Heavy W24 Sections in A992 Material
W24x162 and W24x176 are heavy inch-series wide-flange beams with a nominal depth of about 24 in. [610 mm] and masses of 162 and 176 lb/ft, equal to roughly 241 and 262 kg/m. Their metric designations are W610x241 and W610x262. Both are supplied as standard rolled shapes to ASTM A992/A992M, the specification written specifically for structural shapes, and they are used where a single rolled member has to carry a very large moment and shear, for example in high-rise floor framing, transfer structures, bridge girders and heavily loaded equipment platforms.
Nominal Dimensions
The values below are the nominal dimensions of ASTM A6/A6M and are used for design and for weight-based purchasing.
| Designation | Depth, in [mm] | Flange width, in [mm] | Web thickness, in [mm] | Flange thickness, in [mm] | Mass, lb/ft [kg/m] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W24x162 | 25.00 [635] | 13.00 [330] | 0.705 [17.9] | 1.220 [31.0] | 162 [241] |
| W24x176 | 25.24 [641] | 12.89 [327] | 0.750 [19.1] | 1.340 [34.0] | 176 [262] |
The wide flanges of these sections, at 330 mm and 327 mm, give good lateral stability and provide a broad face for bolted splice plates, while the web thickness of 17.9 mm and 19.1 mm keeps shear capacity high without making the section excessively heavy.
Properties Required by ASTM A992
A992 controls chemistry more tightly than a general plate specification. Heat analysis limits are 0.23% maximum carbon, 0.50 to 1.50% manganese, 0.40% maximum silicon, 0.035% maximum phosphorus, 0.045% maximum sulfur, 0.11% maximum vanadium, 0.05% maximum columbium and 0.15% maximum for the sum of vanadium and columbium. Copper, nickel, chromium and molybdenum are each limited to values that allow a modest amount of residual alloy without affecting weldability, and the carbon equivalent must not exceed 0.45% for shapes with a flange thickness over 2 in. [50 mm]. Mechanical requirements are a yield point of 50 to 65 ksi [345 to 450 MPa], a tensile strength of at least 65 ksi [450 MPa], a yield-to-tensile ratio no greater than 0.85 and a Charpy V-notch energy of at least 20 ft-lbf [27 J] at 70 F [21 C]. The capped yield and the ratio limit give the predictable overstrength that capacity design in seismic framing depends on, and the impact requirement keeps the material suitable for dynamic and cold-weather service.
Welding and Fabrication
With flange thicknesses of 31 mm and 34 mm, these sections require a considered welding procedure. Heat input should be controlled to limit the width of the heat affected zone, preheat should follow the carbon equivalent on the mill certificate, and interpass temperature should be capped to avoid loss of toughness in the coarse-grained region. Thermal cutting of flanges and webs is normal practice and should be followed by grinding where fatigue-sensitive details occur. Because flange thickness exceeds 2 in. on neither shape, sections of this size do not attract the additional carbon equivalent restriction, but they do fall into the group of shapes for which reduced cross-section ratio checks and lateral bracing of the compression flange become important design issues.
Inspection and Documentation
Inspection starts with the mill certificate to EN 10204 3.1, which reports heat analysis, tensile properties, carbon equivalent and Charpy results, followed by dimensional and visual checks at receipt. Depth deviation, flange squareness, web and flange thickness, camber and sweep are verified against ASTM A6/A6M tolerances, and marking should allow each piece to be traced back to its heat. Handling and storage matter more than they do for lighter sections: a 12 m length of W24x176 weighs about 3.1 t, so lifting points and spreader beams must be positioned to avoid local web buckling or permanent sweep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the metric designation of W24x162?
A: W610x241, using the metric depth class of 610 mm and a mass of about 241 kg/m.
Q: What yield strength does A992 guarantee for these beams?
A: A yield point between 50 and 65 ksi [345 and 450 MPa], with a minimum tensile strength of 65 ksi [450 MPa].
Q: Is impact testing mandatory for W24x162 and W24x176?
A: Yes. A992 requires a minimum average Charpy V-notch energy of 20 ft-lbf [27 J] at 70 F [21 C].
Q: Why is the carbon equivalent limited to 0.45% in A992?
A: It keeps heavy sections weldable with practical preheat levels and limits hardening in the heat affected zone for shapes with flange thickness over 2 in. [50 mm].
Q: Can these sections be supplied with a plate specification instead?
A: Rolled shapes are ordered to A992 or to A572 Grade 50, which covers plate, bar and shapes and allows rolled members and welded plate components to be certified under one specification.
Q: How heavy is a 12 m length of W24x176?
A: Approximately 3.1 t, based on 262 kg per metre of nominal mass.