What is Spiral Welded Steel Pipe?
Spiral welded steel pipe, also known as SSAW (Spiral Submerged Arc Welded) pipe, is manufactured by rolling a steel strip into a cylindrical shape and welding the edges together along a spiral seam.
Compared with straight-seam welded pipes, SSAW pipes offer flexibility in diameter and thickness, making them ideal for large-diameter piling and structural applications.
Standards
SSAW pipes produced to ASTM A252 comply with the standard specification for welded steel pipe piles used in construction and structural applications.
ASTM A252 Grades: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3
Other applicable standards: API 5L (for oil & gas pipelines)
Dimensions and Tolerances
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Outside Diameter | 219 mm – 3000 mm, ±1% |
| Wall Thickness | 6 mm – 28 mm, min 87.5% of nominal thickness |
| Length | 5.8 m – 12 m |
| Ends | Plain ends or 30° beveled ends, burrs removed |
Products Applications
ASTM A252 SSAW pipe is widely used in construction, structural, and piling projects:
Foundation piling for buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities
Offshore and onshore construction projects
Water, sewage, and drainage pipelines
Heavy industrial plant piping
Mining and dredging operations
Temporary or permanent structural supports
Products Advantages
Cost Efficiency: Large-diameter pipes can be made from narrower steel strips with adjustable spiral angles, reducing raw material waste.
High Pressure-Bearing Capacity: Spiral weld distributes stress evenly, allowing thinner walls without compromising strength.
Excellent Weldability: Hot-rolled coil raw materials have low alloy content, reducing weld cracking risk.
Accurate Geometry: Consistent ovality and verticality ensure precise installation and easy on-site welding.
Coating and Corrosion Protection
To ensure long-term durability, ASTM A252 SSAW pipes can be coated:
Galvanizing: Protects against rust and oxidation
Fusion-Bonded Epoxy (FBE): Suitable for buried or marine environments
Polyethylene or Polyurethane Coatings: For above-ground structures with UV exposure
Packaging and Shipping
Standard export packaging to protect pipes from mechanical damage
Shipping Options:
Containerized sea freight (international)
Bulk sea freight (large orders)
Air freight (urgent delivery)
Land transport (domestic/nearby)
Multimodal transport for maximum efficiency
