Anchor Bolts

Material Grades
Over the years, a wide variety of bolt grades have been used for pole base plates. The most
commonly used grades are listed below.
ASTM Designation

Tensile Strength, ksi

A307

60

A325 (SAE Gr 5 similar)

105

A354 Gr BD

150, 140 (over 2 )

A354 Gr BC

125, 115 (over 2 )

A449

90

A490 (SAE Gr 8 similar)

150

A618 Gr 75 (Anchor bolt grade, #18J bars)

100

A687

150

A36

58

A572 Gr 50

65

A572 Gr 42

60

A588

70

F1554 Gr 36

58

F1554 Gr 55

75

F1554 Gr 105

125

The current standard has anchor bolts unified under ASTM F1554 . Only grades 36 and 55 permit
welding.
Hooked anchor bolts have fallen into disfavor as tests have shown that local crushing occurs at the
bend point leading to a reduction in pullout capacity. The standard method detail is to provide a
threaded portion at the bottom of the anchor bolt and attach a nut or nut with washer. When the
grade permits welding, the nut is usually tack-welded to the bolt to insure that the nut does not

Technical Manual 1 Design of Monopole Bases

Anchor Bolts 99