ASTM D5933-19

Standard Specification for 2<fraction><num>5</num><den>8</den></fraction>-in. and 4-in. Diameter Metal Shear Plates for Use in Wood Constructions

ABSTRACT
This specification covers standardizing the dimensions and materials for the manufacture of steel or cast iron shear plates used in the fabrication of connections in wood constructions. This specification covers the two basic diameters of metal shear plates commonly used in North American timber construction. Shear plates shall be free from any casting defects that would hinder normal installation and performance. Shear plates shall conform to the specified requirements for the following: (1) marking (2) nail attachment holes, (3) draft casting on the rim and on the hub, (4) central bolt or lag screw holes, (5) furnishing with or without galvanization, and (6) fit and finish. The geometry and dimensional requirements for stamped steel shear plates and cast iron shear plates are specified and illustrated.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers standardizing the dimensions and materials for the manufacture of 25/8 and 4-in. diameter steel or cast iron shear plates used in the fabrication of connections in wood constructions. The referencing of this specification in design, construction, and purchase order documents gives the using parties assurance that the shear plates to be used in an assembly meet minimum materials quality standards and that dimensions for fabrication and finish can be relied on to ensure connection performance. This specification provides regulatory agencies with a set of standards by which to judge the acceptability of shear plates encountered in the field and in fabricators' shops.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 Safety Hazards—There are no known hazards with the use of this specification. It is necessary that the products manufactured to this specification not be brittle or difficult to install with proper tools.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2019
• ICS: 91.080.20 - Timber structures
• Technical Committee: D07 - Wood
• Drafting Committee: D07.05 - Wood Assemblies

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5933-96(2013) - Standard Specification for 2 5/8-in. and 4-in. Diameter Metal Shear Plates for Use in Wood Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM A47/A47M-99(2014) - Standard Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM A47/A47M-99(2009) - Standard Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM A47/A47M-99(2004) - Standard Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004
• Refers: ASTM A47/A47M-99 - Standard Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-1999

Overview

ASTM D5933-19: Standard Specification for 2-5/8-in. and 4-in. Diameter Metal Shear Plates for Use in Wood Constructions establishes uniform requirements for metal shear plates used in timber connections. Issued by ASTM International, this standard covers the dimensions, materials, and manufacturing practices for steel or cast iron shear plates. Shear plates are essential components in wood construction, providing reliable load transfer at joints in timber assemblies. ASTM D5933-19 is widely referenced by engineers, architects, and regulatory agencies to ensure the quality and performance of these connectors in structural timber applications.

Key Topics

1. Product Scope and Dimensions

• Covers two common sizes: 2-5/8 inch (66.7 mm) and 4 inch (102.1 mm) diameter shear plates.
• Applies to both stamped steel and cast iron shear plates used in North American wood construction.

2. Materials and Manufacture

• Specifies use of carbon steel (AISI/SAE No. 1010) or malleable iron (ASTM A47/A47M, Grade 32510).
• Shear plates must be free from casting defects, voids, excessive burrs, or irregularities that may affect installation or performance.
• Options for galvanization to enhance corrosion resistance, meeting relevant ASTM specifications for hot-dip zinc coatings.

3. Marking and Traceability

• Plates must be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s identification, country of origin, ASTM standard number, and model if applicable.
• Markings are placed on non-bearing areas to avoid interference with installation.

4. Functional Features

• Plates include diametrically opposed nail holes for temporary attachment during installation.
• Central bolt or lag screw holes are precisely dimensioned for secure load transfer.
• Requirements for fit and finish ensure consistent assembly with proper installation tools.

Applications

1. Structural Timber Connections

• Shear plates are installed in one or more surfaces of timber beams, columns, trusses, or engineered wood products.
• Facilitate the transfer of shear forces between wood members or between wood and steel connectors using bolts or lag screws.

2. Building Construction

• Commonly used in heavy timber framing, bridges, utility structures, and wood-to-wood or wood-to-steel joints in buildings.

3. Regulatory and Quality Assurance

• Referenced by design professionals and regulatory agencies to verify compliance in project specifications, construction documents, and inspection processes.
• Ensures that all shear plates used in fabrication meet minimum standards of material quality, geometry, and performance.

Related Standards

• ASTM A47/A47M: Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
• ASTM A153/A153M: Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware
• ASTM A653/A653M: Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
• ASTM A924/A924M: General Requirements for Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
• National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS): Industry guideline for timber structural connections.

Practical Value

Complying with ASTM D5933-19 provides assurance that metal shear plates used in wood construction are consistent in dimension, material quality, and performance, leading to stronger, safer connections in timber structures. The standard supports project specifications, regulatory compliance, and quality control across manufacturing and construction sectors involved in wood assemblies and structural timber connections.

