ASTM F1554 GRADE 36 ANCHOR RODS — TECHNICAL ENGINEERING REPORT AND COMPREHENSIVE DATASHEET

ASTM F1554 Grade 36 is the preferred industry standard for anchor bolts intended for cast-in-place concrete foundations. Unlike legacy specifications (such as ASTM A36 or A307 Grade C), Grade 36 enforces strict mechanical and ductility parameters—including a mandatory minimum 40% Reduction of Area (RA)—ensuring predictable, ductile failure modes that are critical for structural safety in seismic zones and high-load applications.

■ Chemical Composition (Weight %)

The low-carbon chemistry of Grade 36 optimizes ductility and weldability. Manganese is added to larger diameter rods to facilitate solid-solution strengthening.

Element	Sizes ≤ 3/4"	Sizes > 3/4" to 1-1/2"	Sizes > 1-1/2" to 4"
Carbon (C) max	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%
Manganese (Mn)	Optional	0.60 – 0.90%	0.60 – 0.90%
Phosphorus (P) max	0.040%	0.040%	0.040%
Sulfur (S) max	0.050%	0.050%	0.050%
Copper (Cu) min*	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%

*When copper content is specified for atmospheric corrosion resistance.

Metallurgical Note: To maintain weldability, manufacturers may perform a Manganese-Carbon trade-off. For every 0.01% reduction in Carbon below 0.25%, Manganese may be increased by 0.06% above 0.90% (up to a 1.35% limit).

■ Proprietary Datasheet Download

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ASTM F1554 Grade 36 — Complete Technical Yield & Tolerance Datasheet

Contains empirical data for stress simulations, full axial capacity tables, and welding procedure guidance. Corporate/engineering credentials required.

⬇ DOWNLOAD DATASHEET

■ Mechanical Properties

Grade 36 provides a lower-yield, highly ductile anchor point, ensuring the steel yields before concrete breakout or bond failure occurs.

Mechanical Property	Specified Limit
Tensile Strength	58 – 80 ksi (400 – 558 MPa)
Yield Strength (min)	36 ksi (248 MPa)
Elongation in 2" (min)	23%
Reduction of Area (min)	40%
Hardness Range	80 – 101 HRB

■ Axial Load Capacities (UNC)

Calculated minimum load limits for standard threaded rod configurations.

Dia (in.)	Stress Area (in²)	Min Tensile (lbf)	Min Yield (lbf)
1/2"	0.1419	8,200	5,100
3/4"	0.3340	19,400	12,000
1"	0.6060	35,200	21,800
1-1/4"	0.9690	56,200	34,900
1-1/2"	1.4050	81,500	50,600

■ Manufacturing and Installation Tolerances

Dimension	Range	Tolerance
Length (≤ 24")	≤ 24 inches	± 1/2"
Length (> 24")	> 24 inches	± 1"
Thread Length	—	+1", -0"
Bend Angle	Bent Hooks	± 5°

■ Engineering Notes

Weldability: Grade 36 is inherently weldable. For projects requiring substitute Grade 55, ensure the material meets Supplementary Requirement S1 to prevent HAZ embrittlement.
Reduced Diameter Shanks: Thread rolling produces reduced-diameter shanks. Ensure your structural analysis accounts for the lower section modulus (bending resistance) compared to cut-thread full-diameter rods.
Reuse Prohibition: Anchor bolts must never be reused. They are designed for one-time installation; once tensioned or bent into place, their ductility reserve is exhausted.
Torque Guidelines: ASTM F1554 does not define torque values. Preloads must be calculated by the Engineer of Record based on specific foundation and joint requirements.