Introduction to ASTM A588 Grade A Steel Plates - Knowledge

ASTM A588 Grade A is a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) structural steel known for its superior atmospheric corrosion resistance, often referred to as weathering steel. When properly exposed to the atmosphere, it forms a protective, rust-like patina that eliminates the need for painting in many applications.

Specification of ASTM A588 Corten Steel:

Corten Steel Coil: Thickness: 0.5mm-16mm; Width: 300mm-2000mm
Corten Steel Plate/Sheet: Thickness: 1.5mm-60mm ;Width: 1000mm, 1175mm, 1220mm, 1250mm, 1500mm, 2000mm or as required; Length: 2000mmm,2500mm,3000mmm,5800mm, 6000mm or as required.

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A588/A588M TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis)
NOTE I--Where ".."appears in this table, there is no requirement
	Composition,%
Element	Grade A	Grade B	Grade K
CarbonA	0.19 max	0.20 max	0.17 max
ManganeseA	0.80-1.25	0.75-1.35	0.50-1.20
PhosphorusC	0.030 max	0.030 max	0.030 max
SulfurC	0.030 max	0.030 max	0.030 max
Silicon	0.30-0.65	0.15-0.50	0.25-0.50
Nickel	0.40 max	0.50 max	0.40 max
Chromium	0.40-0.65	0.40-0.70	0.40-0.70
Molybdenum	...	...	0.10 max
Copper	0.25-0.40	0.20-0.40	0.30-0.50
Vanadium	0.02-0.10	0.01-0.10	...
Columbium	...	...	0.005-0.05B
A For each reduction of 0.01 percentage point below the specified maximum forcarbon, an increase of 0.06 percentage point above the specified maximum formanganese is permitted, up to a maximum of 1.50 %. B For plates under ½ in. [13 mm] in thickness, the minimum columbium is waived. CA maximum phosphorus content of 0.04 % and a maximum sulfur content of 0.05% are permitted for the following materials: •Structural shapes •Bars •Plates with widths up to and including 15 in. [380 mm]

A588/A588M TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements A
NOTE I--Where ".."appears in this table, there is no requirement
	Plates and Bars			Structural Shapes
	For Thick nesses	For Thick nesses	For Thick nesses	All
	4 in.[100mm] and Under	Over 4 in.[100mm] to 5 in.[125mm] incl	Over 5 in.[125mm] to 8 in.[200mm] incl	All
Tensile strength,min,ksi (MPa)	70[485]	67[460]	63[435]	70[485]
Yield point,min,ksi [MPa]	50[345]	46[315]	42[290]	50[345]
Elongation in 8 in.[200 mm].min.%	18B,C	…	…	18C
Elongation in 2 in.[50 mm].min,%	21B,C	21B,C	21B,C	21D
ASee specimen orientation under the Tension Tests section of SpecificationA6/A6M. B Elongation not required to be determined for floor plate. C For plates wider than 24 in. [600 mm], the elongation requirement is reduced two percentage points. See elongation requirement adjustments in the Tension Tests section of Specification A6/A6M. D For wide flange shapes with flange thickness over 3 in. (75 mm], elongation in 2in.[50 mm] of 18 % minimum applies.

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Key Characteristics

Corrosion Resistance: A588 Grade A steel is significantly more resistant to atmospheric corrosion than common carbon steels like A36 or A572 Grade 50, due to specific alloying elements, primarily copper, chromium, and nickel.
High Strength: It offers a high minimum yield strength of 50 ksi (345 MPa) and a minimum tensile strength of 70 ksi (485 MPa) for plates up to 4 inches thick, allowing for lighter structural designs.
Aesthetics: The natural oxidation process creates a distinctive and aesthetically pleasing reddish-brown appearance, making it popular in architectural applications.

Typical Applications

ASTM A588 Grade A is primarily used in welded bridges and buildings but is suitable for various outdoor structures where reduced maintenance costs and long durability are important.

Bridges and overpasses
Building facades and structural frames
Rail cars and transmission towers
Highway poles and guard rails
Tanks and containers

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FAQ

01.What is grade A588 steel?

A588 is a type of weathering steel that's renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance. With its unique ability to form a protective rust-like surface, it eliminates the need for additional coatings, reducing maintenance costs.

02.What is the ASTM A588 Grade A equivalent to?

What is ASTM A588 grade A equivalent to? International standards for structural steel equivalent to ASTM A588 grade a are: EN 10025-5: S355J0WP. JIS G3125: SPA-H.

03.What is the difference between A36 and A588?

A588 generally has higher strength than A36. Corrosion Resistance: The A36 is not designed to be corrosion resistant and surface corrosion will often occur when exposed to atmospheric conditions. However, A588 is a weathering steel with enhanced corrosion resistance.

04.Can A588 steel be galvanized?

Weathering steel can be galvanized successfully and is considered for applications such as bridges, transmission towers, lamp standards, and pole-line hardware.

05.Can you weld A588 steel?

Typical tensile strength of based metal (weathering steel) is 68-78 KSI. We advise only welding A606-4 or A588 together. Welding A606-4 or A588 to other metals can lead to a dissimilar metal reaction.

Company profile

Founded in 2008, Gnee (Tianjin) Supply Chain Group Co., Ltd. We handle all kinds of Corten engineering projects, such as bridges, gardens, hotels, and facade systems.

With 8 subsidiaries located in Anyang, Zhengzhou, Tianjin, Hong Kong, Singapore, Belarus, the United States, and Georgia, Gnee serves clients in over 200 countries and regions worldwide.

As a global leader in trade and supply chain solutions, Gnee Group has developed a mature Corten steel business, specializing in high-quality Corten steel plates, pipes, structural steel, and a wide range of fabricated products.

Backed by decades of international trade experience, Gnee is committed to delivering innovative, reliable, and tailored Corten steel solutions under our proprietary brand "Gnee Corten", integrating design, manufacturing, and logistics services to meet the diverse needs of customers worldwide.