ASTM A572 Grade 42 ERW Pipe
ASTM A572 Grade 42 ERW Pipe: Comprehensive Material Data and Properties
In-depth material guide for ASTM A572 Grade 42 electric-resistance-welded (ERW) steel pipe. Includes official chemical composition limits, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalents, and application recommendations.
Electric resistance welding (ERW), hot-rolling, cold forming, machining, welding
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ASTM A572 Grade 42 ERW Pipe Introduction
ASTM A572 Grade 42 is a columbium-vanadium (or other alloy additions) low-alloy high-strength structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 290 MPa (42 ksi). When manufactured into ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) pipe, it offers good weldability, formability, and notch toughness, making it suitable for structural, mechanical, and pressure applications. Key characteristics:
- High strength-to-weight ratio compared to carbon steel grades like A36
- Excellent weldability using all common welding processes
- Good ductility and impact resistance at service temperatures
- Available in various pipe sizes and wall thicknesses
The ERW process provides a consistent and cost-effective product for load-bearing and fluid transport systems.
ASTM A572 Grade 42 ERW Pipe Chemical Composition
Values are maximum unless noted otherwise, in accordance with ASTM A572/A572M for Grade 42. Columbium, vanadium, titanium, nitrogen or combinations may be added at manufacturer's discretion. Residual elements such as copper, nickel, chromium, and molybdenum are generally limited to combined 0.50% max.
| Element | Standard Value (max %) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.21 | Max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.35 | Max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.04 | Max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.05 | Max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.40 | Max, typical range 0.15-0.40 for plates |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.60 | Max, when copper steel is specified |
| Columbium (Nb) | 0.05 | May be added alone or in combination |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.02-0.10 | When used; typical range |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.006-0.02 | When used for grain refinement |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.25 | Residual max |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.25 | Residual max |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.10 | Residual max |
ASTM A572 Grade 42 ERW Pipe Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties
Properties are representative for low-alloy structural steel similar to ASTM A572 Grade 42 at room temperature unless noted otherwise. Values may vary slightly with exact composition and heat treatment.
| Property | Standard Value | Unit | Test Condition / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | At 20°C |
| Modulus of Elasticity (E) | 200 | GPa | At 20°C |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 80 | GPa | Calculated from E and Poisson's ratio |
| Poisson's Ratio (ν) | 0.29 | - | Elastic range |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (α) | 12.1 | 10⁻⁶/K | From 20°C to 100°C |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (α) | 12.6 | 10⁻⁶/K | From 20°C to 200°C |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (α) | 13.2 | 10⁻⁶/K | From 20°C to 300°C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 45 | W/(m·K) | At 20°C |
| Specific Heat Capacity (cp) | 470 | J/(kg·K) | At 20°C |
| Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e) | 0.22 | µΩ·m | At 20°C, typical for mild steel |
ASTM A572 Grade 42 ERW Pipe Mechanical Properties
Test values refer to the base material (longitudinal direction for pipe, transverse for plates) per ASTM A572 Grade 42. ERW pipe may be certified to these properties depending on the product specification (e.g., structural tubing per ASTM A500). Elongation depends on specimen type and thickness; values below are for 50 mm (2 in) gauge length.
| Property | Standard Requirement | Unit | Condition / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH / Rp0.2) | 290 (min) | MPa (N/mm²) | Minimum, 42 ksi |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 415 (min) | MPa | Minimum, 60 ksi |
| Elongation (A) in 50 mm | 21 (min) | % | For wall thickness ≤ 20 mm |
| Elongation (A) in 50 mm | 18 (min) | % | For wall thickness 20-40 mm |
| Elongation (A) in 50 mm | 16 (min) | % | For wall thickness 40-60 mm |
| Bend Test (Diameter of mandrel) | 180° bend, D = 2t (t ≤ 20 mm) | No cracks on outside of bent portion | |
| Bend Test (Diameter of mandrel) | 180° bend, D = 3t (t > 20 mm) | t = specimen thickness | |
| Charpy V-Notch Impact (KV) | ≥ 27 (at 20°C) | Joule | When Grade 42 is ordered with supplementary impact requirement (e.g., to ASTM A53 Type E/S) |
| Hardness | ≤ 170 | HBW | Typical, not specified in ASTM A572 |
ASTM A572 Grade 42 ERW Pipe Identical or Direct Cross-Reference Materials
Below are standards and grades that are functionally interchangeable with ASTM A572 Grade 42 ERW pipe for general structural applications.
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A529 | Grade 42 | Similar chemical and same 42 ksi yield; often used for plates and structural shapes. |
| USA | ASTM A572 | Grade 42 | The base standard; plates, shapes, and bars can be directly used to produce ERW pipe. |
| USA | ASTM A53 | Type E, Grade B | ERW pipe standard; yield strength 35 ksi, slightly lower; not fully equivalent but often substituted with higher test pressure. |
| Europe | EN 10025-2 | S275J2 | Yield 275 MPa (min) similar; for 290 MPa, special agreement required. |
| Japan | JIS G3106 | SM400B | Yield min 245 MPa for thickness ≤ 16 mm; lower strength, may be upgraded by design. |
ASTM A572 Grade 42 ERW Pipe Application Introduction
ASTM A572 Grade 42 ERW pipe is used where a balance of high strength, good weldability, and moderate cost is required. The following summarizes typical applications:
Product Applications: Resistance-welded structural hollow sections (square, rectangular, round), Line pipe for low- to medium-pressure service, Piling pipe, Casing and tubing for shallow wells, Scaffolding and formwork tubes, Mechanical tubing for rollers, shafts, and bearing housings
Processed into products: Building columns and beams (when fabricated from pipe), Bridge truss members, Pipe bollards and guard posts, Sign and lighting poles, Conveyor idler rolls and pulleys, Compressed air piping systems, Hydraulic cylinder tubes (with honed ID), Drill stem and sucker rod bodies
Application industries: Structural engineering and construction, Offshore and marine structures (pipe piles, jacket legs), Transportation (bridges, sign supports, guardrails), Material handling and conveyor systems, Oil & gas midstream (flowlines, gathering lines within strength limits), Water and wastewater transmission, Mining and earthmoving equipment, Renewable energy (wind turbine towers, solar tracker structures)
ASTM A572 Grade 42 ERW Pipe Materials with Comparable Properties
These grades offer similar strength levels or usage and can serve as alternatives after engineering review.
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A572 | Grade 45 | Yield 45 ksi (310 MPa); slightly higher strength, formability similar. |
| USA | ASTM A36 | Standard structural carbon steel | Yield only 36 ksi (250 MPa); often upgrade to A572 Gr 42 for weight savings. |
| China | GB/T 1591 | Q345B | Yield 345 MPa; higher strength, often substituted where higher load capacity is needed with reduced thickness. |
| Europe | EN 10025-2 | S355J2 | Yield 355 MPa; stronger alternative when A572 Gr 42 is not sufficient. |
| International | ISO 630-2 | Fe 430B (E275) | Yield 275 MPa; similar formability and weldability. |
Notes:
ERW pipe produced to ASTM A572 Grade 42 may be dual-certified to ASTM A53 or A500 where applicable. Typical weld quality is validated by ultrasonic or eddy-current testing. For sour service or low-temperature applications, impact-tested grades and full-killed fine-grain practice are recommended. Weld seam annealing can improve toughness. Design codes (e.g., AISC, ASME B31.3) may require specific supplementary requirements.
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