ASTM Specification, F1554: S-1 Supplement

The term S-1 or S-1 Supplement is taken the ASTM Specification, F1554. In Anchor Bolt manufacturing, the F1554 specification is the rulebook. It spells out all the criteria a manufacturer must follow in order to provide a finished product that will perform as the engineer intended. The current version is F1554-07a.

There are three options for round bar in the F1554 spec. A-36, Gr.55, and A-105. The numbers refer to the minimum yield strength each is required to have. Tensile strength also increases correspondingly:

Of the three grades, Grade 55 is the only one the S-1 supplement applies to. It assures the grade 55 steel is weldable. This will be indicated on the Mill Certification as shown below.

The S-1 indication will not appear on mill certifications for A-36 or A-105 round bar. Sometimes, instead of being on the line denoting steel grade, the S-1 indication is in the notes. Either way, a mill certification that indicates Grade 55 and S-1 indicates the steel from that heat is weldable and compliant with ASTM F1554.

Note: A-105 round bar is not recommended to be welded. It draws its strength from a heat treating process and the heat of the welding may compromise that strength. Nonetheless engineers do sometimes require the A-105 be welded.