ASTM A252 specifies the requirements for welded steel pipe piles, widely used in building foundations, retaining walls, bridges, and other heavy structures. These steel pipe piles are designed to provide high structural integrity, load-bearing capacity, and durability for construction projects.
Specification of ASTM A252
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A252 |
| Specification | Welded Steel Pipe Piles |
| Type | Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) |
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) | NPS 1 to NPS 24 [DN25 to DN600] or as per customer requirement |
| Outer Diameter (OD) | 1–24 in [33.4–609.6 mm] |
| Wall Thickness | 3–12 mm (custom thickness available) |
| Length | Min 3 m, Max 18 m, or as required |
| Ends | Small sizes plain, large sizes beveled, or as required |
| Surface Treatment | Bare or black varnish |
| Packaging | Bundled for small sizes (<219.1 mm), bulk for large sizes |
| Testing | Chemical composition, heat analysis, product analysis, tensile test, as per customer requirement |
Chemical Composition
ASTM A252 focuses mainly on mechanical properties and structural integrity.
Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.050%
Chemical analysis is performed per ASTM A751, typically using 2 samples from each heat lot.
Mechanical Properties
ASTM A252 steel pipes are divided into Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 based on tensile and yield strength.
| Property | Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength, min | 50,000 psi (345 MPa) | 60,000 psi (415 MPa) | 66,000 psi (455 MPa) |
| Yield Strength, min | 30,000 psi (205 MPa) | 35,000 psi (240 MPa) | 45,000 psi (310 MPa) |
Minimum Elongation by Wall Thickness:
| Wall Thickness | Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/16 in [7.9 mm] | 30% | 25% | 20% |
| 9/32 in [7.1 mm] | 28.5% | 23.75% | 19% |
| 1/4 in [6.4 mm] | 27% | 22.5% | 18% |
| 7/32 in [5.6 mm] | 25.5% | 21.25% | 17% |
| 3/16 in [4.8 mm] | 24% | 20% | 16% |
| 11/64 in [4.4 mm] | 23.25% | 19.5% | 15.5% |
| 5/32 in [4.0 mm] | 22.5% | 18.75% | 15% |
| 9/64 in [3.6 mm] | 21.75% | 18.25% | 14.5% |
| 1/8 in [3.2 mm] | 21% | 17.5% | 14% |
| 7/64 in [2.8 mm] | 20.25% | 16.75% | 13.5% |
Permissible Variations
| Parameter | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Unit Weight | +15%, -5% |
| Outside Diameter | ±1% |
| Wall Thickness | ±12.5% |
Each pipe length must be weighed separately, and dimensions must stay within tolerances to ensure structural reliability.
Surface imperfections with depth ≤12.5% of nominal wall thickness are acceptable, repairable by grinding or filing.
Products Applications
ASTM A252 steel pipe piles are ideal for foundations of tall buildings, bridges, retaining walls, and other heavy structures. Key features include:
Load-bearing cylindrical design for supporting large structures
Durable and tough material to resist bending or breaking under load
Stabilizes foundations for retaining walls and infrastructure
Suitable for deep piling and large-diameter applications, ensuring stability and compliance with international quality standards
Pipe Lengths and Ends
Lengths: Single random (16–25 ft), Double random (>25 ft, average ≥35 ft), or Uniform (custom)
Ends: Plain or beveled (30°–35°), flame-cut or machine-cut
Coatings and Finishes
FBE (Fusion Bonded Epoxy)
3PE (Three-Layer Polyethylene)
Galvanized
Testing Requirements
Tension Test: Longitudinal or transverse specimens, gauge length 2 in
Heat Analysis: Limits on P, results reported in MTC
Hydrostatic Test: Not required
Diameter & Surface Checks: Must stay within specified tolerances
