Designation: A709/A709M − 13a

Standard Specification for

Structural Steel for Bridges1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A709/A709M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* American Association of State Highway and Transportation

1.1 This specification covers carbon and high-strength low- Officials (AASHTO) requirements for both fracture critical and
alloy steel structural shapes, plates, and bars and quenched and non-fracture critical members.
tempered alloy steel for structural plates intended for use in 1.5 Supplementary requirements are available but shall
bridges. Seven grades are available in four yield strength levels apply only if specified in the purchase order.
as follows: 1.6 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Grade U.S. [SI] Yield Strength, ksi [MPa] are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
36 [250] 36 [250]
50 [345] 50 [345]
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
50S [345S] 50 [345] system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
50W [345W] 50 [345] values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
HPS 50W [HPS 345W] 50 [345]
HPS 70W [HPS 485W] 70 [485] with the standard.
HPS 100W [HPS 690W] 100 [690] 1.7 For structural products produced from coil and fur-
1.1.1 Grades 36 [250], 50 [345], 50S [345S], and 50W nished without heat treatment or with stress relieving only, the
[345W] are also included in Specifications A36/A36M, A572/ additional requirements, including additional testing require-
A572M, A992/A992M, and A588/A588M, respectively. When ments and the reporting of additional test results, of Specifi-
the requirements of Table 8 or Table 9 or the supplementary cation A6/A6M apply.
requirements of this specification are specified, they exceed the
requirements of Specifications A36/A36M, A572/A572M, 2. Referenced Documents
A992/A992M, and A588/A588M.
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
1.1.2 Grades 50W [345W], HPS 50W [HPS 345W], HPS
A6/A6M Specification for General Requirements for Rolled
70W [HPS 485W], and HPS 100W [HPS 690W] have en-
Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
hanced atmospheric corrosion resistance (see 13.1.2). Product
A36/A36M Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
availability is shown in Table 1.
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
1.2 Grade HPS 70W [HPS 485W] or HPS 100W [HPS of Steel Products
690W] shall not be substituted for Grades 36 [250], 50 [345], A572/A572M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy
50S [345S], 50W [345W], or HPS 50W [HPS 345W]. Grade Columbium-Vanadium Structural Steel
50W [345W], or HPS 50W [HPS 345W] shall not be substi- A588/A588M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy
tuted for Grades 36 [250], 50 [345] or 50S [345S] without Structural Steel, up to 50 ksi [345 MPa] Minimum Yield
agreement between the purchaser and the supplier. Point, with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance
1.3 When the steel is to be welded, it is presupposed that a A673/A673M Specification for Sampling Procedure for Im-
welding procedure suitable for the grade of steel and intended pact Testing of Structural Steel
use or service will be utilized. See Appendix X3 of Specifica- A992/A992M Specification for Structural Steel Shapes
tion A6/A6M for information on weldability. G101 Guide for Estimating the Atmospheric Corrosion Re-
sistance of Low-Alloy Steels
1.4 For structural products to be used as tension components
requiring notch toughness testing, standardized requirements 3. Terminology
are provided in this standard, and they are based upon
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2
A01.02 on Structural Steel for Bridges, Buildings, Rolling Stock and Ships. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2013. Published November 2013. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as A709/A709M – 13. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/A0709_A0709M-13A. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 A709/A709M − 13a
TABLE 1 Tensile and Hardness RequirementsA
NOTE 1—Where “. . .” appears in this table, there is no requirement.
Minimum Elongation, %
Yield Point Reduc-
Structural Shape Flange or Yield Tensile Plates and BarsC,E ShapesE
Plate Thickness, tion of
Grade or Leg Strength,B Strength, 8 in. 2 in. 8 in. 2 in.
in. [mm] AreaC,D
Thickness, in. [mm] ksi ksi [MPa] or 200 or 50 or 200 or 50 min, %
[MPa]
mm mm mm mm
36 [250] to 4 [100], incl to 3 in. [75 mm], incl 36 [250] min 58–80 [400–550] 20 23 20 21 ...
over 3 in. [75 mm] 36 [250] min 58 [400] min ... .. 20 19 ...
50 [345] to 4 [100], incl all 50 [345] min 65 [450] min 18 21 18 21F ...
G
50S [345S] all 50–65 65 [450]H min ... ... 18 21
...
[345–450]HI
J
50W [345W] and to 4 [100], incl all 50 [345] min 70 [485] min 18 21 18 21
HPS 50W ...
[HPS 345W]
G B K
HPS 70W to 4 [100], incl 70 [485] min 85–110 [585–760] ... 19 ... ...
...
[HPS 485 W]
G
HPS 100W to 21⁄2 [65], incl 100 [690] minB 110–130 [760–895] ... 18K ... ... L
[HPS 690W]
G B K
over 2 ⁄ to 4
12 90 [620] min 100–130 [690–895] ... 16 ... ... L
[65 to 100], inclM
A
See specimen orientation and preparation subsection in the Tension Tests section of Specification A6/A6M.
B
Measured at 0.2 % offset or 0.5 % extension under load as described in Section 13 of Test Methods A370.
C
Elongation and reduction of area not required to be determined for floor plates.
D
For plates wider than 24 in. [600 mm], the reduction of area requirement, where applicable, is reduced by five percentage points.
E
For plates wider than 24 in. [600 mm], the elongation requirement is reduced by two percentage points. See elongation requirement adjustments in the Tension Tests
section of Specification A6/A6M.
F
Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm: 19 % for shapes with flange thickness over 3 in. [75 mm].
G
Not applicable.
H
The yield to tensile ratio shall be 0.87 or less for shapes that are tested from the web location; for all other shapes, the requirement is 0.85.
I
A maximum yield strength of 70 ksi [480 MPa] is permitted for structural shapes that are required to be tested from the web location.
J
For wide flange shapes with flange thickness over 3 in. [75 mm], elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm of 18 % minimum applies.
K
If measured on the Fig. 3 (Test Methods A370) 11⁄2-in. [40–mm] wide specimen, the elongation is determined in a 2-in. or 50-mm gage length that includes the fracture
and shows the greatest elongation.
L
40 % minimum applies if measured on the Fig 3 (Test Methods A370) 11⁄2-in. [40-mm] wide specimen; 50 % minimum applies if measured on the Fig. 4 (Test Methods
A370) 1⁄2-in. [12.5-mm] round specimen.
M
Not applicable to Fracture Critical Tension Components (see Table 9).

