ASTM A709 Grade 50W is a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) structural steel specifically designed for use in bridge construction. It is most notable for its weathering capabilities, which allow it to be used in unpainted, bare conditions.
Key Specifications & Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Yield Strength | 50 ksi (345 MPa) |
| Tensile Strength | 65–90 ksi |
| Corrosion Index | ≥ 6.0 (ASTM G101) |
| Key Alloying Elements | Copper, Chromium, Nickel |
Core Characteristics
Weathering Capabilities: When exposed to the atmosphere, it develops a stable, protective oxide layer (patina) that prevents further corrosion.
Maintenance: Because the patina eliminates the need for painting, it significantly reduces long-term maintenance costs for infrastructure.
Durability: It offers substantially better atmospheric corrosion resistance than standard carbon steel, even those with copper additions.
Standard Forms: Available as structural shapes (W-beams, angles), plates, and bars.
Primary Applications
Bridge Infrastructure: Highway bridge girders, railroad bridges, overpasses, and pedestrian bridges.
Solar Industry: Increasingly used for solar panel support posts due to its durability and resistance to outdoor elements.
Load-Bearing Members: Used for critical structural elements like trusses and stiffeners where high strength and corrosion resistance are vital.
Testing & Certification
Charpy V-Notch (CVN): Often requires impact testing to ensure fracture toughness, especially for critical bridge members in various climate zones.
Equivalencies: Frequently dual-certified with AASHTO M270 Grade 50W.
Available Dimensions
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Grade | Thickness | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
50W | 0.1875 - 3.00 | 72 - 120 | 240 - 1200 |
50WT | 0.1875 - 3.00 | 72 - 120 | 240 - 1200 |
50WF | 0.1875 - 2.50 | 72 - 120 | 240 - 1200 |
Width: Please inquire for plate widths less than 72 in. and over 120 in. Inquire for widths greater than 96 in. for thicknesses less than 0.250 in.
Length: Please inquire for plate lengths greater than the listed maxima. Plate length may be limited by maximum individual plate weight of 66,000 lbs. Plate length maximum of 960 in. for thicknesses less than 7/16 in.
50WF: For plate thicknesses greater than 2.0 inches and up to 2.5 inches, the maximum plate width is 100 inches.
Mechanical Properties
Tensile testing is performed in the transverse direction according to ASTM A370 requirements.
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Grade | Thickness | Yield strength 1) | Tensile strength | Elongation in 2" 2) | Elongation in 8" 2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50W | 0.1875 - 3.00 | 50 | 70 | 21 | 18 |
50WT | 0.1875 - 3.00 | 50 | 70 | 21 | 18 |
50WF | 0.1875 - 2.50 | 50 | 70 | 21 | 18 |
1) Yield strength measured as 0.2% offset or 0.5% extension under load.
2) For plates wider than 24 in, the elongation requirement is reduced by two percentage points. See elongation requirement adjustments in the Tension Test section of Specification ASTM A6.
Impact Properties
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Grade | Thickness | Min Longitudinal Average Energy 1) | Min Longitudinal Individual Value (ft-lbs) | Zone 1 Test Temp | Zone 2 Test Temp | Zone 3 Test Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50WT | 0.1875 - 2.00 | 15 | - | 70 oF | 40 oF | 10 oF |
50WT | 2.01 - 3.00 | 20 | - | 70 oF | 40 oF | 10 oF |
50WF | 0.1875 - 2.00 | 25 | 20 | 70 oF | 40 oF | 10 oF |
50WF | 2.01 - 2.50 | 30 | 24 | 70 oF | 40 oF | 10 oF |
1) CVN impact testing in accordance with ASTM A673.
Please inquire for orders requiring CVN impact testing.
Chemical Composition
(Heat Analysis, wt. %, maximum unless noted)
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Type | Thickness (in) | C | Mn | P | S | Si | V | Cr | Ni | Cu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | 0.1875 - 2.00 | 0.19 | 0.80 - 1.25 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.30 - 0.65 | 0.02 - 0.10 | 0.40 - 0.65 | 0.40 | 0.25 - 0.40 |
B | 2.00 - 3.00 | 0.20 | 0.75 - 1.35 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.15 - 0.50 | 0.01 - 0.10 | 0.40 - 0.70 | 0.50 | 0.20 - 0.40 |
Carbon: For each reduction of 0.01% below the specified carbon maximum, an increase of 0.06% manganese above the specified maximum is permitted up to a maximum of 1.60%.
Type B: SSAB only offers Type B for plate thicknesses greater than 2.00 inches to 3.00 inches.
1. What is A709 Grade 50W steel used for?
It is specifically designed for unpainted bridge construction and other exposed structures, where its weathering properties form a protective rust patina to resist atmospheric corrosion.
2. What does the "W" stand for in A709 Grade 50W?
The "W" indicates that it is a weathering steel formulation, designed to develop a protective oxide patina when exposed to the atmosphere.
3. What is the yield strength of A709 Grade 50W?
The minimum yield strength is 50 ksi (345 MPa) for material thicknesses up to 4 inches (100 mm), with reduced strength for thicker sections.
4. How is A709 Grade 50W different from A709 Grade 50?
Grade 50 is a standard steel that requires protective coating, while Grade 50W is a weathering steel designed to be used bare (unpainted) in suitable environments.
5. Is A709 Grade 50W weldable?
Yes, but it requires specific weathering-type filler metals (e.g., E70xx-W series) and proper procedures to maintain the corrosion resistance of the weld zone.
6. What are the corrosion resistance properties of A709 Grade 50W?
It offers approximately 4-6 times better atmospheric corrosion resistance than plain carbon steel, forming a stable, self-protecting patina.
7. Can A709 Grade 50W be used in coastal environments?
It can be used, but performance may be compromised in severe coastal (high-chloride) splash zones. Careful design and environmental assessment are required.
8. What is the European equivalent of A709 Grade 50W?
The closest equivalent is weathering steel grade S355J0WP or S355J2WP according to EN 10025-5, though the A709 standard includes specific bridge requirements.
9. What are the Charpy impact requirements for A709 Grade 50W?
Like all A709 grades, it requires Charpy V-notch impact testing per specified temperature zones (e.g., Zone 2: 20 ft-lb at 40°F/4°C).
10. Why choose A709 Grade 50W over A588 Grade B for a bridge?
A709 Grade 50W is produced to the stricter AASHTO bridge certification standard (A709/AASHTO M 270), including mandatory toughness testing, making it the preferred choice for code-regulated bridge projects.
Full specification and details are available on request. The above information is provided for guidance purposes only. For specific design requirements please contact our technical sales staff.
