections
Specification for Structural Joints Using
ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts. Recently,
ASTM published its specification F1852,
which formalizes the material and prod-
uct requirements for these twist-off-type
tension-control bolt assemblies in a
strength-level that is equivalent to
Modern Steel Construction / March 1999
ASTM A325. For convenience, the
marking system for these fasteners is
the more familiar A325 to avoid confu-
sion.
While still formally permitted in the
AISC Specification for Structural Steel
Buildings, the use of other material
specifications in steel-to-steel structural
bolting applications has become quite
uncommon. ASTM A307 is almost as
uncommonly specified today as are
ASTM A501 and A502 rivets, perhaps
only in structurally nominal connections
such as those at the ends of girts and
purlins.
NUTS
The usual material specification for
heavy-hex nuts is ASTM A563. The
appropriate grade and finish is specified
per ASTM A563 Table X1.1 according to
the bolt or threaded part with which the
nut will be used. For steel-to-steel struc-
tural bolting applications, the appropri-
ate grade and finish is summarized in
RCSC Specification Section 2(c).
Although ASTM A194 is permitted as
an alternative in some applications,
they are generally more expensive and
less available than ASTM A563 nuts.
WASHERS
The usual material specification for
hardened steel washers is ASTM F436.
This specification provides for both flat
and beveled washers. While standard
ASTM F436 washers are sufficient in
most applications, there are several spe-
cific applications when special washers
are required. Refer to RCSC Spec-
ification Sections 7(c)(6) and 7(c)(7),
which outline the special washer
requirements that apply when oversized
and slotted holes are used in outer plies
of steel-to-steel structural bolting appli-
cations. In anchor-rod and other embed-
ment applications, hole sizes are gener-
ally larger than those for steel-to-steel
structural bolting applications (see
LRFD Manual Table 11-3 for maximum
anchor-rod hole sizes). Accordingly,
washers used in such applications may
 Did you say rods? I say bolts. You’re
not from around here, are you?
“Anchor bolt” is a nearly universal term in structural steel design and construc-
tion. However, it is all too common that requirements for steel-to-steel structural
bolting applications are mistakenly applied to steel-to-concrete anchorage applica-
tions. Even worse, inclusion of the word “bolt” in the term has misled many an engi-
neer to erroneously specify the anchorage material as ASTM A325 or A490, some-
times even in applications when a hooked rod was specified. Fortunately, their
friendly neighborhood fabricator knew that ASTM A449 and A354 provide the
respective strength equivalents in a rod material and are available in the range of
lengths that are commonly specified for anchorage devices.
To differentiate between steel-to-steel structural bolting applications and steel-to-
concrete anchorage applications, AISC has changed terminology to “anchor rod”.
Don’t worry though if you still say “anchor bolt” from time to time, we know what you
mean (and we still say it sometimes too!).

commonly specified. The weldability

require design consideration for proper
force transfer, particularly when the
anchorage is subject to tension.
COMPRESSIBLE-WASHER-TYPE DIRECT-
TENSION INDICATORS
Four methods of installation are rec-
ognized in RCSC Specification Section
8(d) for high-strength bolts in preten-
sioned bearing joints, slip-critical joints
and joints subject to tension or com-
bined shear and tension: turn-of-nut
installation, calibrated wrench installa-
tion, alternative-design-fastener instal-
lation and direct-tension-indicator
installation. When the direct-tension-
indicator installation method is used,
ASTM F959 compressible-washer-type
direct-tension indicators are specified.
Type A325 is used with ASTM A325
high-strength bolts and type A490 is
used with ASTM A490 high-strength
bolts.
ANCHOR RODS
(SEE BOX—OPPOSITE PAGE)
The usual material specification for
anchor rods is ASTM F1554, a new
material specification that covers
hooked, headed and threaded and nut-
ted anchor rods in three strength
grades: 36, 55 and 105. Grade 55 is most
supplement S1 (with the carbon equiva-
lent formula in ASTM F1554 Section
S1.5.2.1) is recommended as compara-
tively inexpensive insurance for a more
flexible solution set should the anchor
rods be placed incorrectly in the field.
ASTM F1554 grades 36 and 105 are
essentially the anchor-rod equivalents
of the generic rod specifications ASTM
A36 and A193 grade B7, respectively.
ASTM F1554 grade 55, when specified
with the weldability supplement, is sim-
ilar to an ASTM A572 material that is
intermediate between grades 50 and 60.
Although ASTM F1554 is expected to
rapidly become the specification of
choice for anchor rods, several other
ASTM Specifications can also be used.
For applications involving unheaded
rods, ASTM A36, A193, A307, A354,
A449, A572, A588 and A687 can be
specified. For applications involving
headed rods, ASTM A307, A354 and
A449 can be specified.
THREADED RODS
The usual material specification for
threaded rods, whether provided with
plain or upset ends, is ASTM A36.
Other material specifications that can
be specified include ASTM A193, A307,

Modern Steel Construction / March 1999

A354, A449, A572, A588, and A687.
Charles J. Carter, PE, is Director of
FORGED STEEL STRUCTURAL HARDWARE Manuals with the American Institute of
Forged steel structural hardware Steel Construction, Inc. and an occasion-
products, such as clevises, turnbuckles, al contributor of articles in Modern
eye nuts, and sleeve nuts, are occasion- Steel Construction.
ally used in building design and con-
struction. These products are generally
provided to AISI material specifications.
AISI C-1035 material is commonly used
in the manufacture of clevises and turn-
buckles. AISI C-1030 material is com-
monly used in the manufacture of steel
eye nuts and steel eye bolts. AISI C-
1018 grade 2 material is commonly used OOPS!!
in the manufacture of sleeve nuts. Other
Please note that an error occured in
products, such as steel rod ends, steel
yoke ends and pins, cotter pins and cou- the electronic printing process for the
pling nuts are commonly provided February 1999 MSC (Are You
generically as “carbon steel.” In any Properly Specifying Materials?, Part II:
case, the dimensional and strength structural plates). In several places,
characteristics of these devices are fully such as in the box on page 38 and in
described in the literature provided by the text on page 39, the characters "fi"
their manufacturer. and "fl" mistakenly appear; "fi" should
WELD METAL be "1/2" and "fl" should be "3/4".
The appropriate weld metal is as
summarized in ANSI/AWS D1.1-98
Table 3.1 for the various combinations
of base metal specification and grade
and electrode specification. Weld metal
with a tensile strength FEXX = 70 ksi is
most common.
SHEAR STUD CONNECTORS
As specified in ANSI/AWS D1.1-98
Chapter 7 (Section 7.2.6 and Table 7.1),
Type B shear stud connectors made
from ASTM A108 material are used for
the interconnection of steel and concrete
elements in composite construction.
STEEL CASTINGS AND FORGINGS
Steel castings are specified as ASTM
A27 grade 65-35 or ASTM A148 grade
80-35. Steel forgings are specified as
ASTM A668.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author thanks Mike Friel of
Haydon Bolts Inc., Philadelphia, PA
and Bud Parka of Cleveland City Forge,
Wellington, OH for their input during
the preparation of this part.