TABLE 2 Grade 36 [250] Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis)

NOTE 1—Where “. . .” appears in this table there is no requirement. The heat analysis for manganese shall be determined and reported as described
in the Heat Analysis section of Specification A6/A6M.
PlatesB BarsB
Product A
Shapes Over ⁄ 34 Over 1 ⁄ to 12 Over 2 ⁄ to 4
12 To ⁄
34 Over ⁄ to34
Thickness, All To 3⁄4 Over 11⁄2 to
in. (mm) to 11⁄2 [20 to 40], 21⁄2 [40 to 65], [65 to 100], [20], 11⁄2 [20 to
[20], incl 4 [100], incl
incl incl incl incl 40], incl

Carbon, max, % 0.26 0.25 0.25 0.26 0.27 0.26 0.27 0.28
Manganese, % ... ... 0.80–1.20 0.80–1.20 0.85–1.20 ... 0.60–0.90 0.60–0.90
Phosphorus, max, % 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04
Sulfur, max, % 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05
Silicon, % 0.40 max 0.40 max 0.40 max 0.15–0.40 0.15–0.40 0.40 max 0.40 max 0.40 max
Copper, min, % when 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
copper steel is specified
A
Manganese content of 0.85 to 1.35 % and silicon content of 0.15 to 0.40 % is required for shapes with flange thickness over 3 in. [75 mm].
B
For each reduction of 0.01 % below the specified carbon maximum, an increase of 0.06 % manganese above the specified maximum will be permitted up to a maximum
of 1.35 %.

