ASTM A588 Grade A/B/C Weathering Steel Plate: High-Strength Low-Alloy Solution for Bridges & Architectural Structures
Material Overview & Key Advantages
ASTM A588 defines atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel plates with 345 MPa minimum yield strength, designed for 50-year service life in bridges and exposed structures. Its patented rust-inhibiting patina reduces maintenance costs by 40% compared to carbon steel.
Competitive Benefits:
- Corrosion Resistance: 8x slower rusting rate vs. A36 steel (ISO 9223 certified).
- Global Equivalency: EN 10025-5 S355J0W (Grade A), JIS G3114 SMA570 (Grade B).
- Weight Savings: 25% lighter than traditional structural steel at equal load capacity.
Technical Specifications
1. Chemical Composition (ASTM A588-23 Revision)
| Grade | C Max | Cu Range | Cr Range | P Max | CEV* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A | 0.19% | 0.25–0.40% | 0.40–0.65% | 0.03% | 0.38 |
| Grade B | 0.20% | 0.20–0.40% | 0.40–0.70% | 0.03% | 0.45 |
| Grade C | 0.17% | 0.30–0.50% | 0.40–0.70% | 0.03% | 0.42 |
| *CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 |
2. Mechanical Properties by Thickness
| Thickness Range | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| <4mm | 345 | 485 | 21 |
| 4–100mm | 315 | 450 | 19 |
| 100–200mm | 290 | 415 | 17 |
Physical Properties:
- Density: 7.85 g/cm³
- Thermal Conductivity: 51.2 W/m·K (20°C)
Manufacturing & Processing
1. Heat Treatment
- Normalizing: 900–925°C × 1h/25mm (Grade B/C for thickness >50mm)
- Stress Relieving: 595–650°C × 2hrs (AWS D1.5 compliant)
2. Surface Finishing
| Process | Technical Standard | Industry Application |
|---|---|---|
| Weathering Patina | ASTM A871 | Bridge Truss Systems |
| Hot-Dip Galvanizing | ISO 1461 | Transmission Towers |
Industrial Applications
1. Infrastructure Projects
- Suspension Bridges: Grade B plates (thickness 30–80mm).
- Highway Signage: Grade A with 1.5mm corrosion allowance.
2. Architectural Engineering
| Component | Material Grade | Design Life |
|---|---|---|
| Sculpture Framing | Grade C | 50+ years |
| Building Facades | Grade A | 40+ years |
3. Transportation
- Railway Bridges: Grade B (AREMA Chapter 15 compliant).
- Crane Runways: Grade C (FEM 1.001 certified).
Quality Compliance
- Testing Requirements:
- Charpy V-notch test: 27J @ -20°C (Grade B/C).
| Thickness | Ultrasonic Standard |
|———–|———————|
| <50mm | ASTM A577 Angle Beam |
| ≥50mm | ASTM A578 Level III |
- Charpy V-notch test: 27J @ -20°C (Grade B/C).
- Certifications:
- AISC Certified Fabricator Program.
- EN 1090-1 Execution Class 4.
Delivery & Storage
- Dimensions:
- Width: 1,500–3,300mm (max length: 22m).
- Thickness Tolerance: ±0.3mm (milled edges), ±1.0% (as-rolled).
- Packaging: Desiccant-loaded sealed bundles (24-month outdoor storage).
Welding Guidance: Use AWS A5.28 ER80S-G wire with 95–120°C preheat for Grade B*
Technical Footnotes:
- Grade A achieves 0.5mm/year corrosion loss in C3 environments (ISO 12944).
- Maximum allowable stress: 210 MPa @ 150°C (ASCE 7-22).
Why Choose ASTM A588?
Compared to A572 Gr.50, A588 Grade B provides 3x better atmospheric corrosion resistance while maintaining equivalent weldability. The copper-chromium alloy system forms stable oxide layers, eliminating need for protective coatings in most environments.
Environmental Note: 92% recycled content with 8.2kg CO₂/t production footprint (EPD 23001-IBU).
Global Material Equivalents:
| ASTM A588 | EN 10025-5 | JIS G3114 | Application Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A | S355J0W | SMA570 | Coastal Bridges |
| Grade B | S355J2W | SMA590 | Industrial Framing |
| Grade C | S355K2W | – | Architectural Exteriors |
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