ASME SA709/SA709M Grade 50W Weathering Steel Coil

ASME SA709/SA709M Grade 50W Weathering Steel Coil

ASME SA709/SA709M Grade 50W Weathering Steel Coil - High-Strength Low-Alloy Data

Comprehensive technical data for ASME SA709 Grade 50W carbon and low-alloy high-strength steel coil, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, thermal and electrical physical properties, international equivalents, and application guidance.

Hot rolling, cold forming, welding, machining, cutting

ASME SA709/SA709M Grade 50W Weathering Steel Coil Introduction

ASME SA709/SA709M Grade 50W is a high-strength low-alloy structural steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering steel) specified for use in bridges, buildings, and other structures. It is part of the ASME SA709 standard, which is identical to ASTM A709/A709M. The "W" designation indicates enhanced corrosion resistance through alloying with copper, chromium, and vanadium, allowing it to form a protective oxide layer when exposed to the atmosphere, often eliminating the need for painting.

  • Minimum yield strength of 50 ksi (345 MPa) for thicknesses up to 4 in. (100 mm).
  • Excellent weldability and formability for structural fabrication.
  • Available in coil, plate, and shapes, with delivery condition typically as-rolled, normalized, or quenched and tempered as required.

ASME SA709/SA709M Grade 50W Weathering Steel Coil Chemical Composition

Chemical requirements as per ASME SA709/SA709M for Grade 50W. The steel is alloyed with copper, chromium, and vanadium to provide atmospheric corrosion resistance. Note: Values are maximum unless a range is shown. Elements not listed are typically incidental and limited to standard steelmaking residuals.

ElementValue (max or range)Remarks
Carbon (C)0.20max
Manganese (Mn)0.75 – 1.35range
Phosphorus (P)0.04max
Sulfur (S)0.05max
Silicon (Si)0.15 – 0.50range
Copper (Cu)0.20 – 0.40range
Nickel (Ni)0.50max
Chromium (Cr)0.40 – 0.70range
Vanadium (V)0.01 – 0.10range
Nitrogen (N)0.015max (if applicable)

ASME SA709/SA709M Grade 50W Weathering Steel Coil Thermal & Electrical Physical Properties

Typical room-temperature physical properties for Grade 50W weathering steel. These values are not part of the standard but are widely accepted for engineering design. Thermal properties vary slightly with temperature. Note: Properties are comparable to other low-alloy steels with similar composition.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7850kg/m³At 20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)200GPaTension, room temperature
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaCalculated from E and ν
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3Typical for steel
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.710⁻⁶/K20–100°C range
Thermal Conductivity (λ)42W/(m·K)At 20°C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)460J/(kg·K)At 20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρe)0.25µΩ·mAt 20°C

ASME SA709/SA709M Grade 50W Weathering Steel Coil Mechanical Properties

Tensile requirements are based on the standard test methods. Values for Grade 50W apply to hot-rolled condition. Note: Elongation is measured on standard specimens; 200 mm (8 in.) gauge for sheet/coil, 50 mm (2 in.) gauge for plates >12.5 mm. Minimum impact energy may be specified by supplementary requirements.

PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)345 minMPaThickness ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)485 minMPaThickness ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A) in 200 mm18 min%Thickness ≤ 100 mm, 50 mm wide specimen
Elongation (A) in 50 mm21 min%Plate thickness >12.5 mm
Bend Test (bend diameter)1.5t180° bend, specimen thickness t ≤ 16 mm
Impact Energy (KV)As specifiedJOptional supplementary requirement (e.g., 27J at -20°C)

ASME SA709/SA709M Grade 50W Weathering Steel Coil Full Equivalent Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASTM A709/A709MGrade 50WIdentical to ASME SA709 Grade 50W
European UnionEN 10025-5S355J2W+N+N indicates normalized delivery; also S355K2W for lower temperature impact
JapanJIS G3114SMA490AWHot-rolled atmospheric corrosion resisting steel; yield 365 MPa typ.
ChinaGB/T 4171Q355NHEquivalent weathering steel; yield ≥355 MPa
InternationalISO 4952Fe510DWAtmospheric corrosion-resistant structural steel (approximate match)

ASME SA709/SA709M Grade 50W Weathering Steel Coil Application Introduction

ASME SA709 Grade 50W is designed primarily for welded bridges and other structural applications where weight savings, durability, and atmospheric corrosion resistance are required. Its weathering property often allows unpainted use in many environments, reducing maintenance costs. The steel is readily weldable following standard procedures for low-alloy steels, provided appropriate preheat and interpass temperatures are observed for thicker sections.

Product Applications: Rolled bridge beams and girders, Welded plate girders, Highway sign supports, Lighting poles, Prefabricated bridge decks

Processed into products: Bridge main girders and cross-frames, Column and beam sections for multi-story buildings, Railway underframe members, Truss members for long-span roofs, Corrosion-resistant fasteners and embedded plates

Application industries: Bridge construction and rehabilitation, Structural engineering (building frames, towers), Transportation (railway cars, truck frames), Energy (transmission towers, solar panel supports), Architecture (exposed structural elements, facades)

ASME SA709/SA709M Grade 50W Weathering Steel Coil Similar / Analogous Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASTM A588/A588MGrade BSimilar weathering steel, yield 345 MPa, slightly different composition
USAASTM A242/A242MType 1High-strength low-alloy weathering steel, yield 345 MPa
European UnionEN 10025-5S355J0WLower impact energy version of S355J2W, suitable for less demanding toughness
JapanJIS G3114SMA490BWHigher Cr content variant with similar strength
ChinaGB/T 4171Q355GNHHigher phosphorus version for enhanced weathering, yield ≥355 MPa

Notes:

  • Welding: When joining thicker sections (≥25 mm), preheat of 50-100°C may be required to avoid hydrogen cracking. Low-hydrogen welding processes are recommended.
  • Weathering characteristics: The protective patina develops best in alternating wet/dry conditions without prolonged contact with standing water or de-icing salts.
  • Dual certification: Grade 50W is often dual-certified to both ASME SA709 and ASTM A588 standards.
  • Availability: Commonly supplied as hot-rolled coil, plate, and structural shapes; consult mill for size range.
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