AISC_Part 7A:14th Ed.

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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BOLTED JOINTS 7–3
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The specification requirements and other design considerations summarized in this Part applye r - s o f t
to the design of bolts in steel-to-steel structural connections. Additional guidance on bolt design
is available in AISC Design Guide 17, High Strength Bolts—A Primer for Structural Engineers,
(Kulak, 2002). For the design of steel-to-concrete anchorage, see Part 14. For the design of
connection elements, see Part 9. For the design of simple shear, moment, bracing and other
connections, see Parts 10 through 15.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BOLTED JOINTS

Fastener Components
The applicable material specifications for fastener components are as given in Part 2. For
convenience in referencing and consistent with AISC Specification Section J3.1, ASTM
A325 and F1852 bolts have been labelled Group A bolts, and ASTM A490 and F2280 bolts
have been labelled Group B bolts.
Material and storage requirements for fastener components are as given in AISC
Specification Section A3.3 and RCSC Specification Section 2. The compatibility of ASTM
A563 nuts and F436 washers with ASTM A325, F1852, A490 and F2280 bolts is as given
in RCSC Specification Table 2.1. These products are given identifying marks, as illustrated
in RCSC Specification Figure C-2.1. Alternative-design fasteners and alternative washer-
type indicating devices are permitted, subject to the requirements in RCSC Specification
Sections 2.8 and 2.6.2, respectively.
Mixing grades of fasteners raises inventory and quality control issues associated with the
use of multiple fastener grades. When both Group A and Group B bolts are used on a proj-
ect, different diameters can be specified for each to help ensure that the Group B bolts are
installed in the proper location.
Regardless of the bolt type selected, the typical sizes of 3/ 4-in., 7/8-in., 1-in. and 11/8-in.
diameter are usually preferred. Diameters above 1 in. require special consideration for avail-
ability as well as installation, when pretensioned installation is required. Special equipment
may be required to pretension large-diameter Group B bolts.

Proper Selection of Bolt Length

Per RCSC Specification Section 2.3.2, adequate thread engagement is developed when the
end of the bolt is at least flush with or projects beyond the face of the nut. To provide for
this, the ordered length of Group A and Group B bolts should be calculated as the grip (see
Figure 7-1) plus the nominal thickness of washers and/or direct-tension indicators, if used,
plus the allowance from Table 7-14, with the total rounded to the next higher increment of
1
/4 in. up to a 5-in. length and the next higher 1/2 in. over a 5-in. length. Note that bolts longer
than 5 in. are generally available only in 1/2-in. increments, except by special arrangement
with the manufacturer or vendor. While longer lengths may be ordered, an 8-in. length is
generally the maximum stock length available. Requirements for a minimum stick-through
greater than zero are discouraged because of the risk of jamming the nut on the thread
runout, particularly in the bolt length range available only in 1/2-in. increments. See Carter
(1996) for further information.

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION