Steelwise: Are You Properly Specifying Materials?
Steelwise: Are You Properly Specifying Materials?
Steelwise: Are You Properly Specifying Materials?
THE MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS used in building design and construction are almost universally designated by reference to an appropriate ASTM specification. This simplifies
the design and construction process because you can define all
the characteristics of a specified product. However, with dozens
of ASTM specifications applicable in steel building construction alone, it can be a challenge to keep the standard designations used in contracts current.
This article provides a summary of the common ASTM
specifications used in steel building design and construction,
including structural shapes, plate products, fastening products
and other products. This information is based upon similar and
This Article Covers Buildings, but for Bridges...
Another possibility for structural shapes and plates
is ASTM A709, which is an umbrella standard that
assembles ASTM A36, A572, A992, A588 and three
high-performance steel (HPS) grades into a convenient
single standard for bridge designers and fabricators.
The HPS grades are available in plate form only.
Grade 50S is available in shapes. The other grades
are available in plates form and as shapes, though
availability should be confirmed prior to specification.
ASTM A709 provides toughness levels for three
exposures and two uses. Much material supplied to
A709 meets one of those toughness levels. Material
furnished to ASTM A709 grades are acceptable for use
where the corresponding parent standard is specified.
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Table 1
Table 2-4
Applicable ASTM Specifications for Various Structural Shapes
Steel Type
ASTM
Designation
A36
36
58-80
35
60
42
58
46
58
46
62
50
62
A500
Gr. C
A501
A529c
36
58
Gr. B
50
70
Gr. 50
50
65-100
Gr. 55
55
70-100
36
36
58-80b
36
36-52
58
50
50-65
65
Gr. 42
42
60
Gr. 50
50
65
Gr. 55
55
70
Gr. 60e
60
75
A1043d
A618f
High-Strength
Low-Alloy
Gr. 65e
65
80
50g
70g
Gr. III
50
65
50
50
65
50S
50-65
65
50W
50
70
50
50h
65h
60
60
75
65
65
80
70
70
90
A992
50i
65i
A588
50
70
A847
50
70
A709
A913
Corrosion
Resistant
High-Strength
Low-Alloy
HP
MC
HSS
Rect.
Round
Pipe
Gr. A
A709
A572
Fu Tensile
Stressa (ksi)
A53 Gr B
Gr. B
Carbon
Fy Yield
Stressa (ksi)
d
e
f
g
h
i
FEBRUARY 2015
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M-Shapes and S-Shapes
The preferred material specification for these shapes is in transition. Use of ASTM
A36 (Fy = 36 ksi, Fu = 58 ksi) is now only slightly more common than use of a 50-ksi grade
like ASTM A572 Grade 50, ASTM A529 Grade 50, or ASTM A992; each of these 50-ksi
grades has Fy = 50 ksi and Fu = 65ksi for these shapes. The availability and cost effectiveness of M-shapes and S-shapes in grades other than these should be confirmed prior to
their specification.
M-shapes and S-shapes with a higher yield and tensile strength can be obtained by
specifying ASTM A572 Grades 55, 60 and 65, ASTM A529 Grade 55 or ASTM A913
Grades 60, 65 or 70. Atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering characteristics)
can be obtained by specifying ASTM A588 Grade 50. These and other material specifications applicable to M-shapes and S-shapes are shown in Table 1.
Channels
The preceding comments for M-shapes and S-shapes apply equally to channels.
HP-Shapes
The preferred material specification for HP shapes is ASTM A572 Grade 50 (Fy
= 50 ksi, Fu = 65 ksi); the availability and cost effectiveness of other grades should be
confirmed prior to specification.
HP-shapes with atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering characteristics)
can be obtained by specifying ASTM A588 Grade 50. These and other material
specifications applicable to HP-shapes are shown in Table 1.
Angles
The preceding comments for M-shapes and S-shapes apply equally to angles.
Structural Tees
Structural tees are split from W-, M- and S-shapes to make WT-, MT- and
ST-shapes, respectively. For the preferred material specifications, as well as other
suitable material specifications for structural tees, refer to the preceding sections on
W-, M- or S-shapes, as appropriate.
Rectangular (and Square) HSS
The preferred material specification for rectangular hollow structural sections
(HSS) is ASTM A500 Grade C (Fy = 50 ksi, Fu = 62 ksi). Note that a new standard,
ASTM A1085 (see sidebar New (and Recently New) Things), seeks to replace
it. The availability and cost effectiveness of rectangular HSS in grades other than
ASTM A500 Grade C should be confirmed prior to their specification.
