Can A354 bolts be galvanized?

A354 Grade BC can be galvanized, but it is recommended that Grade BD not be galvanized. The biggest concern with galvanizing high strength bolts is hydrogen embrittlement. Hydrogen embrittlement may occur when atomic hydrogen is absorbed by the steel during the acid pickling process that takes place prior to galvanizing. This embrittlement can potentially lead to the loss or partial loss of ductility in the steel and consequently result in the premature failure of the material in the field. This has been shown to be an issue with material having a tensile strength of 150 ksi or greater, or a minimum hardness of 33 HRC.

Note 4 in ASTM A354 states:

“Research conducted on bolts of similar material and manufacture indicates that hydrogen-stress cracking or stress cracking corrosion may occur on hot-dip galvanized Grade BD bolts.”

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