Plain Steel Headed & Shear Connector Studs
What are plain steel weld studs? These are drawn arc weld studs in plain finish ASTM A108 low carbon steel, covering both headed concrete anchors in 3/8 through 5/8 inch and shear connectors in 3/4 and 7/8 inch. Plain steel is the correct specification for embedded studs rather than an economy: a coating at the weld end would compromise the fusion the connection depends on, and concrete passivates embedded steel once poured, so the coating would be doing nothing anyway. AlbanyCountyFasteners.com stocks the full diameter range in a wide selection of lengths.
Why plain steel rather than a coated finish
Two reasons, and the welding one is immediate. Drawn arc welding depends on clean fusion between the stud tip and the base metal, and zinc, paint, or any other coating at that interface introduces contamination and porosity into a joint that is meant to be stronger than the stud itself. Because the stud is then encased in concrete, a compromised weld is inaccessible for inspection or repair for the life of the structure. The second reason is that the coating would be redundant. Concrete is alkaline and passivates embedded steel, which is why reinforcing bar has been plain black steel for a century. With adequate cover and sound concrete, the pour protects the stud.
Why choose plain steel weld studs
- Clean weld fusion with no coating to contaminate the joint
- Concrete passivates embedded steel, so a coating adds nothing
- ASTM A108 low carbon steel, qualified under AWS D1.1
- Shear connector sizes meet Type B mechanical property requirements
- Standard industry specification accepted across structural work
- Economical compared with coated or stainless alternatives
Headed concrete anchor sizes
- 3/8 inch in 3-1/8, 4-1/8, and 6-1/8 inch lengths
- 1/2 inch in 1-1/8, 2, 2-5/8, 3-1/8, 4-1/8, 5-5/16, and 6-1/8 inch lengths
- 5/8 inch in 4-3/16, 5-3/16, 6-3/16, 6-9/16, 8-3/16, and 10-3/16 inch lengths
Shear connector sizes
- 3/4 inch in 3-3/16, 3-7/8, 4-3/16, 4-3/8, 4-7/8, 5-3/16, 6-3/16, and 8-3/16 inch lengths
- 7/8 inch in 4-3/16, 5-3/16, 6-3/16, and 8-3/16 inch lengths
- All lengths quoted before weld, with roughly 3/16 inch consumed in the process
- Order one matching ceramic ferrule per stud
Common applications
- Composite floor beams and bridge girders
- Embed plates and bearing plates in precast concrete
- Cast in place structural steel to concrete connections
- Equipment bases, column base plates, and machinery anchorage
- Handrail, guardrail, and barrier post bases
- Parking structures, mezzanines, and composite deck systems
Every weld requires a matching ceramic ferrule, sized to the stud diameter. For the difference between anchor and shear connector applications, see our headed and shear connector studs page.
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Plain Steel Weld Stud FAQs
Will plain steel studs rust before the pour?
Light surface rust from storage or site exposure is normal and generally acceptable, since it burns off in the arc and concrete passivates the surface once cured. Heavy scaling or pitting is different and studs in that condition should be assessed rather than used.
What length do I order?
Length comes from the drawing. For anchors it depends on the embedment depth the engineer has calculated under ACI 318. For shear connectors it depends on slab depth, deck profile, and required embedment above the flutes. Remember the figure is before weld.
Can these be galvanized?
Galvanized studs exist for applications where the stud will not be fully embedded, but the coating must be removed or specially handled at the weld end. For standard embedded work, plain steel is the correct and simpler specification.
What is ASTM A108?
The standard covering cold finished carbon steel bars, which is the material weld studs are manufactured from. Combined with AWS D1.1 qualification, it defines both the material and the mechanical properties the finished stud must meet.
Does the base metal need preparation?
It must be clean and dry at each weld location. Mill scale, moisture, paint, and primer all affect fusion. Thru-deck welding adds its own requirements around deck condition and coating.
How many ferrules should I order?
One per stud minimum, plus a margin. Ferrules are single use and brittle, so allow for breakage in handling and for the occasional weld that needs redoing. Around ten percent extra is a common allowance.
Are these the same as Nelson studs?
Nelson is a manufacturer brand widely used as a generic term for headed weld studs. Ours are manufactured to the same ASTM A108 material and AWS D1.1 qualification that specifications call for.