This article provides an in-depth analysis of ASTM A36 steel, covering its standard specifications, mechanical properties (such as yield and tensile strength), and widespread applications in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
What is ASTM A36 standard?
INTRODUCTION TO ASME ASTM AISI A36 STEEL
When discussing material selection for the construction of buildings and bridges, carbon structural steel under the ASTM A36 standard is an indispensable option. This specification, fully named ASTM A36/A36M, covers carbon structural steel shapes, plates, and bars of structural quality for use in riveted, bolted, or welded construction of bridges and buildings. Developed by ASTM International, the standard aims to ensure the steel used meets strict quality and performance criteria.
According to the ASTM A36 specification, heat analysis must be conducted to determine the required chemical composition for elements such as carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, and copper. Furthermore, the ASTM A36/A36M standard mandates that tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation are to be evaluated using a tension test, ensuring they conform to the specified tensile properties.
The ASME SA36 standard, closely related to ASTM A36, often finds its application in the manufacturing of pressure vessels. While ASME SA36 and ASTM A36 are largely interchangeable in many aspects, understanding the subtle differences between them is crucial for material selection in certain construction or manufacturing contexts.
AISI A36 steel, as a commonly used structural steel, meets a wide range of engineering needs, especially in building and bridge projects. Whether designing new modern structures or repairing and reinforcing historical monuments, A36 steel provides a strong and reliable solution.
Understanding the requirements and standards of the ASTM A36/A36M specification is essential when selecting the appropriate structural steel material. It ensures the safety and stability of the structure, as well as its long-term durability under complex environmental and load conditions. Therefore, for engineers, architects, or contractors, delving into and applying the ASTM A36 carbon structural steel specifications is a key step toward ensuring project success.
Related Keyword of ASTM A36 Standard
ASTM A36 Carbon Steel; ASTM A36 Mild Steel; ASTM A36 Low Carbon Steel; ASTM A36 Structural Steel; ASTM A36 Material; ASTM A36 Carbon Structural Steel; CS A36; Construction; Building; Bridges
Chemical Requirements of ASTM A36
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Chemical composition (%, ≤) for shapes
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Standard
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C
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Si
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Mn
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P
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S
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Cu
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ASTM A36/A36M
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0.26
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0.4
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1.03
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0.04
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0.05
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0.2
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A36 is a low carbon steel. Low carbon steels are classified by having less than 0.3% carbon by weight. This allows A36 steel to be easily machined, welded, and formed, making it extremely useful as a general-purpose steel. The low carbon also prevents heat treatment from having much of an effect on A36 steel. A36 steel usually has small amounts of other alloying elements as well, including manganese, sulfur, phosphorus, and silicon. These alloying elements are added to give A36 steel its desired chemical and mechanical properties. Since A36 does not contain large amounts of nickel or chromium, it does not have excellent corrosion resistance.
Physical Properties of ASTM A36
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Physical Properties
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Metric
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Imperial
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Density
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7.85 g/cm3
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0.284 lb/in3
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Mechanical Properties of ASTM A36
A36 steel can have ultimate tensile strengths from 58,000 to 79,800 psi. The exact ultimate tensile strength is determined by a variety of factors such as chemical composition and forming method. A36 is relatively ductile and can elongate to around 20% of its original length when tensile testing. Its ductility and strength also give it excellent impact strength at room temperature.
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Mechanical Properties
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Metric
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Imperial
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Tensile Strength, Ultimate
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400 - 550 MPa
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58000 - 79800 psi
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Tensile Strength, Yield
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250 MPa
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36300 psi
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Elongation at Break (in 200 mm)
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20.00%
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20.00%
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Elongation at Break (in 50 mm)
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23.00%
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23.00%
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Modulus of Elasticity
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200 GPa
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29000 ksi
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Bulk Modulus (typical for steel)
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140 GPa
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20300 ksi
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Poissons Ratio
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0.26
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0.26
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Shear Modulus
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79.3 GPa
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11500 ksi
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Heat Treatment of ASTM A36
Any standard carburizing and hardening methods of AISI 1018 steel is suitable for ASTM A36.
