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ASTM A36 Carbon Structural Steel

ASTM A36 steel is a commonly used low-carbon steel primarily utilized in construction and manufacturing. Its chemical composition includes small amounts of carbon, manganese, and other elements, providing good weldability and plasticity, making it easy to process and shape.

ASTM A36 Carbon Structual Steel Plate

High quality ASTM A36 steel

SSM offers ASTM A36 steel, which is commonly used in construction for structures like bridges, buildings, towers, and general structural engineering due to its excellent machinability and weldability. However, ASTM A36 steel lacks inherent corrosion resistance, so it typically needs galvanization or other protective treatments when utilized in humid or corrosive environments. Let’s delve into more details about ASTM A36 steel.

  • ASTM A36 Plate
  • ASTM A36 Bar

ASTM A36 steel Chemical Requirements

ProductShapesA PlatesBBarsB
Thickness,in.[mm]AllTo 3/4
[20],
incl
  Over 3/4
   to 11/2
[20 to 40],
    incl
Over 11/2
to 21/2
[40 to 65],
incl
   Over 21/2
    to 4
[65 to 100],
    incl
Over 4
[100]
To 3/4
[20],
incl
  Over 3/4
   to 11/2
[20 to 40],
    incl
Over 11/2
to 4
[100],
incl
Over 4
[100]
Carbon,max,%0.26 0.25 0.25 0.26   0.27 0.29 0.26 0.27  0.28  0.29 
Manganese,%0.80-1.200.80-1.20  0.85-1.200.85-1.200.60-0.90 0.60-0.90 0.60-0.90
Phosphorus,max,%0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04   0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04  0.04  0.04 
Sulfur,max,%0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05   0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05  0.05  0.05 
Silicon,%0.40 max0.40 max  0.40 max0.15-0.40  0.15-0.400.15-0.400.40 max0.40 max0.40 max 0.40 max
Copper,min,%when cop-
per steel is specified
0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20   0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20  0.20  0.20 
AManganese content of 0.85–1.35 % and silicon content of 0.15–0.40 % is required for shapes with flange thickness over 3 in. [75 mm].
BFor each reduction of 0.01 percentage point below the specified carbon maximum, an increase of 0.06 percentage point manganese above the specified maximum will be permitted, up to the maximum of 1.35 %.

ASTM A36 steel Tensile Requirements

Tensile RequirementsA 
Plates,Shapes,B  and  Bars:
Tensile  strength,ksi  [MPa]58-80   [400-550]
Yield   point,min,ksi   [MPa]36 [250]C
Plates and BarsD,E:
Elongation  in  8  in.[200  mm],min,%20 
Elongation  in  2  in.[50  mm],min,%23 
Shapes:
Elongation  in  8  in.[200  mm],min,%20 
Elongation  in  2  in.[50  mm],min,%21B
A See the Orientation subsection inthe Tension Tests section of Specification A 6/A 6M.
B For wide flange shapes with flange thickness over 3 in. [75 mm], the 80 ksi [550MPa] maximum tensile strength does not apply and a minimum elongation in 2 in.[50 mm] of 19 % applies.
C Yield point 32 ksi [220 MPa] for plates over 8 in. [200 mm] in thickness.
D Elongation not required to be determined for floor plate.
E For plates wider than 24 in. [600 mm], the elongation requirement is reduced two percentage points. See the Elongation Requirement Adjustments subsection under the Tension Tests section of Specification A 6/A 6M.

Advantages and Disadvantages of ASTM A36 Steel

Advantages:

Good Weldability: ASTM A36 steel is easy to weld and suitable for various welding processes.
Machinability: It has good plasticity, making it easy to cut and shape.
Cost-Effectiveness: Its relatively low cost makes it widely used in construction and manufacturing.
Moderate Strength: It is suitable for structures that bear medium loads.

Disadvantages:

Poor Corrosion Resistance: Lacking rust-resistant alloys, it can easily rust in moist or corrosive environments.
Limited Low-Temperature Performance: Its toughness may decrease under low-temperature conditions, affecting performance.
Relatively Low Strength: It is unsuitable for applications requiring high strength or special properties.

Equivalent Standards and Grades to ASTM A36 Steel

StandardGradeRegionYield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
ASTM A36A36International≥ 250400-550
EN 10025-2S235JREurope≥ 235360-510
JIS G3101SS400Japan≥ 245400-510
DIN 17100St37-2Germany≥ 235360-510
GB/T 700Q235China≥ 235370-500
IS 2062E250 (Fe 410)India≥ 250410-530

If you want to know more about ASTM A36, please download and view ASTM A36

Physical Properties of ASTM A36 Steel

Density7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³)
Melting PointApproximately 1,425-1,538°C (2,600-2,800°F)
Thermal Conductivity51.9 W/m·K at 20°C (300 BTU in/ft²·hr·°F at 68°F)
Specific Heat Capacity486 J/kg·K (0.116 BTU/lb·°F)
Electrical Resistivity0.0000159 Ω·m at 20°C
Poisson’s Ratio0.26
Modulus of Elasticity200 GPa (29,000 ksi)
Shear ModulusApproximately 79.3 GPa (11,500 ksi)
Hardness  
Brinell Hardness (HB)Typical Value: 119-159 HB
Rockwell Hardness (HRB)Typical Value: 67-83 HRB

Applications of A36 Steel

uses of astm 106 pipes

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