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Steel To Steel Construction Connections Need Structural Bolts

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Questions And Answers On Structural Bolts

What Type Of Nuts Are Used With Structural Bolts?

Structural bolts require pairing with the correct type of nut to produce a reliable connection. A563 nuts and A194 nuts are correct choices for tightening ASTM A325 and A490 structural bolts.

Heavy hex nuts are manufactured from carbon and alloy steel. Their design specifically addresses the forces acting on these structural fastener assemblies.

What Is The Difference Between A325 And A490 Structural Bolts?

A490 structural bolts are stronger than A325 structural bolts, although both may be made from medium carbon steel or weathering steel.

A490 bolts are built for heavier applications. They must have a tensile strength of at least 150,000 PSI. A490 bolts cannot be galvanized. A325 bolts are standard structural bolts with minimum tensile strengths of 105,000 PSI to 120,000 PSI. They can be galvanized.

What Is An A490 Structural Bolt?

A490 structural bolts have enhanced tensile strength as construction fasteners compared to A325 bolts. Their minimum tensile strength is 150,000 PSI. They comply with ASTM criteria that specify dimensions, mechanical performance, strength, and material.

They are made from alloy or weathering steel. These types of steel give them their extra strength.

What Is An A325 Structural Bolt?

A structural bolt labeled A325 meets ASTM standards for dimension size, material, mechanical function, and strength. An A325 threaded fastener is made from heat-treated steel.

These bolts will have a diameter between 1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inches. Minimum tensile strength must fall within a range of 105,000 to 120,000 PSI. Galvanization may be applied to A325 structural bolts.

What Grade Is A Structural Bolt?

Structural bolts are labeled according to grading systems that describe their material type, mechanical capabilities, and strength ratings.

Higher grades indicate stronger bolts. ASTM specifications, which can also be called types or grades, add another level of bolt categorization. The most common structural bolts are ASTM A325 and A490 bolts.

What Are Structural Bolts?

Hex bolts are structural fasteners suitable for heavy structural components made from steel-based materials. They have hexagonal heads, short shanks, and threading below the neck.

Frequently, hex bolts are produced according to ASTM A325 or A490 standards. These labels designate tensile strength, material type, and diameter ranges among other features.

What Are Structural Bolts Used For?

Structural bolts are needed when standard hex bolts cannot provide sufficient strength to secure heavy structural elements safely.

The toughness of structural bolts provides reliable fastening when structural connections need to withstand significant loads. They work well in many types of construction applications that involve fastening steel-to-steel structural components.

What Are Structural Bolts Made From?

The type of steel used to make structural bolts determines their grade and ASTM specifications. Structural bolts are most often made from medium carbon steel, medium carbon alloy steel, and weathering steel.

Hot-dipped galvanization may be applied to standard structural bolts and ASTM A325 bolts with type 1 specifications. A490 structural bolts are not dipped.

How Long Should Structural Bolts Be?

Structural bolts are shorter and thicker when compared to other bolts. Their length is typically four times the bolt's diameter. Length is measured from directly beneath the head to the end of the threading.

They come in lengths from 1 inch to 3-1/4 inches. Installation requires a bolt long enough to pass through a connection and still have room for a nut.

How Are Structural Bolts Installed?

Nuts are used to tighten structural bolts installed into steel parts. Hoisting applications require at least two bolts per connection.

After plumbing a structure, the rest of the bolts are tightened. This installation process produces an even connection. To achieve appropriate tension for heavy hex head structural bolts, they need to be tightened close to their proof strength.