Scope

The ASTM A325 specification covers high strength heavy hex structural bolts from 1/2″ diameter through 1-1/2″ diameter. These bolts are intended for use in structural connections and therefore have shorter thread lengths than standard hex bolts. Refer to the Structural Bolts page of our site for thread lengths and other related dimensions.

This specification is applicable to heavy hex structural bolts only. For bolts of other configurations and thread lengths with similar mechanical properties, see Specification A449.

Bolts for general applications, including anchor bolts, are covered by Specification A 449. Also refer to Specification A 449 for quenched and tempered steel bolts and studs with diameters greater than 1-1/2″ but with similar mechanical properties.

A325 Types

TYPE 1Medium carbon, carbon boron, or medium carbon alloy steel.
TYPE 2Withdrawn November 1991.
TYPE 3Weathering steel.
TFully threaded A325. (Restricted to 4 times the diameter in length)
MMetric A325.

A325 Connection Types

SCSlip critical connection.
NBearing type connection with threads included in the shear plane.
XBearing-type connection with threads excluded from the shear plane.

A325 Mechanical Properties

Size Tensile, ksi Yield, ksi Elong. %, min RA %, min
1/2 - 1120 min92 min1435
1-1/8 - 1-1/2105 min81 min1435

A325 Chemical Properties

Type 1 Bolts
Element Carbon Steel Carbon Boron Steel Alloy Steel Alloy Boron Steel
Carbon0.30 - 0.52%0.30 - 0.52%0.30 - 0.52%0.30 - 0.52%
Manganese, min0.60%0.60%0.60%0.60%
Phosphorus, max0.040%0.040%0.035%0.035%
Sulfur, max0.050%0.050%0.040%0.040%
Silicon0.15-0.30%0.10 - 0.30%0.15 - 0.35%0.15 - 0.35%
Boron0.0005 - 0.003%0.0005 - 0.003%
Alloying Elements**
* Steel, as defined by the American Iron and Steel Institute, shall be considered to be alloy when the maximum range given for the content of alloying elements exceeds one of more of the following limits: Manganese, 1.65%, silicon, 0.60%, copper, 0.60%, or in which a definite range or a minimum quantity of any of the following elements is specified or required within the limits of the recognized field of constructional alloy steels: aluminum, chromium up to 3.99%, cobalt, columbium, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, zirconium or any other alloying elements added to obtain a desired alloying effect.

A325 Recommended Hardware

Nuts Washers
Type 1 Type 3 Type 1 Type 3
Plain Galvanized Plain
A563C, C3, D, DH, DH3A563DHA563C3, DH3F436-1F436-3
Note: Nuts conforming to A194 Grade 2H are a suitable substitute for use with A325 heavy hex structural bolts. The ASTM A563 Nut Compatibility Chart has a complete list of specifications.