Common Technical Specifications

Barrier connecting pins and stabilization/base/anchor pins are typically specified to either ASTM or AASHTO standards, or a combination of both. ASTM is the American Society for Testing and Materials, an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. AASHTO is the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Most AASHTO designations convert directly to an ASTM equivalent. The ASTM and AASHTO specifications most commonly used for highway barrier pins are listed below with a brief explanation of each.

  • ASTM A36: Specification covering carbon steel shapes, plates, and bars of structural quality for use in bolted or welded construction of bridges and buildings and for general structural purposes. Sometimes referred to as “mild steel.”
  • ASTM A307: Specification covering carbon steel bolts, bent bolts, and threaded rods for general applications. Often manufactured from ASTM A36 steel (see above.)
  • ASTM A325: Specification covering medium strength structural bolts from 1/2″ diameter through 1-1/2″ diameter. The intent and scope of this specification is for heavy hex head bolts for use in structural steel connections. However, it is commonly applied to other applications and configurations by State DOT’s.
  • ASTM A449: Virtually identical in chemistry and strength to ASTM A325. However, A449 is more flexible in that it covers a larger diameter range (1/4″ to 3″) and is not restricted to a specific configuration the way that ASTM A325 is.
  • ASTM A706: Specification covering deformed and plain steel bars and rounds (rebar) for concrete reinforcement. Contains two grades, Grade 60 and Grade 80 where the 60/80 denotes the minimum yield strength of either 60ksi or 80 ksi respectively.
  • ASTM F1554 Grade 105: Specification covering anchor bolts for use in concrete. Contains three different grades – 36, 55, and 105. Grade 105 is a high strength, heat treated alloy. This specification has begun to be used by some State DOT’s for highway barrier hardware.
  • ASTM A123: Specification covering hot dip (zinc) galvanizing of iron and steel shapes and plates.
  • ASTM A153: Specification covering hot dip (zinc) galvanizing of iron and steel hardware.
  • AASHTO M-111: Directly corresponds to ASTM A123 for hot dip galvanizing of iron and steel shapes and plates (see above).
  • AASHTO M-164: Directly corresponds to ASTM A325 for structural bolts (see above).
  • AASHTO M-183: Directly corresponds to ASTM A36 for low carbon steel (See above).
  • AASHTO M-232: Directly corresponds to ASTM A153 for hot dip galvanizing of iron and steel hardware (See above).
  • AASHTO M-270, Grade 36: Corresponds to ASTM A708 specification covering various grades of structural steel for bridges. Grade 36 cooresponds directly to ASTM A36 for low carbon steel (see above).

For more information on the above specifications, or on specifications not listed here, please visit the Portland Bolt website.