ASTM A500 Grade A SHS/RHS Structural Tubing
ASTM A500 Grade A SHS/RHS Structural Tubing - Properties, Equivalents and Applications
Comprehensive data for ASTM A500 Grade A cold-formed welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing in square (SHS) and rectangular (RHS) shapes. Includes chemistry, mechanical properties, physical data, international equivalents, and application guidance.
Cold forming, welding, bending, cutting, drilling, galvanizing, painting
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ASTM A500 Grade A SHS/RHS Structural Tubing Introduction
ASTM A500 Grade A is a cold-formed welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing grade primarily used for square (SHS) and rectangular (RHS) hollow sections. It provides a good balance of formability, weldability, and strength, with a minimum yield strength of 270 MPa (39 ksi) and a minimum tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi). The grade is popular in general structural applications where cost-effectiveness is important, and it meets the requirements of ASTM A500/A500M. Typical delivery conditions are as-formed (cold-worked) or normalized, and the material is supplied in standard lengths or cut-to-size pieces.
Key features:
- Excellent weldability using common methods
- Good ductility with minimum elongation of 25% (for thickness ≤ 7.9 mm)
- Uniform cross-section with tight dimensional tolerances
- Available in a wide range of sizes and wall thicknesses
- Cost-effective for structural frameworks and general engineering
ASTM A500 Grade A SHS/RHS Structural Tubing Chemical composition
The chemical requirements apply to the heat analysis. For product analysis, tolerances given in ASTM A500/A500M shall apply. Copper is only required when copper-bearing steel is specified by the purchaser. All other elements are maximum limits unless shown as a range.
| Element | Standard value | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.26 | Max |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.35 | Max |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035 | Max |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035 | Max |
| Copper (Cu) | ≥ 0.20 | Minimum when copper steel is specified |
ASTM A500 Grade A SHS/RHS Structural Tubing Thermal and electrical physical properties
The following physical properties are typical for fully killed carbon steel similar to ASTM A500 Grade A. They are not mandatory requirements of the standard but are useful for engineering calculations. Values may vary slightly with actual composition and manufacturing process.
| Property | Standard required value | Unit | Test conditions / remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | Approximate value at 20°C |
| Modulus of elasticity (E) | 200 – 210 | GPa | Typical for carbon steel, at room temperature |
| Shear modulus (G) | 80 | GPa | Calculated from E and Poisson's ratio |
| Poisson's ratio (ν) | 0.29 | – | Typical for structural carbon steel |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) | 12.2 | 10⁻⁶/K | Average between 0°C and 100°C |
| Thermal conductivity (λ) | 51.9 | W/(m·K) | At 20°C |
| Specific heat capacity (cₚ) | 486 | J/(kg·K) | At 20°C |
| Electrical resistivity (ρ_e) | 0.142 | µΩ·m | At 20°C |
ASTM A500 Grade A SHS/RHS Structural Tubing Mechanical properties
Tensile properties are based on longitudinal strip tests. The elongation values depend on wall thickness. Impact or bending tests are not required by the standard. Values below are the minimum requirements from ASTM A500/A500M Table 3 for Grade A.
| Property | Standard required value | Unit | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield strength (ReH) | ≥ 270 | MPa | Room temperature, 0.2% offset method |
| Tensile strength (Rm) | ≥ 310 | MPa | Room temperature |
| Elongation (A50) | ≥ 25 | % | Wall thickness ≤ 7.9 mm (5/16 in.), gauge length 50 mm (2 in.) |
| Elongation (A50) | ≥ 23 | % | Wall thickness > 7.9 mm up to 12.7 mm (1/2 in.), gauge length 50 mm (2 in.) |
ASTM A500 Grade A SHS/RHS Structural Tubing Fully equivalent material standards and replaceable grades
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| International | – | – | No international standard contains a grade exactly matching ASTM A500 Grade A requirements (yield 270 MPa, tensile 310 MPa, carbon ≤0.26). Designers should evaluate similar grades on a project basis. |
ASTM A500 Grade A SHS/RHS Structural Tubing Application Introduction
ASTM A500 Grade A SHS/RHS pipe is widely used in construction and general engineering due to its good weldability and uniform mechanical properties. It is suitable for both bolted and welded connections. When higher strength is required, consider ASTM A500 Grade B or C. The material performs well in ambient and low-temperature structural service (though no Charpy requirements are specified).
Key application areas:
- Structural frameworks for industrial buildings and warehouses
- Columns, beams, and trusses
- Bridges and pedestrian overpasses
- Agricultural machinery and equipment frames
- Highway signage and lighting poles
- Fencing, railings, and architectural features
- Automotive chassis and roll cages (where applicable)
Product Applications: Pre-engineered metal buildings, Bridge components, Bollards and guardrails, Transmission towers, Frames for solar panels, Truck and trailer bodies
Processed into products: Rectangular hollow section columns, Square hollow section beams, Welded truss members, Brackets and supports, End plates and base plates (cut from tube), Handrails and balustrades, Frame chassis for agricultural implements
Application industries: Construction and civil engineering, Agricultural equipment manufacturing, Transportation and infrastructure, General fabrication and machinery
ASTM A500 Grade A SHS/RHS Structural Tubing Similar/alternative material grades recommendation
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | EN 10219-1 | S235JRH | Lower yield strength (235 MPa). Suitable for less demanding structures. Chemical composition comparable. |
| Japan | JIS G 3466 | STKR400 | Yield strength 235 MPa. Often used in building and general structures. Carbon max 0.25%. |
| China | GB/T 6728 | Q235B | Yield strength 235 MPa; similar carbon-manganese steel for structural hollow sections. |
| India | IS 4923 | YSt 240 | Yield strength 240 MPa. Lower strength compared to ASTM A500 Grade A. |
Notes:
- All data is based on ASTM A500/A500M-21 unless otherwise noted.
- For structural design, the minimum yield strength is often reduced to account for the effect of cold forming on corner regions; refer to local building codes.
- When copper-bearing steel is not specified, the copper content is not controlled, and the typical copper residual is less than 0.20%.
- This material is not intended for pressure applications; for pressure service, use ASTM A53 or ASTM A106 grades.
- Typical physical properties are provided for reference only; for critical applications, confirm with the mill certificate.
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