ASME SA588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate

ASME SA588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate

ASME SA588 Grade C Weather Resistant Steel Plate - Properties & Applications

Detailed data on ASME SA588 Grade C (SA588GRC) weather resistant steel plate: chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalents, and typical uses.

Hot rolling, controlled rolling, normalizing, cutting, welding, forming

ASME SA588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Introduction

ASME SA588 Grade C (SA588GRC) is a high-strength low-alloy structural steel with enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance, commonly classified as weather resistant steel. It conforms to the ASME SA588/SA588M specification and is primarily intended for welded, bolted, or riveted construction in structural applications where weight savings and long-term durability are required. The steel develops a protective oxide layer when exposed to weather due to deliberate additions of copper, chromium, and nickel. This grade delivers a minimum yield strength of 345 MPa for thicknesses up to 100 mm, good weldability, and is typically supplied in plate form. Typical applications include bridges, buildings, transmission towers, railway vehicles, and architectural structures exposed to the atmosphere without painting.

ASME SA588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of ASME SA588 Grade C is designed to provide enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance through the addition of copper, chromium, and nickel. Vanadium is included for grain refinement and strength, while carbon is limited to ensure good weldability. The values are based on the ASME SA588/SA588M (identical to ASTM A588/A588M) standard.

ElementContent (%)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤0.15Maximum
Manganese (Mn)0.80–1.35
Phosphorus (P)≤0.04Maximum
Sulfur (S)≤0.05Maximum
Silicon (Si)0.15–0.40
Nickel (Ni)0.25–0.50
Chromium (Cr)0.30–0.50
Copper (Cu)0.20–0.50
Vanadium (V)0.01–0.10

ASME SA588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Thermal & Electrical Physical Properties

The physical properties listed below are typical for ASME SA588 Grade C weather resistant steel. These values are not part of the ASME SA588 specification but represent commonly accepted data for similar low-alloy steels. Slight variations may occur depending on actual composition and processing.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³Room temperature
Elastic Modulus (E)200GPaRoom temperature
Shear Modulus (G)77GPaRoom temperature
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3Room temperature
Thermal Expansion (α)12.010⁻⁶/K20–100 °C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)51.9W/(m·K)at 100 °C
Specific Heat Capacity (c)486J/(kg·K)at 20 °C
Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ)0.17µΩ·mat 20 °C

ASME SA588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of ASME SA588 Grade C plates, sheets, and bars are specified according to the SA588/SA588M standard. The values depend on product thickness. For thicknesses over 100 mm up to 125 mm, lower strength levels are permitted. Elongation requirements are given for longitudinal test pieces. Bend tests demonstrate the material's ductility.

PropertyMetric ValueUnitTest Condition / Thickness
Yield Strength (ReH)≥345MPaThickness ≤ 100 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥315MPaThickness >100 mm to 125 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)≥485MPaThickness ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)≥460MPaThickness >100 mm to 125 mm
Elongation (A) in 200 mm≥18%Thickness ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A) in 50 mm≥21%Thickness ≤ 100 mm
Bend Test (Bend Diameter)2tThickness ≤ 20 mm
Bend Test (Bend Diameter)2.5tThickness >20 to 25 mm
Bend Test (Bend Diameter)3tThickness >25 to 50 mm
Bend Test (Bend Diameter)3.5tThickness >50 mm

ASME SA588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Directly Equivalent Material Standards & Replaceable Grades

RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASTM A588/A588MGrade CIdentical chemistry and mechanical properties; direct substitute
USAASME SA588/SA588MGrade COriginal ASME specification

ASME SA588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Application Introduction

ASME SA588 Grade C is specifically engineered for structural applications where long-term exposure to the atmosphere is expected. Its self-protecting rust layer eliminates the need for painting in many environments, reducing maintenance costs. It is widely used in heavy civil engineering, transportation infrastructure, and architectural structures.

Product Applications: Weather resistant steel bridge plates and girders, Structural beams, columns, and trusses, Transmission towers and communication monopoles, Railway freight cars and shipping containers, Outdoor sculptures and artistic installations, Architectural screen panels and cladding

Processed into products: Bridge deck plates and girder flanges, Bolted and welded framework connections, Tower legs, cross-arms, and base plates, Container side panels and corner posts, Car body frames and underframes, Decorative perforated panels

Application industries: Bridge and highway construction, Building and structural framing, Transmission tower and pole manufacturing, Railway vehicle and container manufacturing, Architectural facades and outdoor sculptures, Industrial roofing and cladding

ASME SA588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Similar / Alternative Weather Resistant Steel Recommendations

RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-5S355K2WWeather resistant structural steel, min yield 355 MPa, similar Cu-Cr alloy concept
JapanJIS G3114SMA490CWWeather resistant rolled steel, yield 365 MPa, suitable for welded structures
ChinaGB/T 4171Q355NHAtmospheric corrosion resistant structural steel, min yield 355 MPa, Cu-Cr-Ni system
InternationalISO 4952Fe 510D2K1Improved atmospheric corrosion resistance steel, similar application range

Notes:

When used in alternate wetting and drying environments, ASME SA588 Grade C forms a tightly adherent rust-like patina that significantly retards further corrosion. In many outdoor applications, it can be used without protective coatings. However, proper detailing is required to avoid water traps and crevice corrosion. Pre-heating and post-weld heat treatment are generally not required for sections up to 50 mm, but good welding practices must be followed to ensure toughness. For thicknesses beyond standard limits, please refer to the latest ASME SA588/SA588M or ASTM A588/A588M standard.

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