Manual Aisc 13Th

Specification for
Structural Joints Using
ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts
June 30, 2004

Supersedes the June 23, 2000 Specification for
Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts.

Prepared by RCSC Committee A.1—Specifications and approved by
the Research Council on Structural Connections.

RESEARCH COUNCIL ON STRUCTURAL CONNECTIONS
www.boltcouncil.org
c/o American Institute of SteelConstruction, Inc.
One East Wacker Drive, Suite 3100, Chicago, Illinois 60601-2001

ii

Copyright © 2004
by
Research Council on Structural Connections
All rights reserved. This book or any part thereof
must not be reproduced in any form without
the written permission of the publisher.
The information presented in this publication has been prepared in accordance with
recognizedengineering principles and is for general information only. While it is
believed to be accurate, this information should not be used or relied upon for any
specific application without competent professional examination and verification of
its accuracy, suitability, and applicability by a licensed engineer, architect or other
design professional. The publication of the material contained herein is notintended as a representation or warranty on the part of the Research Council on Structural
Connections or of any other person named herein, that this information is suitable
for any general or particular use or of freedom from infringement of any patent or
patents. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liability arising from
such use.
Caution must be exercised when relying uponother specifications and codes
developed by other bodies and incorporated by reference herein since such material
may be modified or amended from time to time subsequent to the printing of this
edition. The Research Council on Structural Connections bears no responsibility for
such material other than to refer to it and incorporate it by reference at the time of
the initial publication of thisedition.

Printed in the United States of America

Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts, June 30, 2004
RESEARCH COUNCIL ON STRUCTURAL CONNECTIONS

iii
PREFACE
The purpose of the Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC) is:
(1) To stimulate and support such investigation as may be deemed necessary and
valuable to determine the suitability, strengthand behavior of various types of
structural connections;
(2) To promote the knowledge of economical and efficient practices relating to such
structural connections; and,
(3) To prepare and publish related standards and such other documents as necessary
to achieving its purpose.
The Council membership consists of qualified structural engineers from academic and
research institutions,practicing design engineers, suppliers and manufacturers of fastener
components, fabricators, erectors and code-writing authorities.
The first Specification approved by the Council, called the Specification for
Assembly of Structural Joints Using High Tensile Steel Bolts, was published in January
1951. Since that time the Council has published fifteen successive editions. Each was
developed throughthe deliberations and approval of the full Council membership and
based upon past successful usage, advances in the state of knowledge and changes in
engineering design practice. This edition of the Council’s Specification for Structural
Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts continues the tradition of earlier editions. The
major changes are:
•
•

•
•

Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 wereeditorially revised to clarify strength
requirements of slip critical connections.
Section 6.2.1 was modified to permit the use of A490 type bolts, with round
heads equal or larger in diameter than ASTM F1852 heads, without F436
hardened washers.
Table 6.1, footnote d, was added to clarify use of non-hardened plate washer to
be used in conjunction with an ASTM F436 hardened washer.
Commentary...