Transmission towers are constructed by zinc coated angle steel and connected by bolts. Tower bolts are therefore critical components in transmission towers that influence the dynamic characteristics of the tower. ASTM A394-08(2024): Standard Specification For Steel Transmission Tower Bolts, Zinc-Coated And Bare provides specifications for tower bolts that are manufactured for use in the “steel to steel” connections of power transmission towers, substations, and other similar structures.
Tower Bolts in Transmission Towers
Tower bolts are rod-shaped bolts used to secure steel-to-steel structural connections for the construction of electrical transmission towers and other steel structures. These bolts may also be used as high-strength anchors for wind power machines and as high-strength anchors for wind power machines. Tower bolts, however, undertake extreme environmental conditions, such as strong wind and ice. The connected bolts may loosen under all kinds of loads for a long time, which will lead to the tower structure failure. Therefore, it is not only necessary to know the looseness of bolts and provide early warning for the operations people of transmission lines, but also to assure quality assurance. Adhering to ASTM A394-08(2024) helps assure that tower bolts stand the test of time with high strength and durability.
What Is ASTM A394-08?
ASTM A394-08(2024) covers the chemical and mechanical requirements of hexagon and square-head zinc-coated steel bolts and atmospheric corrosion-resistant bolts. The bolts addressed in the scope of this standard are in nominal thread diameters of 1/2 , 5/8 , 3/4 , 7/8 and 1 in. They are for use in the construction of transmission towers, substations, and similar steel structures. The various types of bolts covered in ASTM A394-08(2024) include the following:
- Type 0—Hot-dip zinc-coated bolts made of low or medium carbon steel
- Type 1—Hot-dip zinc-coated bolts made of medium carbon steel, quenched and tempered
- Type 2—Withdrawn in 2005
- Type 3—Bare (uncoated), quenched and tempered bolts made of weathering steel
This standard also covers hot-dip zinc coated steel ladder bolts, step bolts, and support-equipment bolts.
Why Are Tower Bolts Used?
Tower bolts are used to secure a variety of doors, windows, cabinets, and gates in buildings. They serve as versatile, lightweight hardware solutions that help improve the security and functionality in various settings, ranging from homes to commercial spaces. Tower bolts are specifically ideal for inward swinging doors, garden gates, shed doors, and storage units because they offer durability and weather resistance.
They come in a hot-dipped galvanized finish for corrosion resistance. Hot-dipped galvanized steel coatings are more corrosion resistant than zinc plating, giving these bolts a thicker coating than other finishes. Tower bolts come in a variety of materials, such as aluminum, brass, copper, mild steel, and stainless steel. The materials used to make these bolts are mostly anti-corrosive to assure that they can be fixed in different areas like bedrooms, bathrooms, garage doors, basements, etc.
ASTM A394-08(2024): Standard Specification For Steel Transmission Tower Bolts, Zinc-Coated And Bare is available on the ANSI Webstore.