ASTM A36 is subjected to the following processes:
Normalizing at 899°C – 954°C (1650°F-1750°F)
Annealing at 843°C – 871°C(1550°F-1600°F)
Stress relieving at 677°C – 927°C(1250°F-1700°F)
Carburizing at 899°C – 927°C (1650°F-1700°F)
Hardening at 788°C – 816°C(1450°F-1500°F)
Applications of ASTM A36
ASTM A36 steel is a carbon structural steel widely utilized in the fabrication of welded and bolted metal structures for industrial and civil construction, as well as in bridge building. Its excellent weldability and formability make it a favored material for a wide array of engineering and construction projects. Due to its relatively low cost and beneficial mechanical properties, A36 steel finds applications across various industries. It is particularly suited for structural applications, commonly used in bridge construction and frequently selected for buildings due to its high strength and toughness.
The primary applications of A36 steel include:
Construction and Bridge Building: It is used in the bolted, riveted, or welded construction of bridges, buildings, and oil rigs.
Manufacturing and Engineering: Applied in the making of tanks, bins, bearing plates, fixtures, rings, templates, jigs, sprockets, cams, gears, base plates, forgings, ornamental works, stakes, brackets, automotive and agricultural equipment, frames, machinery parts, and more.
Cut Parts: Various components obtained by flame cutting, such as those used in parking garages, walkways, boat landing ramps, and trenches.
Moreover, A36 steel is also utilized for components within the automotive, construction, heavy equipment, and oil and gas industries. The widespread use of this steel underscores its significance and versatility in meeting the demands of modern engineering and construction.
ASTM A36 Fabricated Forms
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Structural And General Use Steel
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Hot-Rolled Steel Coils
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Hot-Rolled Steel Sheets
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Angles
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Special Profiles
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Rectangle Bar
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Square Bar
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Circular Rod
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Steel Shapes Such As Channels, Angles, H-Beams And I-Beams.
Methods of joining ASTM A36
A36 is readily welded by all welding processes. As a result, the most common welding methods for A36 are the cheapest and easiest: shielded metal arc welding (SMAW, or stick welding), gas metal arc welding (GMAW, or MIG welding), and oxyacetylene welding. A36 steel is also commonly bolted and riveted in structural applications. High-strength bolts have largely replaced structural steel rivets. Indeed, the latest steel construction specifications published by AISC (the 15th Edition) no longer covers their installation.
Machining of ASTM A36
The machinability rate of ASTM A36 is estimated to be 72%, and the average surface cutting feed of ASTM A36 is 120 ft/min. Machining of ASTM A36 steel is not as easy as that of AISI 1018 steel.
Welding of ASTM A36
ASTM A36 steel is easy to weld using any type of welding methods, and the welds and joints so formed are of excellent quality.
Benefits of A36 Steel
The machinability, strength and durability of A36 make it ideal for applications that require materials that are relatively light, but strong and durable enough to withstand high stress. These properties are crucial in materials used to construct infrastructure like buildings and bridges, where structural damage and failure could have devastating impacts.
A36 Equivalent Plate Grades
A36 steel is produced to meet standards set by ASTM, whose material standards are widely accepted in projects across the globe. However, some countries may require that structural projects which meets standards set by a different regulatory body. For example, structural projects that require plate falling under EN standards may use S275 in place of A36, as it is generally considered equivalent.
While not exactly equivalent to A36, other structural grades of mild and HSLA steel may also be suitable for use in infrastructure projects, as these grades often have properties similar to A36.
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A 36 Specification
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Equivalent Steel Grades
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ASTM A36
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S235JR, SS400, Q235, ST37-2, S235J2, Q235D
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Supply Range of A36 Steel
Round Bar: 16-300mm diameter, standard length 6-9 meters.
Steel Plate: 14-200mm hot rolled available in stock.
Surface: black surface
Analogues
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China
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Q235D
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European Union
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S235J2
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FAQs About A36 Steel
How does A36 steel’s low carbon content affect its properties?
A36’s low carbon content enhances its machinability and weldability but limits the effectiveness of heat treatment and corrosion resistance.
What are the main applications of A36 plates?
A36 plates are primarily used in structural applications in buildings, bridges, and oil rigs, as well as in automotive and agricultural applications.
How is A36 carbon steel made?
A36 material is made by melting iron ore with coal, burning away impurities, adding alloying elements like manganese and carbon, solidifying into ingots, and then hot rolling.
What are the limitations of A36 carbon steel?
The main limitations include its low strength-to-weight ratio, lower strength compared to 1018 steel, and difficulty in accurately determining its precise carbon content.
Can A36 engineering steel be used in high-stress applications?
Yes, A36’s combination of machinability, strength, and durability makes it ideal for high-stress applications like bridge and building construction.
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