ASTM A500 Grade B SHS/RHS Pipe
ASTM A500 Grade B SHS/RHS Pipe: Structural Hollow Section Properties and Equivalents
Complete material data for ASTM A500 Grade B square and rectangular hollow structural sections, covering chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalents, and application guidance.
Hot rolling, cold forming, electric resistance welding (ERW), seamless, galvanizing, cutting, machining, welding, cold bending
- Phone : +8618037372205
- Email : [email protected]
- WhatsApp: Contact via Whtsapp
- WeChat: +8618037372205
ASTM A500 Grade B SHS/RHS Pipe Introduction
ASTM A500 Grade B is a standard carbon steel grade for cold-formed welded and seamless structural tubing in square (SHS) and rectangular (RHS) hollow sections. This material is widely used in construction and engineering due to its good weldability, uniform strength, and excellent formability. The specification covers as-welded and cold-formed shapes with a minimum yield strength of 315 MPa and tensile strength of 400 MPa. Grade B offers a balanced combination of strength and ductility, making it suitable for structural frames, columns, and load-bearing applications. It is typically supplied in mill finish (uncoated) but can be galvanized or painted for corrosion protection.
ASTM A500 Grade B SHS/RHS Pipe Chemical Composition
Chemical composition limits as per ASTM A500 for Grade B. Copper content is not mandated unless specified for improved atmospheric corrosion resistance. The phosphorus and sulfur limits ensure good weldability and toughness.
| Element | Standard Value (max) | 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 min (when specified) | Only required when copper-bearing steel is ordered for enhanced corrosion resistance. Otherwise no min. |
ASTM A500 Grade B SHS/RHS Pipe Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties
These values are typical for medium-carbon structural steels at room temperature and are not part of ASTM A500 specification requirements. They serve as engineering references for design calculations.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Test Condition / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | Room temperature |
| Elastic Modulus (E) | 200 | GPa | Tension, ambient |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 77 | GPa | Calculated from E and ν |
| Poisson's Ratio (ν) | 0.3 | Typical for steel | |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 12.5 | µm/m·°C | 20–100°C range |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 50 | W/m·K | At 20°C |
| Specific Heat Capacity (cp) | 470 | J/kg·K | At 20°C |
| Electrical Resistivity (ρe) | 0.142 | µΩ·m | At 20°C |
ASTM A500 Grade B SHS/RHS Pipe Mechanical Properties
Tensile properties are determined on longitudinal specimens from the formed tubing. For wall thicknesses below 7.9 mm, elongation requirements are not applicable. Bending properties are verified by a cold-bend test around a mandrel without cracking.
| Property | Standard Requirement | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH) | 315 min | MPa | 0.2% offset, longitudinal, ASTM A500 |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 400 min | MPa | Longitudinal, ASTM A500 |
| Elongation (A) | 23 min | % | In 50 mm (2 in.), for wall thickness ≥ 7.9 mm; not required for thinner walls |
| Bend Test | 180° bend, d=2T (T=wall thickness) for RHS/SHS | No cracks or defects, ASTM A500 supplementary requirement |
ASTM A500 Grade B SHS/RHS Pipe Direct Equivalent Material Standards and Substitute Grades
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN 10219-1 | S275J2H | Closest in strength (yield 275 MPa); slightly lower yield but widely interchangeable for many structural uses. |
| Europe | EN 10219-1 | S355J2H | Higher strength option; requires engineering review for substitution. |
| Japan | JIS G 3466 | STKR490 | Yields 325 MPa, nearly equivalent to Grade B; often used for square and rectangular tubes. |
| Australia/New Zealand | AS/NZS 1163 | C350L0 | Minimum yield 350 MPa; suitable alternative with consideration of higher strength. |
| China | GB/T 6728 | Q345B | Slightly higher strength (345 MPa yield) and similar weldability; acceptable after design verification. |
ASTM A500 Grade B SHS/RHS Pipe Application Introduction
ASTM A500 Grade B hollow sections are extensively used in structural engineering and mechanical construction. The product is easy to weld, cut, and drill and can be hot-dip galvanized for outdoor exposure. Its uniform shape and high strength-to-weight ratio make it ideal for dynamic and static load-bearing structures.
- Typical industries: construction, transportation, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.
- Common products: columns, beams, trusses, space frames, bridge piers, transmission towers, lighting poles, crane booms, and roll cages.
- Typical components: base plates, brackets, stiffeners, angle connections, bolted splices, and welded beam-column joints.
Product Applications: Structural building frames, Bridge components, Transmission line towers, Scaffolding and falsework, Solar panel mounting structures, Railway platforms and footbridges
Processed into products: Rectangular columns and beams, Square braces and ties, Tailor-made welded assemblies, Guardrails and impact barriers, Mechanical housing and base frames
Application industries: Building and infrastructure, Transportation and automotive, Agriculture and farming equipment, Power and utility structures, Machine frames and heavy equipment
ASTM A500 Grade B SHS/RHS Pipe Similar / Close Substitute Materials
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A500 | Grade C | Higher yield (345 MPa) option for increased strength requirements; shares same forming characteristics. |
| USA | ASTM A501 | Grade B | Hot-formed structural tubing with similar chemistry but different manufacturing route; equivalent mechanicals. |
| India | IS 4923 | YSt 310 | Yield ~310 MPa, typical for hollow sections; can replace Grade B in non-critical applications. |
| Korea | KS D 3568 | STKR490 | Similar to JIS STKR490, suitable replacement in many construction codes. |
| Brazil | NBR 6591 | C-350 | Yield 350 MPa; functionally similar after design checks. |
Notes:
Material certification to EN 10204 type 2.2 or 3.1 is available upon request. The product can be supplied with optional Charpy impact testing when notch toughness properties are required (e.g., for low-temperature service). Consult the manufacturer for custom lengths, coatings, and end finishes. For full compliance with the standard, chemical analysis and tensile properties must conform to ASTM A500 at the time of production.
Note: The values provided in thermal and electrical sections are typical engineering references and not mandatory per ASTM A500.
- Share