Keywords: ASTM D5933-19, metal shear plates, wood construction, timber connectors, structural timber, steel shear plate, cast iron shear plate, timber joint standards, galvanized shear plates, construction standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5933 −19
Standard Specification for
2 ⁄8-in. and 4-in. Diameter Metal Shear Plates for Use in
Wood Constructions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5933; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope A153/A153M Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on
Iron and Steel Hardware
1.1 This specification covers standardizing the dimensions
A570/A570M Specification for Structural Steel, Sheet and
and materials for the manufacture of 2 ⁄8 and 4-in. diameter
Strip, Carbon, Hot-Rolled (Withdrawn 2000)
steel or cast iron shear plates used in the fabrication of
A653/A653M Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated
connections in wood constructions. The referencing of this
(Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed)
specification in design, construction, and purchase order docu-
by the Hot-Dip Process
ments gives the using parties assurance that the shear plates to
A924/A924M Specification for General Requirements for
be used in an assembly meet minimum materials quality
Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
standards and that dimensions for fabrication and finish can be
2.2 Other Document:
relied on to ensure connection performance. This specification
AISI/SAE No. 1010 Carbon Steel, Steel Products Manual,
provides regulatory agencies with a set of standards by which
Plates, Iron and Steel Society
to judge the acceptability of shear plates encountered in the
field and in fabricators’ shops.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1 Definitions:
as standard. The values in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.1 shear plate—A round, cast, or stamped disk-like
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
load-transfer device having a flat base and a perimeter bearing
and are not considered standard.
rim protruding in one direction normal to the base, with a hole
1.3 Safety Hazards—There are no known hazards with the
passing through the center of the disk to accommodate an
use of this specification. It is necessary that the products
attachment bolt or lag screw.
manufactured to this specification not be brittle or difficult to
3.1.1.1 Discussion—The fastener hole at the center may
install with proper tools.
have an additional bearing hub. If a bearing hub is present it
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
projects in the same direction as the bearing rim.Ashear plate
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
isinstalledintooneormorefacesofapieceofwoodtotransfer
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
shear forces between the member containing the shear plate or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
plates and adjacent members which may be of wood or steel.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
This shear transfer is accomplished through the bolt or lag
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
screw.
2. Referenced Documents 4. Classification
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1 This specification covers the two basic diameters of
A47/A47M Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Cast-
metal shear plates commonly used in North American timber
ings
construction—2 ⁄8 in. (66.7-mm) diameter stamped steel or
malleable cast iron, and 4-in. (102.1-mm) diameter malleable
cast iron. The use of these shear plates is covered in the
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D07 on Wood National Design Specification for Wood Construction and
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.05 on Wood Assemblies.
other wood design documents.
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D5933 – 96 (2013).
DOI: 10.1520/D5933-19.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM www.astm.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from theAmerican Forest and PaperAssociation, 1111 19th St., NW,
the ASTM website. Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5933 − 19
5. Materials and Manufacture 5.1.5 Central bolt or lag screw holes shall be of the diameter
shown and have uniformly straight sides to promote full
5.1 General:
bearing (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3).
5.1.1 Cast iron shear plates shall be free from any casting
5.1.6 Furnish shear plates with or without galvanization
defects such as voids, irregular holes or sharp burrs greater
depending on the exposure of the installed device. Galvaniza-
than 0.03 in. (0.8 mm), or any other casting defect that would
tion shall conform to Specification A653/A653M or Specifi-
hinder normal installation and performance.All residual metal
cation A924/A924M for stamped ste
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5933 − 96 (Reapproved 2013) D5933 − 19
Standard Specification for
2 ⁄8-in. and 4-in. Diameter Metal Shear Plates for Use in
Wood Constructions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5933; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers standardizing the dimensions and materials for the manufacture of 2 ⁄8 and 4-in. diameter steel or
cast iron shear plates used in the fabrication of connections in wood constructions. The referencing of this specification in design,
construction, and purchase order documents gives the using parties ensuranceassurance that the shear plates to be used in an
assembly meet minimum materials quality standards and that dimensions for fabrication and finish can be relied on to ensure
connection performance. This specification provides regulatory agencies with a set of standards by which to judge the acceptability
of shear plates encountered in the field and in fabricators’ shops.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 Safety Hazards—There are no known hazards with the use of this specification. The It is necessary that the products
manufactured to this specification should not be brittle or difficult to install with proper tools.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A47/A47M Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
A153/A153M Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware
A570/A570M Specification for Structural Steel, Sheet and Strip, Carbon, Hot-Rolled (Withdrawn 2000)
A653/A653M Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the
Hot-Dip Process
A924/A924M Specification for General Requirements for Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
2.2 Other Document:
AISI/SAE No. 1010 Carbon Steel, Steel Products Manual, Plates, Iron and Steel Society
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 shear plate—A round, cast, or stamped disk-like load-transfer device having a flat base and a perimeter bearing rim
protruding in one direction normal to the base, with a hole passing through the center of the disk to accommodate an attachment
bolt or lag screw.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
The fastener hole at the center may have an additional bearing hub. If a bearing hub is present it projects in the same direction
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Wood and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.05 on Wood Assemblies.
Current edition approved April 1, 2013April 1, 2019. Published April 2013May 2019. Originally approved in 1997. LAstLast previous edition approved in 20072013 as
D5933 – 96 (2007).(2013). DOI: 10.1520/D5933-96R13.10.1520/D5933-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5933 − 19
as the bearing rim. A shear plate is installed into one or more faces of a piece of wood to transfer shear forces between the member
containing the shear plate or plates and adjacent members which may be of wood or steel. This shear transfer is accomplished
through the bolt or lag screw.
4. Classification
4.1 This specification covers the two basic diameters of metal shear plates commonly used in North American timber
construction—2 ⁄8 in. (66.7-mm) diameter stamped steel or malleable cast iron, and 4-in. (102.1-mm) diameter malleable cast iron.
The use of these shear plates is covered in the National Design Specification for Wood Construction and other wood design
documents.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 General:
5.1.1 Cast iron shear plates shall be free from any casting defects such as voids, irregular holes or sharp burrs greater than 0.03
in. (0.8 mm), or any other casting defect that would hinder normal installation and performance. All residual metal at casting gate
locations and any other protrusions that would prevent the proper installation and fit of the plates shall be ground smooth or
otherwise removed.
5.1.2 Shear plates shall be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s name or a readily recognizable logo, or both; the
number of this ASTM standard; the country of origin; and the model number, if applicable. Such marking mayIt is acceptable for
such marking to be on any nonbeari
...