ASTM A588 steel plate specification

| Thickness | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 5 to 150 mm | 900 to 4800 mm | 3000 to 12000 mm |
| Specification | Cutting | Grade |
| ASTM A588 | flame, waterjet, plasma, laser | Grade A, B, K |
Size chart of corten A588 plate
| Formats | Width | Thickness | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Rolled (Strip Mill) | 48″, 60″, 72″ | 3/16″ – 1/2″ | Any |
| Cut to Length | 84″, 96″ | 3/16″ – 1/2″ | Any |
| Coil | 48″, 60″, 72″, 84″, 96″ | 3/16″ – 1/2″ | Any |
| Discrete (Mill Rolled) | 96″ | 48″, 60″, 72″ | 240″ – 480″ |
A588 steel sheet mechanical properties
| Grade A | CR | MN | P | C | S | SI | NI | CO | V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.40-0.65% | 0.80 – 1.25% | 0.030% | 0.19% | 0.030% | 0.03 – 0.65% | 0.40% | 0.25-0.40% | 0.02-0.10% | |
| Grade B | 0.40-0.70% | 0.75 – 1.35% | 0.030% | 0.20% | 0.030% | 0.15 – 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.20-0.40% | 0.01-0.10% |
A588 steel sheet mechanical properties
| Metric | Imperial | |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength, Yield | 250 MPa | 36,300 PSI |
| Tensile Strength, Ultimate | 400 – 550 MPa | 58,000 – 79,800 PSI |
| Shear Modulus | 79.3 GPa | 11,500 KSI |
| Elongation at Break (in 50 mm) | 23.0% | 23.0% |
| Elongation at Break (in 200 mm) | 20.0% | 20.0% |
| Bulk Modulus (Typical for Steel) | 140 GPa | 20,300 KSI |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 GPa | 29,000 KSI |
| Poissons Ratio | 0.260 | 0.260 |
A588 weathering steel equivalent
| France AFNOR | Europe EN | Germany DIN,WNr | Italy UNI | England BS | China GB | Russia GOST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | S355J2G1W | WTSt 52-3 | Fe 510 D2K1 | WR 50 C | – | – |
The difference between ASTM A588 Grade B steel plate and ASTM A588 Grade A steel plate
Chemical Composition: ASTM A588 Grade A steel plates and Grade B steel plates have differing chemical compositions. Grade A plates contain approximately 0.20–0.55% copper, while Grade B plates have a higher copper content of about 0.25–0.65%.
Additionally, Grade B plates may contain slightly higher levels of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr). These variations impact the plates' corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.
Mechanical Properties: ASTM A588 Grade B steel plate exhibits a yield strength of ≥345–450 MPa and a tensile strength of 485–620 MPa, both exceeding those of Grade A steel plate (yield strength ≥345 MPa, tensile strength 485–620 MPa). This indicates Grade B plates offer superior strength and toughness under heavier loads.
Bending Performance: Due to their higher strength characteristics, ASTM A588 Grade B plates typically require preheating for bending operations involving thicknesses >25mm or tight bend radii. Grade A plates, however, require little or no preheating under the same conditions, making them easier to form.
Applications: ASTM A588 Grade B steel plate, with its higher strength, is typically used in structural applications demanding superior mechanical properties and wind load resistance, such as bridges (spans exceeding 100 meters), high-rise building exteriors, and towers.
ASTM A588 Grade A steel plate is more commonly employed in general structural applications, including warehouses, light-duty structures, and equipment frames.
It is important to note that both ASTM A588 Grade A and Grade B steel plates exhibit excellent corrosion resistance, achieving a weathering resistance index of ≥6.0 in ASTM G101 testing, making them suitable for outdoor or exposed environments.
When selecting steel plate grades, decisions should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the project's load requirements, thickness, bending processes, and environmental conditions, while adhering to relevant standards and specifications.


