| Environment | Required Protection | | :--- | :--- | | | As-rolled (plain) acceptable | | Exterior, moderate | Hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A153 (minimum 2.0 oz/ft²) | | Coastal/marine | Stainless steel (Type 304 or 316) – A307 spec does not apply; use F1554 | | Embedded in concrete | No coating required (alkaline passivation) – but cutoff must be above ground |
| Error | Correction | | :--- | :--- | | Specifying "A307 anchor bolt" without grade | Write: ASTM A307, Grade A, low-carbon steel, plain finish, 36 ksi min yield, 60 ksi min tensile. | | Using A307 in epoxy anchors | Specify F1554 Grade 36 or 55 for adhesive anchoring. | | Omitting bend radius for L-bolts | Minimum inside bend radius = 2 × bolt diameter. | | No corrosion allowance | Add: Hot-dip galvanize per ASTM A153, unless noted otherwise. |
Note: Unlike F1554, A307 does not mandate a specific yield strength; instead, it relies on tensile strength and bend tests. However, the base material (A36) ensures a yield floor of 36 ksi. a307 anchor bolt
Do not use mechanically galvanized or electroplated coatings for embedded anchor bolts—hydrogen embrittlement risk is elevated for low-carbon bolts.
A307 bolts are unless specified. For anchor bolts, corrosion is a frequent failure mode. | Environment | Required Protection | | :---
| Property | Value | | :--- | :--- | | | 60 ksi (414 MPa) minimum | | Yield Strength | 36 ksi (248 MPa) minimum (typical, not mandatory by ASTM but implied by material) | | Elongation | 18% minimum (in 8 in.) – High ductility | | Hardness | Brinell 100–241 | | Threads | UNC series (Class 1A or 2A) | | Material | Low-carbon steel (e.g., A36, 1018) |
The anchor bolt is a critical load-transfer component in structural engineering, connecting structural elements to concrete foundations. Among the various grades available, the bolt (specifically Grade A) occupies a unique and often misunderstood niche. While higher-strength bolts (e.g., F1554 Grade 55 or 105, A325, A490) are common for moment-resisting and high-tension applications, A307 remains the standard for low-strength, ductile, and cost-effective anchorage. This paper defines the material properties, appropriate applications, critical limitations, and inspection criteria for A307 anchor bolts in accordance with IBC, ACI 318, and OSHA standards. | | No corrosion allowance | Add: Hot-dip
Using AISC 360 and ACI 318-19, the nominal steel strength of an A307 anchor bolt in tension is: