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ASTM A 709/A709M : 2017

Superseded
Superseded

A superseded Standard is one, which is fully replaced by another Standard, which is a new edition of the same Standard.

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superseded

A superseded Standard is one, which is fully replaced by another Standard, which is a new edition of the same Standard.

Standard Specification for Structural Steel for Bridges
Available format(s)

Hardcopy , PDF

Superseded date

14-09-2017

Language(s)

English

Published date

01-09-2017

1.1This specification covers carbon and high-strength low-alloy steel structural shapes, plates, and bars, quenched and tempered alloy steel, and stainless steel for structural plates intended for use in bridges. Eight grades are available in four yield strength levels as follows:

Grade U.S. [SI]

Yield Strength, ksi [MPa]

      36 [250]

 36 [250]    

      50 [345]

 50 [345]    

      50S [345S]

 50 [345]    

      50W [345W]

 50 [345]    

      HPS 50W [HPS 345W]

 50 [345]    

      50CR [345CR]

 50 [345]    

      HPS 70W [HPS 485W]

 70 [485]    

      HPS 100W [HPS 690W]

100 [690]    

1.1.1Grades 36 [250], 50 [345], 50S [345S], 50W [345W], and 50CR [345CR] are also included in Specifications A36/A36M, A572/A572M, A992/A992M, A588/A588M, and A1010/A1010M (UNS S41003), respectively. When the requirements of Table 10 or Table 11 or the supplementary requirements of this specification are specified, they exceed the requirements of Specifications A36/A36M, A572/A572M, A992/A992M, A588/A588M, and A1010/A1010M (UNS S41003). Product availability is shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Tensile and Hardness RequirementsA

Note 1:Where “. . .” appears in this table, there is no requirement.

Grade

Plate Thickness, in. [mm]

Structural Shape Flange or Leg Thickness, in. [mm]

Yield Point or Yield Strength,B ksi [MPa]

Tensile Strength, ksi [MPa]

Minimum Elongation, %

Reduction of AreaC,Dmin, %

Plates and BarsC, E

ShapesE

8 in. or 200 mm

2 in. or 50 mm

8 in. or 200 mm

2 in. or 50 mm

36 [250]

to 4 [100], incl

to 3 in. [75 mm], incl

36 [250] min

58–80 [400–550]

20

23

20

21

...

over 3 in. [75 mm]

36 [250] min

58 [400] min

...

...

20

19

...

50 [345]

to 4 [100], incl

all

50 [345] min

65 [450] min

18

21

18

21F

...

50S [345S]

G

all

50–65
[345–450]H,I

65 [450]H min

...

...

18

21

...

50W [345W]
 and
 HPS 50W
 [HPS 345W]

to 4 [100], incl

all

50 [345] min

70 [485] min

18

21

18

21J

...

50CR [345CR]

to 2 [50], incl

G

50 [345] min

70 [485] min

18

21

...

...

...

HPS 70W
 [HPS 485 W]

to 4 [100], incl

G

70 [485] minB

85–110 [585–760]

...

19K

...

...

...

HPS 100W
 [HPS 690W]

to 21/2[65], incl

G

100 [690] minB

110–130 [760–895]

...

18K

...

...

L

over 21/2to 4
[65 to 100], inclM

G

90 [620] minB

100–130 [690–895]

...

16K

...

...

L

(A)See specimen orientation and preparation subsection in the Tension Tests section of Specification A6/A6M.
(B)Measured at 0.2 % offset or 0.5 % extension under load as described in Section 13 of Test Methods A370.
(C)Elongation and reduction of area not required to be determined for floor plates.
(D)For plates wider than 24 in. [600 mm], the reduction of area requirement, where applicable, is reduced by five percentage points.
(E)For plates wider than 24 in. [600 mm], the elongation requirement is reduced by two percentage points. See elongation requirement adjustments in the Tension Tests section of Specification A6/A6M.
(F)Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm: 19 % for shapes with flange thickness over 3 in. [75 mm].
(G)Not applicable.
(H)The yield to tensile ratio shall be 0.87 or less for shapes that are tested from the web location; for all other shapes, the requirement is 0.85.
(I)A maximum yield strength of 70 ksi [480 MPa] is permitted for structural shapes that are required to be tested from the web location.
(J)For wide flange shapes with flange thickness over 3 in. [75 mm], elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm of 18 % minimum applies.
(K)If measured on the Fig. 3 (Test Methods A370) 11/2-in. [40–mm] wide specimen, the elongation is determined in a 2-in. or 50-mm gage length that includes the fracture and shows the greatest elongation.
(L)40 % minimum applies if measured on the Fig 3 (Test Methods A370) 11/2-in. [40-mm] wide specimen; 50 % minimum applies if measured on the Fig. 4 (Test Methods A370) 1/2-in. [12.5-mm] round specimen.
(M)Not applicable to Fracture Critical Tension Components (see Table 11).

1.1.2Grades 50W [345W], 50CR [345CR], HPS 50W [HPS 345W], HPS 70W [HPS 485W], and HPS 100W [HPS 690W] have enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance (see 13.1.2). Product availability is shown in Table 1.

TABLE 2 Grade 36 [250] Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis)

Note 1:Where “. . .” appears in this table there is no requirement. The heat analysis for manganese shall be determined and reported as described in the Heat Analysis section of Specification A6/A6M.

Product Thickness,
in. [mm]

ShapesA All

Plates >15 in. [380 mm] WidthB

Bars, Plates 15 in. [380 mm] WidthB

To 3/4[20], incl

Over 3/4to 11/2[20 to 40], incl

Over 11/2to 21/2[40 to 65], incl

Over 21/2to 4 [65 to 100], incl

To 3/4[20], incl

Over 3/4to 11/2[20 to 40], incl

Over 11/2to 4 [40 to 100], incl

Carbon, max, %

0.26

0.25

0.25

0.26

0.27

0.26

0.27

0.28

Manganese, %

...

...

0.80–1.20

0.80–1.20

0.85–1.20

...

0.60–0.90

0.60–0.90

Phosphorus, max, %

0.04

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.04

0.04

0.04

Sulfur, max, %

0.05

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.05

0.05

0.05

Silicon, %

0.40 max

0.40 max

0.40 max

0.15–0.40

0.15–0.40

0.40 max

0.40 max

0.40 max

Copper, min, % when copper steel is specified

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

(A)Manganese content of 0.85 to 1.35 % and silicon content of 0.15 to 0.40 % is required for shapes with flange thickness over 3 in. [75 mm].
(B)For each reduction of 0.01 % below the specified carbon maximum, an increase of 0.06 % manganese above the specified maximum will be permitted up to a maximum of 1.35 %.

TABLE 3 Grade 50 [345] Chemical RequirementsA (Heat Analysis)

Maximum Diameter, Thickness, or Distance Between Parallel Faces,
in. [mm]

Carbon,
max, %

Manganese,B
max, %

Phosphorus,C
max, %

Phosphorus,C
max, %

SiliconD

Columbium (Niobium),E
Vanadium,
and Nitrogen

Plates to 11/2-in. [40-mm] Thick, Shapes with flange or leg thickness to 3 in. [75 mm] inclusive, Sheet Piling, Bars, Zees, and Rolled Tees, max, %

Plates Over 11/2-in. [40-mm] Thick and Shapes with flange thickness over 3 in. [75 mm], %

4 [100]

0.23

1.35

0.030

0.030

0.40

0.15–0.40

See Table 4

(A) Copper when specified shall have a minimum content of 0.20 % by heat analysis (0.18 % by product analysis).
(B) Manganese, minimum by heat analysis of 0.80 % (0.75 % by product analysis) shall be required for all plates over 3/8in. [10 mm] in thickness; a minimum of 0.50 % (0.45 % by product analysis) shall be required for plates 3/8in. [10 mm] and less in thickness, and for all other products. The manganese to carbon ratio shall not be less than 2 to 1. For each reduction of 0.01 percentage point below the specified carbon maximum, an increase of 0.06 percentage point manganese above the specified maximum is permitted, up to a maximum of 1.60 %.
(C) A maximum phosphorus content of 0.04 % and a maximum sulfur content of 0.05 % are permitted for the following materials:

· Structural shapes

· Bars

· Plates with widths up to and including 15 in. [380 mm]

(D) Silicon content in excess of 0.40 % by heat analysis must be negotiated.
(E) Columbium and niobium are interchangeable names for the same element.

TABLE 4 Grade 50 [345] Alloy Content

TypeA

Elements

Heat Analysis, %

1

Columbium (niobium)B

0.005–0.05C

2

Vanadium

0.01–0.15D

3

Columbium (niobium)B

0.005–0.05C

Vanadium

0.01–0.15D

Columbium (niobium)B
 plus vanadium

0.02–0.15E

(A)Alloy content shall be in accordance with Type 1, 2, or 3 and the contents of the applicable elements shall be reported on the test report.
(B)Columbium and niobium are interchangeable names for the same element.
(C)Product analysis limits = 0.004 to 0.06 %.
(D)Product analysis limits = 0.005 to 0.17 %.
(E)Product analysis limits = 0.01 to 0.16 %.

TABLE 5 Grade 50CR [345CR] Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis)

Note 1:Where “. . .” appears in this table there is no requirement.

      Element

      Composition, %

      Carbon

      0.030 max

      Manganese

      1.50 max

      Phosphorus

      0.040 max

      Sulfur

      0.010 max

      Silicon

      1.00 max

      Nickel

      1.50 max

      Chromium

      10.5 – 12.5

      Molybdenum

      . . .

      Nitrogen

      0.030 max

TABLE 6 Grade 50W [345 W] Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis)

Note 1:Types A and B are equivalent to Specification A588/A588M, Grades A and B, respectively.

Element 

Composition, %A

Type A

Type B

CarbonB

0.19 max

0.20 max

ManganeseB

0.80–1.25

0.75–1.35

PhosphorusC

0.030 max

0.030 max

SulfurC

0.030 max

0.030 max

Silicon

0.30–0.65

0.15–0.50

Nickel

0.40 max

0.50 max

Chromium

0.40–0.65

0.40–0.70

Copper

0.25–0.40

0.20–0.40

Vanadium

0.02–0.10

0.01–0.10

(A)Weldability data for these types have been qualified by FHWA for use in bridge construction.
(B)For each reduction of 0.01 percentage point below the specified maximum for carbon, an increase of 0.06 percentage point above the specified maximum for manganese is permitted, up to a maximum of 1.50 %.
(C)A maximum phosphorus content of 0.04 % and a maximum sulfur content of 0.05 % are permitted for the following materials:

· Structural shapes

· Bars

· Plates with widths up to and including 15 in. [380 mm]

TABLE 7 Grades HPS 50W [HPS 345W] and HPS 70W [HPS 485 W], and HPS 100W [HPS 690W] Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis)

Note 1:Where “. . .” appears in this table, there is no requirement.

Element

Composition, %

Grades
HPS 50W
[HPS 345W],
HPS 70W
[HPS 485W]

Grade
HPS 100W
[HPS 690W]

Carbon

0.11 max

0.08 max

Manganese

   2.5 in. [65 mm] and under

1.10–1.35

0.95–1.50

   Over 2.5 in. [65 mm]

1.10–1.50

0.95–1.50

Phosphorus

0.020 max

0.015 max

SulfurA

0.006 max

0.006 max

Silicon

0.30–0.50

0.15–0.35

Copper

0.25–0.40

0.90–1.20

Nickel

0.25–0.40

0.65–0.90

Chromium

0.45–0.70

0.40–0.65

Molybdenum

0.02–0.08

0.40–0.65

Vanadium

0.04–0.08

0.04–0.08

Columbium (niobium)B

. . .

0.01–0.03

Aluminum

0.010–0.040

0.020–0.050

Nitrogen

0.015 max

0.015 max

(A)The steel shall be calcium treated for sulfide shape control.
(B)Columbium and niobium are interchangeable names for the same element.

TABLE 8 Grade 50S [345S] Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis)

      Element

      Composition,  %

      Carbon, max

       0.23

      Manganese

       0.50 to 1.60A

      Silicon, max

       0.40

      Vanadium, max

       0.15B

      Columbium (niobium),C max

       0.05B

      Phosphorus, max

       0.035

      Sulfur, max

       0.045

      Copper, max

       0.60

      Nickel, max

       0.45

      Chromium, max

       0.35

      Molybdenum, max

       0.15

(A)Provided that the ratio of manganese to sulfur is not less than 20 to 1, the minimum limit for manganese for shapes with flange or leg thickness not exceeding 1 in. [25 mm] shall be 0.30 %.
(B)The sum of columbium (niobium) and vanadium shall not exceed 0.15 %.
(C)Columbium and niobium are interchangeable names for the same element.

TABLE 9 Relationship Between Impact Testing Temperature Zones and Minimum Service Temperature

Zone

Minimum Service Temperature, °F [°C]

1

0

 [−18]

2

below 0 to −30

 [−18 to −34]

3

below −30 to −60

 [−34 to −51]

1.2Grade HPS 70W [HPS 485W] or HPS 100W [HPS 690W] shall not be substituted for Grades 36 [250], 50 [345], 50S [345S], 50W [345W], or HPS 50W [HPS 345W]. Grade 50W [345W], or HPS 50W [HPS 345W] shall not be substituted for Grades 36 [250], 50 [345] or 50S [345S] without agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.

1.3When the steel is to be welded, it is presupposed that a welding procedure suitable for the grade of steel and intended use or service will be utilized. See Appendix X3 of Specification A6/A6M for information on weldability.

1.4For structural products to be used as tension components requiring notch toughness testing, standardized requirements are provided in this standard, and they are based upon American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) requirements for both fracture critical and non-fracture critical members.

1.5Supplementary requirements are available but shall apply only if specified in the purchase order.

1.6The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.7For 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, of Specification A6/A6M apply.

1.8This 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.

Committee
A 01
DocumentType
Standard
Pages
8
PublisherName
American Society for Testing and Materials
Status
Superseded
SupersededBy
Supersedes

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