3.1.1 fracture critical member—a main load-carrying ten- 3.1.3 non-fracture critical member—a main load-carrying
sion member or tension component of a bending member member whose failure would not be expected to cause collapse
whose failure would be expected to cause collapse of a of a structure or bridge with multiple, redundant load paths.
structure or bridge without multiple, redundant load paths. 3.1.4 non-tension component—a steel member that is not in
3.1.2 main load-carrying member—a steel member de- tension under any design loading.
signed to carry primary design loads, including dead, live, 3.1.5 secondary member—a steel member used for aligning
impact, and other loads. and bracing of main load-carrying members, or for attaching

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 A709/A709M − 13a
TABLE 3 Grade 50 [345] Chemical RequirementsA (Heat Analysis)
Columbium,
SiliconC Vanadium
and Nitrogen
Maximum Carbon, Manganese,B Phosphorus, Sulfur, Plates to Plates Over
Diameter, max, % max, % max, % max, % 11⁄2-in. [40-mm] 11⁄2-in. [40-mm]
Thickness, or Thick, Thick and Shapes
Distance Shapes with flange with flange thickness
Between or leg over 3 in. [75 mm], %
Parallel Faces, thickness
in. [mm] to 3 in. [75 mm]
inclusive, Sheet
Piling, Bars, Zees,
and Rolled
Tees,
max, %
D
4 [100] 0.23 1.35 0.04 0.05 0.40 0.15–0.40
A
Copper when specified shall have a minimum content of 0.20 % by heat analysis (0.18 % by product analysis).
B
Manganese, minimum by heat analysis of 0.80 % (0.75 % by product analysis) shall be required for all plates over 3⁄8 in. [10 mm] in thickness; a minimum of 0.50
% (0.45 % by product analysis) shall be required for plates 3⁄8 in. [10 mm] and less in thickness, and for all other products. The manganese to carbon ratio shall not
be less than 2 to 1. For each reduction of 0.01 percentage point below the specified carbon maximum, an increase of 0.06 percentage point manganese above the
specified maximum is permitted, up to a maximum of 1.60 %.
C
Silicon content in excess of 0.40 % by heat analysis must be negotiated.
D
Alloy content shall be in accordance with Type 1, 2, 3, or 5 and the contents of the applicable elements shall be reported on the test report.
Type Elements Heat Analysis, %
1 Columbium 0.005–0.05A
2 Vanadium 0.01–0.15B
3 Columbium 0.005–0.05A
Vanadium 0.01–0.15B
Columbium plus vanadium 0.02–0.15C
5 Titanium 0.006–0.04
Nitrogen 0.003–0.015
Vanadium 0.06 max
A
Product analysis limits = 0.004 to 0.06 %.
B
Product analysis limits = 0.005 to 0.17 %.
C
Product analysis limits = 0.01 to 0.16 %.

TABLE 4 Grade 50W [345 W] Chemical Requirements (Heat TABLE 5 Grades HPS 50W [HPS 345W] and HPS 70W
Analysis) [HPS 485 W], and HPS 100W [HPS 690W] Chemical Requirements
(Heat Analysis)
NOTE 1—Types A and B are equivalent to Specification A588/A588M,
Grades A and B, respectively. NOTE 1—Where “. . .” appears in this table, there is no requirement.
A
Element Composition, % Composition, %
Type A Type B Grades
Element HPS 50W [HPS Grade
CarbonB 0.19 max 0.20 max 345W], HPS 100W [HPS
ManganeseB 0.80–1.25 0.75–1.35 HPS 70W [HPS 690W]
Phosphorus 0.04 max 0.04 max 485W]
Sulfur 0.05 max 0.05 max Carbon 0.11 max 0.08 max
Silicon 0.30–0.65 0.15–0.50 Manganese
Nickel 0.40 max 0.50 max 2.5 in. [65 mm] and 1.10–1.35 0.95–1.50
Chromium 0.40–0.65 0.40–0.70 under
Copper 0.25–0.40 0.20–0.40 Over 2.5 in. [65 mm] 1.10–1.50 0.95–1.50
Vanadium 0.02–0.10 0.01–0.10 Phosphorus 0.020 max 0.015 max
A SulfurA 0.006 max 0.006 max
Weldability data for these types have been qualified by FHWA for use in bridge
Silicon 0.30–0.50 0.15–0.35
construction.
B Copper 0.25–0.40 0.90–1.20
For each reduction of 0.01 percentage point below the specified maximum for
Nickel 0.25–0.40 0.65–0.90
carbon, an increase of 0.06 percentage point above the specified maximum for
Chromium 0.45–0.70 0.40–0.65
manganese is permitted, up to a maximum of 1.50 %.
Molybdenum 0.02–0.08 0.40–0.65
Vanadium 0.04–0.08 0.04–0.08
Columbium (Niobium) ... 0.01–0.03
utilities, signs, or other items to them, but not to directly Aluminum 0.010–0.040 0.020–0.050
support primary design loads Nitrogen 0.015 max 0.015 max
3.1.6 tension component—a part or element of a fracture A
The steel shall be calcium treated for sulfide shape control.
critical or non-fracture critical member that is in tension under
various design loadings.
4. Ordering Requirements
4.1 In addition to the items listed in the ordering informa- 4.1.1 Type of component (tension or non-tension, fracture
tion section of Specification A6/A6M, the following items critical or non-fracture critical) (see Section 10).
should be considered if applicable: 4.2 Impact testing temperature zone (see Table 7).

