ASTM A588 Grade K Weathering Steel Coil
ASTM A588 Grade K Weathering Steel Coil - High-Strength Atmospheric Corrosion-Resistant Structural Steel
Comprehensive datasheet for ASTM A588 Grade K weather-resistant steel coil, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, thermal and electrical physical properties, equivalent grades, and application guidance.
Hot rolling, cold rolling, welding, bending, forming, machining
- Phone : +8618037372205
- Email : [email protected]
- WhatsApp: Contact via Whtsapp
- WeChat: +8618037372205
ASTM A588 Grade K Weathering Steel Coil Introduction
ASTM A588 Grade K is a high-strength low-alloy structural steel with enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance, commonly referred to as weathering steel. It is primarily used in structural applications where weight reduction and long-term durability are critical. The steel develops a stable, protective rust-like patina when exposed to the atmosphere, significantly reducing the need for painting and maintenance. Its high strength allows for lighter designs, making it ideal for bridges, buildings, and transmission towers. This grade is produced under ASTM A588/A588M standard and is available in coil form for further fabrication.
ASTM A588 Grade K Weathering Steel Coil Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of ASTM A588 Grade K is carefully balanced to ensure atmospheric corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Key alloying elements such as chromium, copper, and vanadium contribute to the formation of a protective patina. The table below lists the standard limits as per ASTM A588/A588M. Nb (Columbium) may be present as a grain refiner and is often included in typical production.
| Element | Standard Value (max unless range) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.17 | Maximum |
| Mn | 0.50 – 1.20 | Range |
| P | 0.04 | Maximum |
| S | 0.05 | Maximum |
| Si | 0.25 – 0.75 | Range |
| Ni | 0.40 | Maximum |
| Cr | 0.40 – 0.70 | Range |
| Cu | 0.20 – 0.50 | Range |
| V | 0.01 – 0.10 | Range |
| Nb (Cb) | 0.005 – 0.05 | Typical; not always specified but often present |
ASTM A588 Grade K Weathering Steel Coil Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties
Physical properties are typical for low-alloy structural steels and serve as reference values for engineering design. These properties are not part of the ASTM A588 specification but are widely accepted for this grade.
- Density and elastic modulus are nearly constant for all temper conditions.
- Thermal expansion and conductivity vary slightly with temperature; values given at room temperature unless noted.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | Room temperature |
| Elastic Modulus (E) | 200 – 210 | GPa | Room temperature |
| Shear Modulus (G) | ≈ 80 | GPa | Room temperature (estimated) |
| Poisson's Ratio (ν) | 0.29 | — | Room temperature |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 11.7 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20–100 °C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 12.5 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20–200 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 42 | W/(m·K) | At 100 °C |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.49 | J/(g·K) | Room temperature |
| Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e) | 0.23 – 0.28 | µΩ·m | Room temperature |
ASTM A588 Grade K Weathering Steel Coil Mechanical Properties
Mechanical properties are determined in accordance with ASTM A370. The values below represent the minimum requirements for plates and coils up to 4 in. (100 mm) thickness. For thinner gauge materials, properties are generally within the same range.
- Yield strength (ReH) and tensile strength (Rm) are specified for both longitudinal and transverse directions.
- Elongation is given in both 8-inch and 2-inch gauge lengths.
- Impact toughness is not normally required but can be guaranteed by supplementary agreement.
| Property | Standard Requirement | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 345 | MPa | Thickness ≤ 100 mm, transverse |
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 50 | ksi | Thickness ≤ 4 in., transverse |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | ≥ 485 | MPa | Thickness ≤ 100 mm, transverse |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | ≥ 70 | ksi | Thickness ≤ 4 in., transverse |
| Elongation (A) in 8 in. | ≥ 18 | % | Gauge length 200 mm |
| Elongation (A) in 2 in. | ≥ 21 | % | Gauge length 50 mm |
ASTM A588 Grade K Weathering Steel Coil Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| International | ASTM A588/A588M | Grade K | Original specification |
| Europe | EN 10025-5 | S355K2W | Very close equivalent; minor compositional differences |
| Japan | JIS G3114 | SMA490BW | Similar strength class; weathering steel for welded structures |
| China | GB/T 4171 | Q355NHD | Approximate; check specific corrosion requirements |
| India | IS 11587 | Fe 490 WA | Structural weathering steel, comparable strength |
ASTM A588 Grade K Weathering Steel Coil Application Introduction
ASTM A588 Grade K is designed for load-bearing structures exposed to the atmosphere, where the natural rust-like patina provides ongoing protection. It can be used in unpainted condition if properly detailed for drainage and ventilation. Typical industries and applications include:
Product Applications: Steel coils, plates, and sheets for fabrication, Structural beams, channels, angles, and hollow sections, Welded bridge girders and box sections, Pre-engineered building frames, Corrugated roofing and wall panels, Pipes and tubes for outdoor applications
Processed into products: Bridge main girders, cross beams, and stiffeners, Tower mast sections and cross arms, Crane rails and runway beams, Wind turbine tower shells, Architectural facade panels and sunshades, Lighting columns and sign brackets, Railcar underframes and body panels
Application industries: Bridge construction (highway and pedestrian bridges), Building and civil structures (stadiums, exhibition halls, open-air facilities), Energy transmission towers and poles, Railway infrastructure (carriages, gantries), Highway equipment (guardrails, sign supports, lighting poles), Shipbuilding and container manufacturing, Architectural cladding and landscape structures
ASTM A588 Grade K Weathering Steel Coil Similar / Alternative Material Recommendations
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A588/A588M | Grade A, B, C | Other grades within same standard; slight differences in alloy content |
| USA | ASTM A242 | Type 1 | Earlier weathering steel standard; lower strength but excellent corrosion resistance |
| Europe | EN 10025-5 | S355J2W, S355J0W | Weathering steels with different impact test requirements |
| International | COR-TEN B | – | Proprietary grade with equivalent composition and properties |
| Russia | GOST 27772 | C345 | Structural steel with atmospheric corrosion resistance |
Notes:
- Welding consumables should match the weathering characteristics, e.g., flux-cored wires conforming to AWS A5.29 E81T1-W or covered electrodes E8018-W.
- Preheating is rarely required due to low carbon equivalent, but may be considered for thick sections in cold environments.
- For unpainted applications, design details must eliminate water traps and ensure rapid drying; contact with dissimilar metals should be avoided to prevent galvanic corrosion.
- Supplementary requirements for impact testing (Charpy V-notch) are available under ASTM A6/A6M if needed.
- Share
