ASTM A36 Method for Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel

Scope:

ASTM A36 Test Method covers structural steel shapes, plates, and bars of structural quality use in riveted, bolted, or welded construction of bridges and buildings and general structural purposes. The heat analysis is performed to determine chemical composition. Carbon structural steel plates used as bearing plates for bridges are subjected to mechanical tests and conform to the tensile requirements.

Test Procedure:                                                                                                                  

Heat analysis is performed to determine the required chemical composition for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, and copper. Tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation shall be evaluated using a tension test and conform to the required tensile properties. When the steel is to be welded, a welding procedure suitable for the grade of steel and intended use or service is to be utilised for structural products produced from coil and furnished without heat treatment or with stress relieving only, the additional requirements, including additional testing requirements and the reporting of additional test results. 

Specimen size:

Still plates over 1.5 in. [40 mm] in thickness and contain 0.20 to 0.33 % carbon is used.

Data:

For wide flange shapes with flange thickness over 3 in [75 mm], the 80 ksi [550 MPa] maximum tensile strength does not apply, and a minimum elongation is 2 in. [50 mm] of 19 % applies.

Conclusion:

ASTM A36 provides detailed and thorough information about the specification for carbon structural steel used for general structural construction works.