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 A709/A709M − 13a
TABLE 6 Grade 50S [345S] Chemical Requirements nitrogen content of not greater than 0.012 % (with or without
(Heat Analysis) the addition of nitrogen-binding elements). The nitrogen con-
Element Composition, % tent need not be reported, regardless of which steelmaking
practice was used.
Carbon, max 0.23
Manganese 0.50 to 1.60A 6.4 For Grades HPS 50W [HPS 345W], HPS 70W [HPS
Silicon, max 0.40 485W], and HPS 100W [HPS 690W], the steel shall be made
Vanadium, max 0.15B
Columbium, max 0.05B using a low-hydrogen practice, such as vacuum degassing
Phosphorus, max 0.035 during steel making; controlled soaking of the ingots, slabs;
Sulfur, max 0.045 controlled slow cooling of the ingots, slabs, or plates, or a
Copper, max 0.60
Nickel, max 0.45 combination thereof.
Chromium, max 0.35
Molybdenum, max 0.15
6.5 For Grade HPS 100W [HPS 690W], the requirements
A
for fine austenitic grain size in Specification A6/A6M shall be
Provided that the ratio of manganese to sulfur is not less than 20 to 1, the
minimum limit for manganese for shapes with flange or leg thickness not met.
exceeding 1 in. [25 mm] shall be 0.30 %.
B
The sum of columbium and vanadium shall not exceed 0.15 %.
6.6 Grades HPS 50W [HPS 345W] and HPS 70W [HPS
485W] shall be furnished in one of the following conditions:
as-rolled, control-rolled, thermo-mechanical control processed
TABLE 7 Relationship Between Impact Testing Temperature (TMCP) with or without accelerated cooling, or quenched and
Zones and Minimum Service Temperature tempered.
Zone Minimum Service Temperature, °F [°C]
7. Heat Treatment
1 0 [−18] 7.1 For quenched and tempered Grades HPS 50W [HPS
2 below 0 to −30 [−18 to −34] 345W] and HPS 70W [HPS 485W], the heat treatment shall be
3 below −30 to −60 [−34 to −51]
performed by the manufacturer and shall consist of heating the
steel to not less than 1650°F [900°C], quenching it in water or
oil, and tempering it at not less than 1100°F [590°C]. The
5. General Requirements for Delivery heat-treating temperatures shall be reported on the test certifi-
5.1 Structural products furnished under this specification cates.
shall conform to the requirements of the current edition of 7.2 For Grade HPS 100W [HPS 690W], the heat treatment
Specification A6/A6M, for the specific structural product shall be performed by the manufacturer and shall consist of
ordered, unless a conflict exists in which case this specification heating the steel to a temperature in the range from 1600 to
shall prevail. 1700°F [870 to 925°C], quenching it in water, and tempering it
5.2 Coils are excluded from qualification to this specifica- at not less than 1050°F [565°C] for a time to be determined by
tion until they are processed into a finished structural product. the manufacturer. The heat-treating temperatures shall be
Structural products produced from coil means structural prod- reported on the test certificates.
ucts that have been cut to individual lengths from a coil. The 8. Chemical Requirements
processor directly controls, or is responsible for, the operations
involved in the processing of a coil into a finished structural 8.1 The heat analysis shall conform to the requirements for
product. Such operations include decoiling, leveling or the specified grade, as given in Tables 2-6.
straightening, hot-forming or cold-forming (if applicable), 8.2 For Grade 50S [345S], in addition to the elements listed
cutting to length, testing, inspection, conditioning, heat treat- in Table 6, test reports shall include, for information, the
ment (if applicable), packaging, marking, loading for shipment, chemical analysis for tin. Where the amount of tin is less than
and certification. 0.02 %, it shall be permissible for the analysis to be reported as
<0.02 %.
NOTE 1—For structural products produced from coil and furnished
without heat treatment or with stress relieving only, two test results are to 8.3 For Grade 50S [345S], the maximum permissible car-
be reported for each qualifying coil. Additional requirements regarding bon equivalent value shall be 0.47 % for structural shapes with
structural products produced from coil are described in Specification
A6/A6M.
flange thickness over 2 in. [50 mm], and 0.45 % for other
structural shapes. The carbon equivalent shall be based on heat
6. Materials and Manufacture analysis. The required chemical analysis as well as the carbon
equivalent shall be reported. The carbon equivalent shall be
6.1 For all Grades, the steel shall be killed.
calculated using the following formula:
6.2 For Grades 50W [345W], HPS 50W [HPS 345W], and
Mn ~ Cr1Mo1V ! ~ Ni1Cu!
HPS 70W [HPS 485W], the steel shall be made to fine grain CE 5 C1 1 1 (1)
6 5 15
practice.
6.3 For Grade 50S [345S], the steelmaking practice used 9. Tensile Requirements
shall be one that produces steel having a nitrogen content not 9.1 The material as represented by test specimens, except as
greater than 0.015 % and includes the addition of one or more specified in 9.2, shall conform to the requirements for tensile
nitrogen-binding elements, or one that produces steel having a properties given in Table 1.

