ASME SA36 (SA36) Carbon Steel Plate
ASME SA36 (SA36) Carbon Steel Plate: Properties, Equivalents & Applications
In-depth data sheet for ASME SA36 carbon steel plate: chemical composition, mechanical and thermal properties, international cross-references, and typical uses in structural and general fabrication.
Welding, bolting, riveting, bending, punching, machining, hot rolling
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ASME SA36 Carbon Steel Plate Introduction
ASME SA36 (SA36) is a widely used carbon structural steel plate specified in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section II, Part A. It is functionally identical to ASTM A36/A36M and is delivered in the hot-rolled condition. The grade offers a minimum yield strength of 250 MPa (36 ksi) and tensile strength between 400 and 550 MPa (58–80 ksi).
- Excellent weldability and formability for structural applications
- Suitable for bolted, riveted, and welded construction
- Available as plates, bars, and structural shapes
- Low carbon content ensures good machinability and bending characteristics
This material is the backbone of general construction, bridges, storage tanks, and numerous industrial fabrications where moderate strength and high reliability are required.
ASME SA36 Carbon Steel Plate Chemical Composition
Chemical requirements per ASME SA-36/SA-36M. The standard specifies only maximum limits for carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur. Manganese and silicon are not mandatory but are usually controlled by the producer to meet mechanical properties.
- For plates, the carbon content is limited to 0.25%.
- When copper steel is specified, a minimum copper content of 0.20% applies.
- Silicon is typically added for deoxidation in plates over 40 mm thickness.
| Chemical Element | Mass Fraction (%) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.25 (plate); ≤0.26 (shapes) | Maximum; for structural shapes and bars ≤0.26% |
| Manganese (Mn) | No requirement (typical 0.60–0.90) | Not specified; adjusted to meet strength requirements |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.04 | Maximum |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.05 | Maximum |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.40 (optional); 0.15–0.30 (killed steel) | Required for plates >40 mm to ensure fine grain practice |
| Copper (Cu) | ≥0.20 (when copper steel is specified) | Only if ordered as copper-bearing steel |
ASME SA36 Carbon Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties
Typical room‑temperature physical properties for ASME SA36 carbon steel. These values are representative of carbon steels and are not part of the procurement specification.
- Properties may vary slightly depending on exact composition and heat treatment.
- Thermal expansion and conductivity data are given for common service temperatures.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Condition / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | At 20 °C |
| Elastic Modulus (E) | 200 | GPa | At 20 °C |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 79.3 | GPa | At 20 °C |
| Poisson's Ratio (ν) | 0.26 | – | At 20 °C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 11.7 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20–100 °C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 12.6 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20–200 °C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 13.5 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20–400 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 51.9 | W/m·K | At 100 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 48.0 | W/m·K | At 200 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 41.0 | W/m·K | At 400 °C |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 486 | J/kg·K | At 100 °C |
| Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e) | 0.142 | μΩ·m | At 20 °C |
ASME SA36 Carbon Steel Plate Mechanical Properties
Mechanical property requirements according to ASME SA-36/SA-36M for plates up to 200 mm thickness.
- Tensile testing is performed in the as-rolled condition.
- Bend tests are mandatory; the bend diameter depends on specimen thickness and orientation.
- Charpy impact requirements are not specified unless supplementary testing is requested.
| Property | Required Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥250 | MPa | Transverse or longitudinal, plate thickness ≤200 mm |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 400–550 | MPa | Transverse or longitudinal, plate thickness ≤200 mm |
| Elongation (A200) | ≥20 | % | Gauge length 200 mm, plate thickness ≤200 mm |
| Elongation (A50) | ≥21 | % | Gauge length 50 mm, plate thickness ≤200 mm |
| Bend Test (180° bend) | No cracks on outside of bent portion | – | Bend diameter = 1t for t ≤19 mm; =1.5t for 19 |
ASME SA36 Carbon Steel Plate Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Substitute Grades
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A36/A36M | A36 | Technically identical; ASME SA36 is the adopted version for pressure vessel code. |
| European Union | EN 10025-2 | S235JR | Comparable yield strength (235 MPa min.); verify impact properties for structural use. |
| Japan | JIS G3101 | SS400 | Similar tensile requirements; chemical composition may differ slightly. |
| China | GB/T 700 | Q235B | 235 MPa yield; phosphorus and sulfur limits are comparable. |
| International | ISO 630-2 | S235B | Harmonized standard with the same yield class and chemical philosophy. |
ASME SA36 Carbon Steel Plate Application Introduction
ASME SA36 plate is the workhorse of structural engineering. Its balance of strength, ductility, and weldability makes it suitable for a broad range of applications:
- Building frames, columns, and beams
- Bridge girders and deck plates
- Storage tanks and pressure vessels (where code permits)
- Mining, agricultural, and heavy machinery components
- General fabrication and repair jobs
The material can be processed by all common methods: shearing, gas cutting, welding, drilling, and cold forming. It is not recommended for low‑temperature service without supplementary impact testing.
Product Applications: I-beams, H-piles, and channels, Welded plate girders, Base plates and stiffener plates, Oil and water storage tanks, Frame structures for machinery, Support structures for conveyor systems
Processed into products: Bolted and welded structural connections, Punched and drilled bracket parts, Cold-bent plates and profiles, Machined base pads and shims, Turned and milled bosses for structural assemblies, Flame-cut and edge-prepared weld preps
Application industries: Building and infrastructure construction, Bridge and highway engineering, Shipbuilding and marine structures, Storage tank and silo manufacturing, Mining and earth-moving equipment, General manufacturing and metal fabrication
ASME SA36 Carbon Steel Plate Similar / Comparable Substitute Material Recommendations
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | EN 10025-2 | S275JR | Higher yield strength (275 MPa); may be used when enhanced strength is needed. |
| USA | ASTM A283/A283M | Grade C | Lower tensile requirements (380–515 MPa); suitable for less demanding structural applications. |
| USA | ASTM A572/A572M | Grade 42 | Low-alloy steel with minimum 290 MPa yield; provides improved strength-to-weight ratio. |
| International | ISO 630-3 | S275J0 | Offers higher yield and guaranteed impact properties at 0 °C. |
| Russia | GOST 380 | St3sp | Carbon structural steel with similar strength range, widely used in general construction. |
Notes:
Weldability: SA36 steel has excellent weldability by all common arc welding processes; preheating is typically not required for thicknesses up to 25 mm. Corrosion resistance: As a plain carbon steel, it requires protective coatings or painting for atmospheric exposure. Heat treatment: The material is normally used in the as‑rolled condition; stress relieving may be performed after heavy welding. Certification: Material test reports (MTRs) per EN 10204 or equivalent are available upon request.
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