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
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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.
| Element | Content (%) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.15 | Maximum |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.80–1.35 | |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.04 | Maximum |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.05 | Maximum |
| 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.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | Room temperature |
| Elastic Modulus (E) | 200 | GPa | Room temperature |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 77 | GPa | Room temperature |
| Poisson's Ratio (ν) | 0.3 | – | Room temperature |
| Thermal Expansion (α) | 12.0 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20–100 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 51.9 | W/(m·K) | at 100 °C |
| Specific Heat Capacity (c) | 486 | J/(kg·K) | at 20 °C |
| Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ) | 0.17 | µΩ·m | at 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.
| Property | Metric Value | Unit | Test Condition / Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥345 | MPa | Thickness ≤ 100 mm |
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥315 | MPa | Thickness >100 mm to 125 mm |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | ≥485 | MPa | Thickness ≤ 100 mm |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | ≥460 | MPa | Thickness >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) | 2t | – | Thickness ≤ 20 mm |
| Bend Test (Bend Diameter) | 2.5t | – | Thickness >20 to 25 mm |
| Bend Test (Bend Diameter) | 3t | – | Thickness >25 to 50 mm |
| Bend Test (Bend Diameter) | 3.5t | – | Thickness >50 mm |
ASME SA588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Directly Equivalent Material Standards & Replaceable Grades
| Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A588/A588M | Grade C | Identical chemistry and mechanical properties; direct substitute |
| USA | ASME SA588/SA588M | Grade C | Original 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
| Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN 10025-5 | S355K2W | Weather resistant structural steel, min yield 355 MPa, similar Cu-Cr alloy concept |
| Japan | JIS G3114 | SMA490CW | Weather resistant rolled steel, yield 365 MPa, suitable for welded structures |
| China | GB/T 4171 | Q355NH | Atmospheric corrosion resistant structural steel, min yield 355 MPa, Cu-Cr-Ni system |
| International | ISO 4952 | Fe 510D2K1 | Improved 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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