ASTM A588 covers high strength, low-alloy structural steel shapes, plates, and bars with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance that is intended for riveted, bolted, or welded construction. When properly exposed to the atmosphere, this steel is suitable for many applications in the bare/unpainted condition.
Mechanical Requirements
This abridged table shows only the mechanical requirements for bars 4” and under. The complete table including shapes and plates can be found in the ASTM standard at www.astm.org
| Tensile, min, ksi | 70 |
|---|---|
| Yield, min, ksi | 50 |
| Elongation, min % in 8” | 18 |
| Elongation, min % in 2” | 21 |
A588 Chemical Requirements
| Element % | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 0.19 max | 0.20 max | 0.17 max |
| Manganese | 0.80 – 1.25 | 0.75 – 1.35 | 0.50 – 1.20 |
| Phosphorus | 0.04 max | 0.04 max | 0.04 max |
| Sulfur | 0.05 max | 0.05 max | 0.05 max |
| Silicon | 0.30 – 0.65 | 0.15 – 0.50 | 0.25 – 0.50 |
| Nickel | 0.40 max | 0.50 max | 0.40 max |
| Chromium | 0.40 – 0.65 | 0.40 – 0.70 | 0.40 – 0.70 |
| Molybdenum | - | - | 0.10 max |
| Copper | 0.25 – 0.40 | 0.20 – 0.40 | 0.30 – 0.50 |
| Vanadium | 0.02 – 0.10 | 0.01 – 0.10 | - |
| Columbium | - | - | 0.005 – 0.05 |