American Standard ASTM A252 is the specification for welded and seamless steel pipe piles, widely used in construction and structural projects. The standard includes three grades (1, 2, 3), with Grade 3 being the most commonly used for piling applications due to its superior strength.
Definition
ASTM A252 covers cylindrical steel pipes with nominal wall thickness, excluding rectangular pipes.
These pipes serve as permanent load-bearing members or as shells for cast-in-place concrete piles.
Units are in inch-pound, but can be converted to SI units for engineering purposes.
Chemical Composition
Phosphorus (P) max: 0.050% (higher levels reduce weldability and increase brittleness).
Other elements follow general carbon steel composition.
Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Yield Strength | Tensile Strength | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 205 MPa (30,000 psi) | 345 MPa (50,000 psi) | Wall-dependent |
| 2 | 240 MPa (35,000 psi) | 415 MPa (60,000 psi) | Wall-dependent |
| 3 | 310 MPa (45,000 psi) | 455 MPa (66,000 psi) | Wall-dependent |
Grade 3 is the preferred choice for heavy-duty piling due to its high tensile and yield strength.
Reference Standards
ASTM A370: Mechanical test methods.
ASTM A751: Chemical analysis methods.
ASTM A941: Terminology for steel.
ASTM E29: Use of significant digits for test compliance.
Manufacturing Types
Seamless Pipe Piles
Hot rolled or cold drawn, thermally expanded seamless steel pipes.
Welded Pipe Piles
ERW (Electric Resistance Welded), flash welded, fusion welded, or submerged arc welded (SSAW or LSAW).
Seams can be longitudinal or helical spiral.
Raw Material Production
Produced via open-hearth, basic oxygen, or electric furnace processes.
Pre-Purchase Information
Before ordering ASTM A252 pipe piles, the following should be specified:
Quantity (feet, meters, or number of lengths)
Material grade (1, 2, or 3)
Manufacturing type (seamless or welded; ERW, EFW, LSAW, SSAW)
Pipe size (OD and nominal wall thickness; ASME B36.10 schedule)
Length (SRL, DRL, fixed/customized)
End type (plain or beveled)
Inspection and shipping requirements
Defects Allowance
Surface imperfections >25% of wall thickness = defect.
Imperfections ≤22.5% can be weld-repaired.
Defects must be removed before butt welding.
Testing Requirements
Material Analysis
Heat analysis: Phosphorus limit, reported in MTC.
Product analysis: Sample frequency depends on pipe diameter.
Tensile Test
Must meet grade-specific yield and tensile strengths.
If yield point is ambiguous, test 0.2% offset yield or 0.5% total extension.
Weight & Dimension Tolerances
Weight: +15% / -5% of theoretical
OD: ±1%
Wall thickness: ±12%
Lengths: SRL, DRL, or customized
Note: Hydrostatic testing is not required since ASTM A252 pipes are primarily for piling, not liquid transport.
Products Applications
ASTM A252 pipe piles are widely used in construction projects due to their strength and durability. Typical applications include:
| Application | Typical Pipe Sizes (OD x W/T) | Strength Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buildings & High-Rise Structures | 12" – 36" OD, 0.109" – 0.312" W/T | Grade 3: 66,000 psi tensile, 45,000 psi yield | Can support multi-story building foundations |
| Retaining Walls | 10" – 24" OD, 0.109" – 0.250" W/T | Grade 2 or 3 | Provides lateral support and earth retention |
| Bridges, Docks & Offshore Platforms | 14" – 36" OD, 0.156" – 0.312" W/T | Grade 3 preferred | Corrosion-resistant coatings recommended for marine exposure |
| Industrial & Municipal Infrastructure | 8" – 24" OD, 0.109" – 0.250" W/T | Grade 1 – 3 depending on load | Includes pipelines, foundations, and pump supports |
Advantages with Supporting Data
| Advantage | Details / Data |
|---|---|
| High Strength for Load-Bearing | Grade 3 tensile strength: 455 MPa (66,000 psi), yield strength: 310 MPa (45,000 psi) |
| Weldable for Custom Lengths | Seamless or welded (ERW, SSAW, LSAW); lengths: SRL 16–25 ft, DRL avg 35 ft, max 100 ft for special projects |
| Versatile Manufacturing | Seamless, ERW, SSAW, LSAW; diameters from 6" to 100"+ and wall thickness from 0.109" to 0.312" |
| Corrosion Resistance | Can be coated with FBE/2FBE, 2LPE/3LPE, 2LPP/3LPP; marine-grade coatings extend service life over 50 years |
