ASTM A354 is the standard that defines mechanical and chemical properties for bolts, screws, studs, and other fasteners forged from alloy steel. The official title of the spec is “Standard Specification for Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel Bolts, Studs, and Other Externally Threaded Fasteners”.
Choosing ASTM A354 bolts for a project involves selecting between two different grades, BC and BD. Within those two grades are two different nominal sizes that are split into the smaller diameter and larger diameter of the range. Deciding on which grade of A354 bolt to use in a project involves determining the design, stresses, and service for which the fasteners are used.
Of the two grades within the A354 callout the BD type is higher in strength than the BC. The type that A354 BD is most similar to is ASTM A490 bolts although the A354 are more desirable and flexible as they are unrestricted by their configuration. More specifically A490 bolts are called out as heavy hex structural bolts and thus cannot exceed 1-1/2” diameter whereas A354 reach up to 4”. A354 BD bolts are typically considered for anchor bolts, threaded rods, various style headed bolts, and diameter requirements larger than 1-1/2”. Additionally A354 BD bolts do not require a magnetic particle test as the A490 specification dictates.
While the A354 BC has similar elongation and reduction in area properties as the A354 BD grade the major difference is that the BD is much stronger.
ASTM A354 Specs
- A354 BC 1/4” to 2-1/2” - 125 ksi min tensile strength, 109 ksi min yield strength, 16% min EL, 50% min RA.
- A354 BC 2-5/8” to 4” - 115 ksi min tensile strength, 90 ksi min yield strength, 16% min EL, 45% min RA.
- A354 BD1/4” to 2-1/2” - 150 ksi min tensile strength, 130 ksi min yield strength, 14% min EL, 40% min RA.
- A354 BD 2-5/8” to 4” - 140 ksi min tensile strength, 115 ksi min yield strength, 16% min EL, 50% min RA.
Glaser has a full line of ASTM certified fasteners for a variety of needs. Please contact us for more specific information.