ASTM A252 refers to steel pipe piling materials widely applied in construction, structural foundations, and building projects. The specification includes three grades-1, 2, and 3, where Grade 3 is the most commonly used due to its superior strength.
Gnee Supplies ASTM A252 Pipe Piles
We offer pipe piles manufactured to ASTM A252 specifications with the following options:
Grades: 1, 2, and 3
Sizes: Up to 48-inch seamless or welded
Types: Seamless, ERW, LSAW, SSAW, DSAW
Wall Thickness: STD, SCH40, XS, SCH80, XXS, SCH160
Lengths: 6 m, 12 m, or custom lengths
Ends: Plain or beveled
Coatings: FBE, 3PE, galvanized
ASTM A252 Grade 3 – Most Widely Used Piling Pipe
Grade 3 is the most popular pipe piling material. It can be produced in both seamless and welded forms, though welded pipes are more commonly specified because piling projects usually require large diameters.
Tensile strength: 455 MPa (66,000 psi)
Yield strength: 310 MPa (45,000 psi)
Scope of ASTM A252 Standard
ASTM A252 covers welded and seamless round steel pipe piles with nominal wall thickness. Rectangular sections are excluded. These cylindrical pipes serve as structural piles, carrying vertical loads and resisting ground pressure. They are also commonly used as permanent casing for concrete-filled piles.
The standard provides inch-pound units (with SI equivalents), offering engineers reliable data for strength and structural design.
Manufacturing Types of ASTM A252 Pipe Piles
Seamless Pipes
Produced through hot rolling, cold drawing, or thermal expansion.
Welded Pipes
Available in multiple welding methods:
ERW – Electric Resistance Welded
LSAW – Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded
SSAW/DSAW – Spiral Submerged Arc Welded
Chemical Composition & Mechanical Properties
ASTM A252 restricts phosphorus content to a maximum of 0.050%, as excessive phosphorus can make steel brittle and reduce weldability.
Test Methods
Heat Analysis: Phosphorus limits must be included in the mill test certificate.
Product Analysis: Sampling frequency depends on pipe size:
Under 14": 2 samples per 200 pieces
14"–36": 2 samples per 100 pieces
Above 36": 2 samples per 3000 ft
Tensile Test: If no clear yield point is observed, yield strength is determined using a 0.2% offset or 0.5% total extension.
Dimensional & Weight Tolerances
Outside Diameter: ±1%
Wall Thickness: –12.5%
Weight: +15% / –5% from theoretical weight
Lengths: SRL, DRL, fixed 20 ft / 40 ft, or custom
Hydrostatic Testing
Hydrostatic pressure testing is not required for ASTM A252 pipes since piling pipes are typically filled with concrete and are not intended for fluid transmission.
How Steel Pipe Piles Function
Steel pipe piles are used when the surface soil lacks sufficient bearing capacity. The piles transfer structural loads to deeper, more compact soil layers, ensuring long-term foundation stability.
They are especially critical for high-rise buildings, heavy infrastructure, and projects built on constrained land areas where wide spread footings are not feasible. By driving the pile deeper into the ground, the building gains a secure and durable foundation.