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 A709/A709M − 13a
TABLE 8 Non-Fracture Critical Tension Component Impact Test Requirements
Minimum Average Energy, ft·lbf [J]
Grade Thickness, in. [mm]
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3

36T [250T]A to 4 [100] incl 15 [20] at 70°F [21°C] 15 [20] at 40°F [4°C] 15 [20] at 10°F [−12°C]

50T [345T]A, B , to 2 [50] incl 15 [20] at 70°F [21°C] 15 [20] at 40°F [4°C] 15 [20] at 10°F [−12°C]
50ST [345ST]A, B , over 2 to 4 [50 to 100] incl 20 [27] at 70°F [21°C] 20 [27] at 40°F [4°C] 20 [27] at 10°F [−12°C]
50WT [345WT]A, B

HPS 50WT to 4 [100] incl 20 [27] at 10°F [–12°C] 20 [27] at 10°F [–12°C] 20 [27] at 10°F [–12°C]
[HPS 345WT]A, B

HPS 70WT to 4 [100] incl 25 [34] at –10°F [–23°C] 25 [34] at –10°F [–23°C] 25 [34] at –10°F [–23°C]
[HPS 485WT]C, D

HPS 100WT to 21⁄2 [65] incl 25 [34] at –30°F [−34°C] 25 [34] at –30°F [−34°C] 25 [34] at –30°F [−34°C]
[HPS 690WT]C over 21⁄2 to 4 [65 to 100] incl 35 [48] at –30°F [–34°C] 35 [48] at –30°F [–34°C] 35 [48] at –30°F [–34°C]
A
The CVN-impact testing shall be at “H” frequency in accordance with Specification A673/A673M.
B
If the yield point of the structural product exceeds 65 ksi [450 MPa], the testing temperature for the minimum average energy required shall be reduced by 15°F [8°C]
for each increment of 10 ksi [70 MPa] above 65 ksi [450 MPa]. The yield point is the value given in the test report.
C
The CVN-impact testing shall be at “P” frequency in accordance with Specification A673/A673M.
D
If the yield strength of the structural product exceeds 85 ksi [585 MPa], the testing temperature for the minimum average energy required shall be reduced by 15°F [8°C]
for each increment of 10 ksi [70 MPa] above 85 ksi [585 MPa]. The yield strength is the value given in the test report.

