ASTM A588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate
ASTM A588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate | High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel
ASTM A588 Grade C is a high-strength low-alloy structural steel with enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance. It is widely used in welded bridges, buildings, and other structures where weight reduction and durability are critical.
Hot rolling, cold forming, welding, machining, shearing, punching, bending
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ASTM A588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Introduction
ASTM A588 Grade C (A588GRC) is a high-strength, low-alloy structural steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance, primarily alloyed with copper, chromium, and nickel. It offers a minimum yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) and is suitable for welded bridges, buildings, and other load-bearing structures.
- Enhanced weather resistance forms a protective patina, eliminating the need for painting in many environments.
- Good weldability and formability comparable to conventional carbon steel.
- Available in various product forms, including plate, bar, and shapes.
Typical applications include bridge components, transmission towers, architectural cladding, and offshore structures.
ASTM A588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of ASTM A588 Grade C is designed to provide enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance. Key elements such as copper, chromium, and nickel contribute to the formation of a tightly adherent protective oxide layer. Vanadium is added for grain refinement and strength.
| Element | Required Value | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.15 max | Maximum |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.80 - 1.35 | Range |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.040 max | Maximum |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.050 max | Maximum |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15 - 0.40 | Range |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.20 - 0.50 | Range, contributes to weathering |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.40 - 0.70 | Range, enhances corrosion resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.40 max | Maximum |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.02 - 0.10 | Optional, for grain refinement |
ASTM A588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Physical Properties
Physical properties are typical for high-strength low-alloy steels and are not mandated by ASTM A588. These values are provided for engineering guidance and are representative of A588 Grade C in the as-rolled condition at room temperature unless otherwise noted.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | Room temperature |
| Modulus of Elasticity (E) | 200 | GPa | Room temperature |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 80 | GPa | Room temperature |
| Poisson's Ratio (ν) | 0.30 | - | Room temperature |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 12.0 | µm/m·°C | 20–100 °C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 13.0 | µm/m·°C | 20–200 °C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 13.5 | µm/m·°C | 20–300 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 42 | W/m·K | At 25 °C |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 450 | J/kg·K | At 25 °C |
| Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e) | 0.22 | µΩ·m | Room temperature |
ASTM A588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Mechanical Properties
Mechanical properties are tested on transverse specimens according to ASTM A6/A6M. Yield strength and tensile strength are the primary criteria. Elongation depends on plate thickness. The values below are for plates up to 4 in. (100 mm) in thickness, unless otherwise noted.
| Property | Requirement | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH) | 345 min | MPa | For thicknesses ≤ 4 in. (100 mm) |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 485 min | MPa | For thicknesses ≤ 4 in. (100 mm) |
| Elongation in 8 in. (200 mm) | 18 min | % | For thicknesses ≤ 0.24 in. (6 mm) |
| Elongation in 2 in. (50 mm) | 21 min | % | For thicknesses ≤ 0.75 in. (20 mm) |
| Elongation in 2 in. (50 mm) | 21 min | % | For thicknesses 0.75–2 in. (20–50 mm) |
| Elongation in 2 in. (50 mm) | 18 min | % | For thicknesses 2–3 in. (50–75 mm) |
| Elongation in 2 in. (50 mm) | 16 min | % | For thicknesses 3–4 in. (75–100 mm) |
| Bend Test (Bend Diameter) | 2t (t = thickness) | - | For plates ≤ 1.5 in. (38 mm), 180° bend, transverse |
ASTM A588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Direct Equivalent Standards and Substitute Grades
Explosion-proof electric displacement actuator material equivalents help identify internationally comparable grades. Strict one-to-one matches are rare due to compositional differences in weathering steels. Below are the closest recognized standards.
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A588/A588M | Grade C | Original |
| European Union | EN 10025-5 | S355J2W+N (1.8965) | Similar weathering concept, not identical chemistry |
| China | GB/T 4171 | Q355GNH | Close in strength and weathering class |
| Japan | JIS G 3114 | SMA490AW | Weathering steel with comparable tensile strength |
| India | IS 11587 | Fe 490 WA | Similar structural weathering steel |
| Russia | GOST 27772 | S345 (10HNDP) | Approximate corrosion-resistant equivalent |
ASTM A588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Application Introduction
ASTM A588 Grade C is selected for structures requiring high strength and long-term corrosion resistance without protective coatings. It is extensively used in welded, bolted, and riveted constructions. The development of a stable patina in cyclical wet/dry environments reduces maintenance. Applications cover:
- Bridge superstructures and decks
- Open-framing structures (e.g., transmission towers, communication masts)
- Architectural exposed steel (facades, columns)
- Railway freight cars and intermodal containers
- Offshore and coastal infrastructure
Product Applications: Welded I-Girders and Box Girders, Bridge Deck Plates, Tubular Poles and Towers, Structural Framing for Buildings, Stack/Chimney Liners, Railroad Car Components
Processed into products: Gusset plates and splice plates, Cross frames and diaphragms, Anchor rods and bolted connectors (using matching weathering fasteners), Crane runway beams, Offshore platform structural members
Application industries: Civil Engineering & Infrastructure, Construction & Architecture, Shipbuilding & Offshore, Transportation (Rail, Containers), Energy & Power Transmission, Industrial Equipment
ASTM A588 Grade C Weathering Steel Plate Similar and Alternative Materials for Comparison
When exact equivalents are not required, these materials offer comparable strength and corrosion resistance for structural applications.
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A242/A242M | Type 1 | Earlier weathering steel, higher phosphorus, lower alloy content |
| USA | ASTM A572/A572M | Grade 50 | HSLA steel without enhanced weathering, similar strength |
| European Union | EN 10025-5 | S355K2W (1.8967) | Higher toughness variant, otherwise similar to S355J2W |
| China | GB/T 4171 | Q355NH | Higher atmospheric corrosion resistance class |
| Japan | JIS G 3114 | SMA490BW | Higher toughness weathering steel |
Notes:
Welding: Use low-hydrogen processes and consumables matching the base metal composition (e.g., E7018-W for SMAW, ER70S-W for GMAW) to ensure corrosion resistance of the weld zone. Forming: Cold bending radii should follow ASTM A6 guidelines; hot forming is permissible. Durability: In environments free from aggressive chlorides or continuous immersion, the weathering steel forms a stable protective patina. For splash zones or humid/shady conditions where drying is poor, a coating may be recommended. Availability: Plates are typically stocked in thicknesses from 3/16 in. to 4 in. (5–100 mm), with wider dimensions available upon inquiry.
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