Rectangular HSS with atmospheric resistance (weathering characteristics) can
be obtained by specifying ASTM A847. These and other material specifications applicable to rectangular HSS are shown in Table 1.
Round HSS
The preferred material specification for round HSS is ASTM A500 Grade C (Fy
= 46 ksi, Fu = 62 ksi). Note that a new standard, ASTM A1085 (see sidebar New
(and Recently New) Things), seeks to replace it. The availability and cost effectiveness of round HSS in grades other than ASTM A500 Grade C should be confirmed
prior to specification.
Generally speaking, only round HSS with the same cross-sectional dimensions as
steel pipe are stocked and available. See the sidebar 12 Tidbits for further information.
Round HSS with atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering characteristics)
can be obtained by specifying ASTM A847. These and other material specifications
applicable to round HSS are shown in Table 1.
FEBRUARY 2015
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New (and Recently New) Things
A Channel Especially for Stair Stringers: The MC1214.3 that recently
was added to ASTM A6 was conceived as a stair stringer. It has a 218in. flange width, which is wide enough to accept the common handrail
pipe size and fillet weld around it. No more crimping the pipe or goobering the weld!
Bigger HP-shapes: The HP18- and HP16-series shapes that recently were
added to ASTM A6 provide for even higher pile strengths. They, like all
HP shapes, also have thicker webs (tw = tf) and may help eliminate the
need for stiffeners and doublers when used as columns.
Larger HSS: Until recently ASTM A500 HSS was limited to 58-in. thickness and 64-in. perimeter. It now permits HSS to 78-in. thickness and
88-in. perimeter. While the standards permit these larger sizes, they
are not currently made in the U.S.; availability should be checked.
HSS with sizes that exceed ASTM A500s 88-in. periphery limit can
also be obtained and are discussed in an article titled Larger Hollow Structural Sections in the November 2011 issue of Modern
Steel. This includes a discussion of ASTM A1065, which covers these
shapes produced by forming two channels and welding the channels
together.
ASTM A1085 for HSS: Formalized in April 2013, this new standard offers
tighter tolerances on wall thickness and corner radii, shape perimeters
of up to 88 inches, minimum yield strength of 50 ksi, minimum tensile
strength of 70 ksi and a maximum yield of 70ksi, standard CVN of 25
ft-lb at 40 F with the option to request a custom CVN through a supplementary requirement. For additional information on ASTM A1085, see
www.aisc.org/A1085 and Hollow Product, Solid Benefit in the September 2013 issue of Modern Steel.
Simpler Bolting: ASTM recently approved ASTM F3125, an umbrella
specification that covers what is now in ASTM A325, A490, F1852 and
F2280. The beauty of this standard is that these previously separate
standards have been unified, coordinated and made consistent with
each other (kudos to Chad Larson, president of LeJeune Bolt Company,
for leading the effort to create this significant improvement). In future
editions of RCSC and AISC standards, we expect you will see ASTM
F3125 referenced instead of the currently separate list of standards. The
names of the current standards are used as the names of the grades in
the new standard, so you will still be able to order A325, A490, F1852
and F2280 bolts, and you will still be able to identify them by the marks
on the head. Stay tuned!
Two other materials to mention: ASTM A283 covers low-yield carbon steel
plate material in four grades. ASTM A1043 covers plates and shapes and
is most commonly used as core material in the manufacture of bucklingrestrained braces. These two newer products are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
Very High Strength Bolting: ASTM also just approved ASTM F3111 and
F3043, which are 200-ksi structural bolts available in heavy hex and TC
versions, respectively. These bolts have strict environmental requirements that are discussed in the standards, but essentially they must
always remain dry and free from contact with corrosive chemicals. These
bolts are proprietary and not produced domestically ask the steel fabricator to make sure you can obtain these bolts; if so, they may be helpful, especially in large connections.
FEBRUARY 2015
Steel Pipe
The material specification for steel pipe
used in structural frames is ASTM A53
Grade B (Fy = 35 ksi, Fu = 60 ksi). In some
regions, ASTM A53 material is more readily available than ASTM A500 for round
cross sections. See the sidebar 12 Tidbits
for further information.
PLATE PRODUCTS
See Summary in Table 2.
Structural Plates
The preferred material specification
for structural plates is in transition. Use of
ASTM A36 (Fy = 36 ksi for plate thickness
equal to or less than 8 in., Fy = 32 ksi otherwise; Fu = 58 ksi) is as common as use of
ASTM A572 Grade 50 (Fy = 50 ksi, Fu =
65 ksi for plate thickness equal to or less
than 4 in.). The availability and cost effectiveness of structural plates in grades
other than these should be confirmed prior
to their specification. Note also the thickness ranges are different for other grades as
shown in Table 2-2.
