F1554 Anchor Bolts

ASTM F1554 Anchor Bolts: Custom Manufactured Structural Fasteners

ASTM F1554 is the governing standard for headed, bent, and straight anchor bolts used to anchor structural steel and equipment to concrete foundations. If you’re specifying anchor rods for a light pole base, a transmission tower, a highway sign structure, or a structural steel column, F1554 is the standard your engineer is referencing — and the standard your supplier needs to meet.

At A A Anchor Bolt, we manufacture F1554 anchor bolts to order from our facility in Northville, Michigan. That means you’re getting mill-certified material, not generic threaded rod pulled from distributor inventory and relabeled.

What Is ASTM F1554?

ASTM F1554 — Standard Specification for Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36, 55, and 105-ksi Yield Strength — covers three grades of steel anchor rod based on minimum yield strength. The standard governs chemical composition, mechanical properties, permissible dimensional variations, heat treatment, and supplemental requirements such as weldability (S1) and Charpy impact testing (S2).

The “F1554” designation replaced older anchor bolt standards and became the single unified spec for most structural anchor rod applications in the US. When a structural drawing calls out “ASTM F1554 Grade 55,” it specifies not just the strength level but also the chemistry, testing requirements, and certification trail the material must meet.

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The Three Grades — Understanding the Differences

ASTM F1554 covers three distinct yield strength grades. They’re not interchangeable. Substituting a lower grade or even a higher grade without engineering review can be a code violation. Here’s what separates them:

F1554 Grade 36 — The Workhorse

Minimum yield strength: 36 ksi
Minimum tensile strength: 58 ksi
Elongation: 23% minimum
Charpy (if S2 specified): 15 ft-lbs at 40°F

Typical applications: light poles, sign bases, equipment pads, commercial building columns, guard rail posts, and agricultural structures.

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F1554 Grade 55 — The Balanced Grade

Minimum yield strength: 55 ksi
Minimum tensile strength: 75 ksi
Elongation: 21% minimum
Charpy (if S2 specified): 15 ft-lbs at 0°F

Typical applications: transmission towers, bridge structures, traffic signal foundations, highway sign structures, and industrial equipment anchorage.

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F1554 Grade 105 — High-Strength, Non-Weldable

Minimum yield strength: 105 ksi
Minimum tensile strength: 125 ksi
Elongation: 15% minimum

Typical applications: high-mast lighting, large-span sign bridges, wind turbine foundations, structures with congested rebar where smaller anchor rod diameters are preferred.

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SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

S1. GRADE 55 BARS & ANCHOR BOLTS

The material that is covered under Supplementary Requirement S1 is suitable for welding. S1 confirms the material is suitable for welding by the restrictions for the chemical composition, and the carbon equivalent formula.

S2. PERMANENT MANUFACTURER’S IDENTIFICATION

When permanent manufacturer’s identification (S2) is required, the end of the anchor bolt protruding from the concrete shall be steel die stamped. The following identification marker, designed specifically for AA Anchor Bolt, Inc. will be used

** When S2 and/or S3 are required, it must be specified on the inquiry and purchase order.

S3. PERMANENT GRADE IDENTIFICATION

Permanent grade identification markers (S3) are utilized to identify the grade readily. The end of each anchor bolt above the concrete level requires a color code as follows:

F1554 Grade 36

F1554 Grade 55

F1554 Grade 105

When permanent grade identification is required, the end of the anchor bolt projecting from the concrete shall be steel die stamped. The grade identification markings are as follows:

GRADE	IDENTIFICATION
36	AB36
55	AB55
105	AB105

** When S2 and/or S3 are required, it must be specified on the inquiry and purchase order.

Standard Configurations We Manufacture

ASTM F1554 covers several standard anchor bolt configurations. We manufacture all of them to order:

L-Bolt (L-Shape): A straight rod with a 90-degree bend at the embedded end. One of the most common anchor bolt configurations for light poles and sign structures. The bend acts as the mechanical anchor in the concrete.

J-Bolt: A hook-shaped rod with a curved embedded end. Often used in lighter applications and equipment anchorage. Less common than L-bolts in heavy structural applications.

Headed Bolt: A straight rod with a forged or welded head at the embedded end. Headed anchors provide predictable pullout capacity and are preferred when bolt projection must be precisely controlled.

Swedge / Double-End Threaded Rod: A straight rod threaded at both ends. Used with coupling nuts or template hardware. Common in post-installed anchor systems and where field adjustability is needed.

Custom Configurations: If your drawings call for a non-standard hook radius, extended thread length, or special projection dimension, we can manufacture to your specs. Send us your shop drawings or IFC documents.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Grade	Size	Tensile, ksi	Yield, Ksi, min	Yield, Mpa min	Elong .% min	RA % min
36	1/4"-4"	58 - 80	36	248	23	40
55	1/4"-2"	75 - 95	55	380	21	30
55	2-1/8” - 2-1/2”	75 - 95	55	380	21	22
55	2-5/8” – 3”	75 - 95	55	380	21	20
55	3-1/8” – 4”	75 - 95	55	380	21	18
105	1/4"-3"	125 - 150	105	724	15	45

Stamping of F1554 bolts is part of Supplemental Requirement S2 while color-coding is required regardless.
When F1554 Grade 36 is specified, a weldable F1554 Grade 55 may be furnished at the supplier’s option.

RECOMMENDED NUTS AND WASHERS

According to the ASTM manual, unless otherwise specified, all nuts used on these anchor bolts shall conform to the requirements of Specification A194 or A563. Nuts shall be of the grade, surface finish, and style for each grade and size of anchor bolt as follows:

Grade	Size	Plain Nuts	Galvanized Nuts	Washers
36	1/4"-1-1/2”	A563A Hex	A563A Hex	USS, SAE, F436
36	1-5/8” – 4”	A563A Heavy Hex	A563A Heavy Hex	USS, SAE, F436
55	1/4" - 1-1/2”	A563A Hex	A563A Heavy Hex	USS, SAE, F436
55	1-5/8” – 4”	A563A Heavy Hex	A563A Heavy Hex	USS, SAE, F436
105	1/4” - 1-1/2”	A563D Hex1	A563DH Heavy Hex1	F436
105	1-5/8” – 3”	A563DH Heavy Hex1	A563DH Heavy Hex1	F436

*A563-D rarely available, A563DH or A194-2H can be substituted.

FAQs About F1554 Anchor Bolts

What industries use F1554 anchor bolts?

F1554 anchor bolts are widely used in construction, infrastructure projects, industrial applications, and more.

Can I get custom sizes for F1554 anchor bolts?

Yes, AAA Anchor Bolt provides custom manufacturing options to meet your specific requirements.

What are the different grades of F1554 anchor bolts?

F1554 anchor bolts come in three grades: Grade 36, Grade 55, and Grade 105, each offering different levels of strength and ductility.

How do I choose the right grade of F1554 anchor bolt?

The choice of grade depends on the specific application and load requirements. Contact us for expert advice.

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