Anchor Bolts and Structural Bolts for Steel Buildings

Bolts hold a pre-engineered building together. Anchor bolts, cast into the foundations, connect the column base plates to the concrete and transfer shear, uplift and, where designed, moment from the structure into the foundation. Structural bolts join the frame members at end plates, splices and bracing connections.

Anchor bolts are commonly threaded rods or bars with a hooked end, a nut or a plate at the embedded end to develop pull-out resistance. Their diameter, length, grade and projection are selected by design, and the embedment is coordinated with the foundation engineer. Accurate setting is essential, so anchor bolt plans and templates are issued early to the foundation contractor.

High-strength structural bolts are used in the main frame connections. Depending on the code and connection type, they may be installed snug-tight, pretensioned or slip-critical. The tightening method, such as turn-of-nut or direct tension indicators, is selected to suit the code and is checked during erection.

Lower-strength bolts are used for secondary connections, such as purlin and girt fixings to frame clips. Bolts, nuts and washers are supplied as matched assemblies, with zinc coatings or galvanizing chosen for the exposure of the building.

World Steel supplies anchor bolts and structural bolts with each building, sorted and labeled by connection, with anchor bolt plans and bolt schedules on the drawings. Bolt grades and installation follow the standards named for the project, whether US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand, or European.

Anchor bolts are normally delivered ahead of the steel so that foundations can be cast on time. The request for quotation should state the governing code, required bolt standards, finish, and any project inspection or testing requirements for the bolt assemblies.