ASTM A588 Grade B Weathering Steel Coil

ASTM A588 Grade B Weathering Steel Coil

ASTM A588 Grade B Weathering Steel Coil | High-Strength Structural Steel

ASTM A588/A588M Grade B is a high-strength low-alloy structural steel with atmospheric corrosion resistance. This coil offers minimum yield 345 MPa and tensile 485 MPa, ideal for welded bridges and buildings.

Hot rolling, welding, cold forming, machining, cutting

ASTM A588 Grade B Weathering Steel Coil Introduction

ASTM A588/A588M Grade B is a high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) structural steel primarily supplied as hot-rolled coil, plates, and shapes. Developed for superior atmospheric corrosion resistance, it is approximately four times more resistant to rusting than carbon structural steel. The alloying elements like chromium, copper, and vanadium form a protective oxide patina in service environments, allowing unpainted usage in many applications. With minimum yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) and tensile strength of 485 MPa (70 ksi), it reduces weight and extends maintenance intervals in bridges, buildings, and transmission towers. Good weldability and formability make it a cost-effective choice for exposed steel structures.

ASTM A588 Grade B Weathering Steel Coil Chemical Composition

Chemical limits for ASTM A588 Grade B as per the standard. All values are weight percent based on heat analysis. The alloying additions of chromium, copper, and vanadium provide enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance.

ElementStandard ValueRemarks
Carbon (C)0.20 max
Manganese (Mn)0.75 – 1.35
Phosphorus (P)0.04 max
Sulfur (S)0.05 max
Silicon (Si)0.15 – 0.50
Nickel (Ni)0.50 max
Chromium (Cr)0.40 – 0.70
Copper (Cu)0.20 – 0.40
Vanadium (V)0.01 – 0.10

ASTM A588 Grade B Weathering Steel Coil Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Typical physical properties for ASTM A588 Grade B low-alloy steel at ambient temperature. These values are not part of the material specification and are provided for engineering guidance only.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³Room temperature
Elastic Modulus (E)200GPaRoom temperature
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaRoom temperature
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.30-Room temperature
Thermal Expansion (α)12.0 × 10⁻⁶/K20°C – 100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)50W/(m·K)20°C
Specific Heat Capacity450J/(kg·K)20°C
Electrical Resistivity0.15µΩ·m20°C

ASTM A588 Grade B Weathering Steel Coil Mechanical Properties

Tensile properties for plates, bars, and shapes. Values apply to test specimens taken in the transverse direction. For coils, typical thickness is below 100 mm; thus the ≤4 in. row is most relevant. Multiple rows indicate thickness-dependent requirements.

PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)345 min (50 min)MPa (ksi)Thickness ≤ 4 in. (100 mm)
Yield Strength (ReH)315 min (46 min)MPa (ksi)Thickness > 4 – 5 in. (100 – 125 mm)
Tensile Strength (Rm)485 min (70 min)MPa (ksi)All thicknesses
Elongation (A)18 min%Gauge length 8 in. (200 mm), thickness ≤ 4 in.
Elongation (A)18 min%Gauge length 8 in. (200 mm), thickness > 4 – 5 in.

ASTM A588 Grade B Weathering Steel Coil Full Equivalent Material Standards and Alternative Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASTM A588/A588MGrade BOriginal specification, identical material
EuropeEN 10025-5S355J2W+N (1.8965)Very close in strength and weathering resistance; impact test at -20°C
JapanJIS G3114SMA490AWTensile strength 490 MPa min, suitable for welded structures
ChinaGB/T 4171Q355GNHHigh-strength weathering steel, similar chemistry and mechanical properties

ASTM A588 Grade B Weathering Steel Coil Application Introduction

ASTM A588 Grade B is extensively used in exposed structural applications where its weathering characteristic eliminates the need for painting under normal atmospheric conditions. It is readily fabricated by welding, bolting, and riveting, and can be processed into a wide range of shapes and components.

Product Applications: Steel bridge girders, decks, and trusses, Building frames, columns, and beams, Transmission line towers and poles, Architectural cladding and façades, Outdoor sculptures and street furniture, Mining truck bodies and excavator buckets

Processed into products: I‑beams (S‑shapes), H‑piles, and wide‑flange sections, Plate stiffeners and gussets, Hollow structural sections (HSS), Angle bars and channel sections, Cut-to-length sheets and slit coils for roll‑forming, Custom welded assemblies (e.g., crane booms, platforms)

Application industries: Civil Engineering & Construction, Bridge Building, Power Transmission & Utilities, Architecture & Design, Mining & Heavy Machinery, Railroad & Transportation

ASTM A588 Grade B Weathering Steel Coil Similar / Near-Equivalent Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASTM A242/A242MType 2Earlier weathering steel spec, similar corrosion resistance and strength
USAASTM A709/A709MGrade 50WStructural steel for bridges, same strength level, Cu-Cr-Ni-V system
EuropeEN 10025-5S355K2WHigher impact toughness (test at -20°C), slightly tighter composition
EuropeEN 10025-5S355J0WPPhosphorus-added weathering steel, similar strength but different patina behavior

Notes:

Additional Information: ASTM A588 Grade B is a weathering steel that develops a tightly adherent oxide layer when exposed to cyclic wet/dry conditions. This patina acts as a protective barrier, retarding further corrosion. For best results, avoid stagnant water and marine salt-rich environments unless protective painting is applied. Welding consumables should match the weathering characteristics (e.g., AWS E8018‑W2 electrodes or equivalent). The grade is generally supplied in the as‑rolled condition, but can be normalised or controlled rolled to enhance toughness. For cold forming, bend radii may need to be generous due to the alloy content.

  • Share

Processing Services

BBN supplies steel raw materials and provides product processing services according to customer requirements. .

Get In Touch

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt dolore magna aliqua. Quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida.

Contact Us

Drop Us A Message