When it comes to highway and bridge construction, choosing the right fasteners isn’t just about tensile strength — it’s about ensuring long-term performance under harsh environmental and load-bearing conditions. From expansion joints and guardrails to bridge decks and bearing assemblies, each component relies on fasteners that meet specific structural, safety, and corrosion resistance standards.
Whether you’re sourcing for a government-funded infrastructure project or a private roadworks development, this checklist will help ensure you’re specifying the correct fasteners — every time.
Fastener Selection Checklist
Here’s a quick reference guide for the most commonly required fasteners in highway and bridge projects:
| Fastener Type | Purpose/Typical Use | Notes |
| ASTM F1554 Anchor Bolts | Foundation anchoring for bridge supports and guardrails | Choose correct grade (36, 55, or 105) depending on load |
| Threaded Rods (A193/B7) | Structural tie-ins, bridge railing supports | May require HDG or fluoropolymer coatings |
| Heavy Hex Bolts (A325, A490) | High-strength bolting for structural steel connections | Verify with project specs (AASHTO/CSA) |
| Nuts (A563) | Paired with bolts and rods | Use Grade DH or C for heavy hex bolts |
| Washers (F436) | Load distribution in bolted assemblies | Check beveled or flat as per design |
| Guardrail Bolts | Mounting of traffic barriers and safety rails | Often zinc-plated or galvanized |
| Step Bolts / Carriage Bolts | Used for lighting pole brackets or access hardware | May need tamper-resistant heads |
| U-Bolts / Bent Anchor Rods | Securing sign posts and light poles | Requires accurate bend dimensions |
| Plow Bolts / Track Bolts | Expansion joint and deck hardware | Considered for vibration-prone areas |
Common Standards & Certifications
Depending on your region and project type, fasteners must comply with one or more of the following standards:
- ASTM (North America):
- F1554 (Anchor Bolts: Gr. 36, 55, 105)
- A325 / A490 (Structural Bolts)
- A307 (General-purpose bolts)
- F436 (Washers), A563 (Nuts), A193/B7 (Rods)
- CSA (Canada):
- G40.21-350W for carbon steel; CSA S6 Bridge Code references ASTM standards
- ISO / EN (Europe):
- ISO 898 for mechanical properties
- EN 15048 (non-preloaded structural bolts), EN 14399 (HR bolts)
- AREMA (Railroad bridge projects):
- Standards for track bolts and rail hardware
- Coatings & Compliance:
- HDG (Hot-dip galvanizing), mechanical zinc, epoxy/polymer coatings
- RoHS and CE certification may be required for EU-bound projects
Typical Use Cases
- Bridge Decks & Expansion Joints:
Use plow bolts, F436 washers, and A325 bolts for high-load zones.
- Guardrail Systems:
Require heavy hex bolts, galvanized nuts, and guardrail-specific fasteners.
- Light Pole Foundations:
Anchor bolts (F1554 Gr. 55 or 105) with anchor plates or step bolts.
- Structural Steel Connections:
Often use ASTM A490 bolts and beveled washers for flange assemblies.
- Signage & Sound Barriers:
Use bent rods, square plates, and lock nuts for pole-to-concrete connections.
Need Help With Fastener Selection?
At TUHU Fasteners, we supply project-ready fasteners that meet ASTM, ISO, CSA, and EN standards — with full material traceability and compliance documentation.
Looking for a fastener supplier that understands your project specifications?
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