Structural plates with higher yield and
tensile strength can be obtained by specifying ASTM A572 Grade 55, 60 or 65, ASTM
A529 Grade 55, ASTM A514 Grade 90 or
100 or ASTM A852. Structural plates with
atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering characteristics) can be obtained by
specifying ASTM A588 Grade 42, 46 or
50. These and other material specifications
applicable to structural plates are shown in
Table 2.
Structural Bars
The preceding comments for structural
plates apply equally to structural bars, except ASTM A514 is not applicable.
Raised-Pattern Floor Plates
ASTM A786 is the standard specification for rolled steel floor plates. As
floor-plate design is seldom controlled
by strength considerations, ASTM A786
commercial grade is commonly specified.
If so, per ASTM A786 Section 5.1.3, the
product will be supplied with 0.33 percent
maximum carbonand without specified
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Table 2
Table 2-5
Applicable ASTM Specifications for Plates and Bars
Plates and Bars, in.
Steel Type
ASTM Designation
A36
Carbon
A283
A529
A709
A572
HighStrength
Low-Alloy
A709
A1043
Corrosion
Resistant
Quenched
and
Tempered
Low-Alloy
over
1.25
to
1.5
incl.
over
1.5
to 2
incl.
over
2 to
2.5
incl.
over
2.5
to 4
incl.
58-80
55-75
Gr. D
33
60-80
Gr. 50
50
70-100
Gr. 55
55
70-100
Gr. 36
36
58-80
Gr. 42
42
60
Gr. 50
50
65
Gr. 55
55
70
Gr. 60
60
75
Gr. 65
65
80
Gr. 50
50
65
Gr. 36
36-52
58
Gr. 50
50-65
65
42
63
46
67
50
70
42
63
46
67
50
70
90
100-130
100
110-130
50
70
Gr. 50W
Gr. HPS 50W
50
70
70
85-110
90
100-130
100
110-130
over
4 to
5
incl.
over
5 to
6
incl.
over
6 to
8
incl.
over
8
58-80
over
0.75
to
1.25
incl.
36
A514
A709
32
to
0.75
incl.
30
A588
Quenched
and
Tempered
Alloy
Fu
Tensile
Stressa
(ksi)
Gr. C
A242
Corrosion
Resistant
HighStrength
Low-Alloy
Fy
Yield
Stressa
(ksi)
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mechanical properties. Alternatively, if a defined strength
level is desired, ASTM A786 raised-pattern floor plate can
be ordered to a specific plate material specification, such as
ASTM A36, A572 or A588; see ASTM A786 Sections 5.1.3,
and Section 7.
Sheet and Strip
Sheet and strip products, which generally are thinner than
structural plate and bar products, are produced to such ASTM
specifications as A606, A1008 or A1011. These are umbrella
standards with many types and grades; the structural steel
type is designated SS and the standards provide for grades
from 25 or 30 to 80. Availability should be checked before
specifying the grade.
FASTENING PRODUCTS
See Summary in Table 3.
Conventional Bolts
The preferred material specification for conventional (heavy
hex) high-strength bolts in steel-to-steel connections is ASTM
A325, although ASTM A490 is equally available and can be
specified when higher strength is desired. In either case, Type 1
is the most commonly specified (medium-carbon steel). When
atmospheric corrosion resistance is desired, Type 3 can be specified. While still formally permitted in the AISC Specification,
the use of other material specifications in steel-to-steel bolting
applications has become quite uncommon.
Nuts
The preferred material specification for heavy-hex nuts is
ASTM A563. The appropriate grade and finish is specified per
ASTM A563 Table X1.1 according to the bolt or threaded part
with which the nut will be used. For steel-to-steel structural
bolting applications, the appropriate grade and finish is summarized in Section 2.4 of the RCSC Specification. If its availability
can be confirmed prior to specification, ASTM A194 Grade 2H
nuts are permitted as an alternative, as indicated in Table 2.1 in
the RCSC Specification.
Anchor Rods
The preferred material specification for anchor rods is
ASTM F1554, which covers hooked, headed, threaded and nutted anchor rods in three strength grades: 36, 55 and 105. ASTM
F1554 Grade 55 is most commonly specified, although grades
36 and 105 are normally available. Note that, per Section 4.1
in ASTM F1554, when grade 36 is ordered the supplier may
substitute weldable grade 55 at their option.
