Structural Bolt Connection Types

There is no difference between these bolts. The “X”, “SC”, and “N” simply identify the type of connection the bolts are used in. “X” and “N” are bearing type connections, where the bolts are being used in shear.

“X” means these particular A325 heavy hex structural bolts will be used in a bearing type connection where the threads will be excluded from the shear plane, whereas “N” means the threads are included in the shear plane. “SC” signifies a slip-critical connection where the bolts are not being used in shear, but instead, the tension from the connection resists the shearing force. You simply require the same standard A325 heavy hex structural bolt but will be using them in three different connection types.

“SC”, “N”, and “X” specify solely the type of connections to use the A325 bolt in.

According to Note 2 in Section 3.8 (Ordering Information) of the new F3125 specification covering high strength structural bolts, “Bolts are sometimes detailed with names such as A325 HS, A325 SC, A325 x or A490 N. These names relate to connection design and bolt installation, but do not change the manufacturing requirements and are preferably not shown on bolt orders.”

There are other types of A325 bolts that do affect the type of bolt that needs to be purchased. For these, see the following chart.

The majority of A325 bolts being made in the market are A325 Type 1 and are available both plain and hot-dipped galvanized. Type 2 was withdrawn in 1991 and no longer is in use. Type 3 is a naturally corrosion-resistant weathering steel that typically is used in a plain finish (no finish). Availability for the steel can be limited and standard, mass-produced bolts start at 5/8″ diameter. Below 5/8″ diameter, heat-treatable weathering steel is not commonly available.

A325T bolts (covered under supplementary requirement (S1) of the A325 specification signifies that the A325 bolt must be completely threaded, but is limited to 4 times the diameter in length. Fully threaded A325 bolts longer than 4 times the diameter do not comply with the specification, will not be available in the marketplace, and technically cannot be manufactured. ASTM A449 should be considered in lieu of A325 bolts with extended threads that don’t meet the requirements of A325T. However, ASTM 3125, the new combined high strength structural bolting specification, added a new type S that allows for an A325 bolt to have altered thread length and head dimensions. Previously, altered thread lengths meant switching grades or accepting a bolt that didn’t technically conform to the A325 specification, but now marking the bolt head with an S allows for extended threads or using different head dimensions.

The connection information provided in this FAQ is applicable to not only A325 heavy hex structural bolts, but to A490 structural bolts as well.