F1554 Anchor rods replaced with A36 threaded rods? 2

[jeffhed]

I have a PEMB steel building project where F1554 headed anchor rods were specified to anchor the building to the foundation. However, these bolts were not ordered when they should have been and now due to time constraints the contractor wants to use A36 threaded rods with double nuts and a plate washer. At first glance I think this looks like it would be okay, yield stress and ultimate stress ranges are the same. However, I don’t have the ASTM publications that would tell me the difference between the two. This is an enclosed building so exposure to the elements is minimal. My questions are:
1. Are there any problems of using the A36 threaded rods instead of the F1554 rods that I should be aware of?
2. If A36 threaded rods are a problem, as another option, is it possible to get F1554 rods threaded the entire length and are they readily available?

 

[TXStructural]

I like this supplier's explanation:

http://www.portlandbolt.com/faqs/f1554-grade-36-all-thread-rod

And a more AISC-oriented view from 2004:

http://www.structuremag.org/OldArchives/2004/august/Code Updates.pdf

 

[jeffhed]

Thanks TXStructural. Basically from what I'm reading is that the A36 all thread sometimes will and sometimes wont be an acceptable replacement. But it at least makes it sound like F1554 threaded rod is definitely available. Thanks again, that information provided me with everything I needed.

 

[lindsaygreg]

There are three different grades of F1554 anchor bolts....grade 36, 55, and 105. I assume grade 36 has been specified. F1554 grade 36 anchor rods (rods with thread on each end) are typically manufactured from A36 round bar. However, the F1554 anchor bolt specification contains a reduction of area value that the A36 steel must conform to. Since A36 round bar has no requirement for a reduction of area value, it is commonly missing from the test reports provided by the steel mill. In order to certify anchor bolts to the F1554 grade 36 specification using A36 steel, a reduction of area test must be performed on the round bar and the value must fall within the guidelines of the specification (40% min).

If you are looking to substitute commercially available all thread rod in lieu of F1554 grade 36 headed bolts, you may encounter different issues. Most commercially available all thread rod will not meet the requirements of F1554 grade 36. A detailed explanation can be found here:

http://www.portlandbolt.com/faqs/f1554-grade-36-all-thread-rod.

There are bolt manufacturers in the marketplace who stock a limited amount of F1554 grade 36 headed anchor bolts and some who carry headed blanks that simply need to be cut to length and threaded. Manufacturing headed anchor bolts from blanks is a quick process and can be done in only a couple of days.

If you are substituting a different configuration (rods with thread each end or fully threaded rods) make sure you receive a copy of the raw material mill test reports and make sure all required values are reported and that they fall within the parameters of the specification.