ASTM F1554 Grade 36 may be welded, while Grade 55 may
be welded if it is ordered with Supplement S1. Grade 105 may
not be welded, as the heat will detrimentally affect performance.
Several other ASTM specifications also may be used. For
applications involving rods that are not headed, ASTM A36,
A193, A307, A354, A449, A572, A588 and A687 can be specified;
note that the ASTM A307 Grade C anchor bolt has been deleted from ASTM A307 and replaced by ASTM F1554 Grade
36. For applications involving headed rods, A354 and A449 can
be specified.
Threaded Rods
The preferred material specification for threaded rods,
whether provided with plain or upset ends, is ASTM A36. Other material specifications that can be specified include ASTM
A193, A307, A354, A449, A572, A588 and A687. Note that
ASTM A354 Grade BC and A449 are permitted to be used for
bolts when the size required is outside the range of ASTM A325.
FEBRUARY 2015
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Table 3
Table 2-6
Applicable ASTM Specifications for Various Types of Structural Fasteners
Bolts
Type 1
A325
Type 3
A490
150
0.5 to 1.5
Type 3
150
0.5 to 1.5
105
1.125
120
0.5 to 1, incl.
105
1.125
120
0.5 to 1, incl.
Type 3
Type 1
150
0.5 to 1.125
Type 3
150
0.5 to 1.125
A194 Gr. 2H
0.25 to 4
A563
0.25 to 4
F436
0.25 to 4b
F2280
F844
any
F959
0.5 to 1.5
A36
36
58-80
to 10
75
100
over 4 to 7
95
115
over 2.5 to 4
105
125
A193 Gr. B7
A307 Gr. A
Gr. BC
115
140
2.5 to 4 incl.
130
150
58
90
81
105
Type 3
92
120
0.25 to 1 incl.
Gr. 42
42
60
to 6
Gr. 50
50
65
to 4c
Type 1
Gr. 55
55
70
to 2
Gr. 60
60
75
to 3.5
Gr. 65
65
80
to 1.25
42
63
over 5 to 8, incl.
46
67
over 4 to 5, incl.
50
70
4 and under
Gr. 36
36
58-80
0.25 to 4
Gr. 55
55
75-95
0.25 to 4
Gr. 105
105
125-150
0.25 to 3
A588
F1554
0.25 to 4
0.25 to 2.5, incl.
99
Gr. BD
A572
60
125
115
A354
A449
109
a
b
c
Threaded &
Nutted
Headed
Hooked
0.5 to 1, incl.
120
Threaded Rods
Direct-Tension
Indicator
105
Plain
0.5 to 1, incl.
Hardened
120
Nuts
105
Common
Twist-OffType Tension
Control
F1852
Fu
Tensile
Stressa
(ksi)
Type 1
Type 1
Fy
Yield
Stressa
(ksi)
Conventional
ASTM
Designation
Anchor
Rods
Washers
High
Strength
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OTHER PRODUCTS
Steel Castings and Forgings
Steel castings can be produced in a wide variety of chemical
compositions and mechanical properties; most are heat treated.
Two standards useful in steel structures are ASTM A216 Grade
WCB with Supplementary Requirement S11 and A958A958M
Grade SC8620 class 80/50. Steel forgings are specified as
ASTM A668.
Crane Rails
Crane rails are furnished to ASTM A759, ASTM A1 and/
or manufacturers specifications and tolerances. Rail is designated by unit weight in units of pounds per yard. Dimensions of common rail are shown in the AISC 14th Edition
Manual Table 1-21; other rail profiles also exist and may be
available.
Most manufacturers chamfer the top and sides of the
crane rail head at the ends unless specified otherwise to
reduce chipping of the running surfaces. Often crane rails
are ordered as end-hardened, which improves the crane rail
ends resistance to impact from contact with the moving
wheel during crane operation. Alternatively, the entire rail
can be ordered as heat-treated. When maximum wheel loading or controlled cooling is needed, refer to manufacturer
catalogs. Purchase orders for crane rails should be noted for
crane service.
Light 40-lb rails are available in 30-ft lengths, standard rails
in 33-ft or 39-ft lengths, and crane rails up to 80 ft. Consult
manufacturer for availability of other lengths.
Rails should be arranged so that joints on opposite sides of
the crane runway will be staggered with respect to each other
and with due consideration to the wheelbase of the crane. Rail
joints should not occur at crane girder splices. Odd lengths that
must be included to complete a run or obtain the necessary
stagger should be not less than 10 ft long. Rails are furnished
with standard drilling for splice bars in both standard and odd