TABLE 9 Fracture Critical Tension Component Impact Test Requirements

Minimum
Test Minimum Average EnergyA , ft·lbf [J]
Thickness, in.
Grade Value
[mm]
Energy,A Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3
ft-lbf [J]

36F [250F] to 4 [100], incl 20 [27] 25 [34] at 70°F [21°C] 25 [34] at 40°F [4°C] 25 [34] at 10°F [−12°C]

B B
50F [345F] , 50SF [345SF] , 50WF to 2 [50], incl 20 [27] 25 [34] at 70°F [21°C] 25 [34] at 40°F [4°C] 25 [34] at 10°F [−12°C]
[345WF]B over 2 to 4 24 [33] 30 [41] at 70°F [21°C] 30 [41] at 40°F [4°C] 30 [41] at 10°F [−12°C]
[50 to 100],
incl

HPS 50WF [HPS 345WF]B to 4 [100], incl 24 [33] 30 [41] at 10°F [–12°C] 30 [41] at 10°F [–12°C] 30 [41] at 10°F [−12°C]

HPS 70WF [HPS 485WF]C to 4 [100], incl 28 [38] 35 [48] at –10°F [–23°C] 35 [48] at –10°F [−23°C] 35 [48] at −10°F [−23°C]

HPS 100WF [HPS 690WF] to 21⁄2 [65], incl 28 [38] 35 [48] at –30°F [−34°C] 35 [48] at –30°F [−34°C] 35 [48] at –30°F [–34°C]
D
over 21⁄2 to 4 Not permitted Not permitted Not permitted
[65 to 100],
incl
A
The CVN-impact testing shall be at “P” frequency in accordance with Specification A673/A673M except for plates, for which the sampling shall be as follows:
(1) As-rolled (including control-rolled and TMCP) plates shall be sampled at each end of each plate-as-rolled.
(2) Normalized plates shall be sampled at one end of each plate, as heat treated.
(3) Quenched and tempered plates shall be sampled at each end of each plate, as heat treated.
B
If the yield point of the structural product exceeds 65 ksi [450 MPa], the testing temperature for the minimum average energy and minimum test value energy required
shall be reduced by 15°F [8°C] for each increment of 10 ksi [70 MPa] above 65 ksi [450 MPa]. The yield point is the value given in the test report.
C
If the yield strength of the structural product exceeds 85 ksi [585 MPa], the testing temperature for the minimum average energy and minimum test value energy required
shall be reduced by 15°F [8°C] for each increment of 10 ksi [70 MPa] above 85 ksi [585 MPa]. The yield strength is the value given in the test report.
D
Not applicable.

9.2 For Grade 36 [250], shapes less than 1 in.2 [645 mm2] in dance with Specification A673/A673M and as given in Table 8.
cross section and bars, other than flats, less than 1⁄2 in. [12.5 The test results shall meet the requirements given in Table 8.
mm] in thickness or diameter need not be subjected to tension
tests by the manufacturer. 10.2 Fracture-Critical, F, Tension Components—Structural
products ordered for use as tension components of fracture-
10. Impact Testing Requirements critical members shall be impact tested in accordance with
10.1 Non-Fracture-Critical, T, Tension Components— Specification A673/A673M and as given in Table 9. The test
Structural products ordered for use as tension components of results shall meet the requirements given in Table 9.
non-fracture-critical members shall be impact tested in accor-

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 A709/A709M − 13a
10.3 Steel grades ordered for use without suffix T or F as 13.1.1 Steel grades without suffix provide a level of atmo-
listed in 9.1 and 9.2 do not require impact testing and shall be spheric corrosion resistance typical of carbon or alloy steel
used as non-tension components or secondary members only. without copper.
11. Test Specimens and Number of Tension Tests 13.1.2 The steel for Grades 50W [345W], HPS 50W [HPS
345W], and HPS 70W [HPS 485W] shall have an atmospheric
11.1 For Grades 36 [250], 50 [345], and 50W [345W], and
corrosion resistance index of 6.0 or higher, calculated from the
non-quenched and tempered Grades HPS 50W [HPS 345W]
heat analysis in accordance with Guide G101, Predictive
and HPS 70W [HPS 485W], location and condition, number of
tests, and preparation of test specimens shall meet the require- Method Based on the Data of Larabee and Coburn (see Note
ments of Specification A6/A6M. 3). When properly exposed to the atmosphere, these steels can
be used bare (unpainted) for many applications. The steel for
11.2 The following requirements, which are in addition to Grade HPS 100W [HPS 690W] provides an improved level of
those of Specification A6/A6M, shall apply only to Grade HPS atmospheric corrosion resistance over alloy steel without
100W [HPS 690W] and quenched and tempered Grades HPS
copper.
50W [HPS 345W] and HPS 70W [HPS 485W].
11.2.1 When possible, all test specimens shall be cut from NOTE 3—For methods of estimating the atmospheric corrosion resis-
the plate in its heat-treated condition. If it is necessary to tance of low-alloy steels, see Guide G101. The user is cautioned that the
prepare test specimens from separate pieces, all of these pieces Guide G101 predictive equation (Predictive Method Based on the Data of
Larabee and Coburn) for calculation of an atmospheric corrosion resis-
shall be full thickness, and shall be similarly and simultane-
tance index has only been verified for the composition limits stated in that
ously heat treated with the material. All such separate pieces guide.
shall be of such size that the prepared test specimens are free
of any variation in properties due to edge effects. 14. Marking
11.2.2 After final heat treatment of the plates, one tension
test specimen shall be taken from a corner of each plate as heat 14.1 In addition to the marking requirements of Specifica-
treated. tion A6/A6M, the structural product shall be marked as
follows:
NOTE 2—The term “plate” identifies the “plate as heat treated.”
14.1.1 For Grade 50W [345W], the composition type shall
12. Retests be included.
12.1 Grades 36 [250], 50 [345], 50S [345S], and 50W 14.1.2 For structural products that conform to the require-
[345W], and non-quenched and tempered HPS 50W [HPS ments of 10.1, the letter T and the applicable zone number (1,
345W] and HPS 70W [HPS 485W] shall be retested in 2, or 3) shall follow the grade designation.
accordance with Specification A6/A6M.
14.1.3 For structural products that conform to the require-
12.2 The manufacturer may reheat treat quenched and ments of 10.2, the letter F and the applicable zone number (1,
tempered plates that fail to meet the mechanical property 2, or 3) shall follow the grade designation.
requirements of this specification. All mechanical property
tests shall be repeated when the material is resubmitted for 15. Keywords
inspection.
15.1 alloy; atmospheric corrosion resistance; bars; bridges;
13. Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance carbon; fracture-critical; high-strength; low-alloy; non-fracture
13.1 Steels meeting this specification provide two levels of critical; plates; quenched; shapes; steel; structural steel; tem-
atmospheric corrosion resistance: pered

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

Supplementary requirements shall not apply unless specified in the purchase order or contract.
Standardized supplementary requirements for use at the option of the purchaser are listed in
Specification A6/A6M. Those that are considered suitable for use with this specification are listed by
title:

S8. Ultrasonic Examination S60. Frequency of Tension Tests

S5.1 Refer to S8 of Specification A6/A6M. S60.1 Tension testing that is additional to the tension testing
required by Specification A6/A6M shall be made, as follows:
S32. Single Heat Bundles
S60.1.1 Plate—One tension test shall be made using a test
S32.1 Bundles containing shapes or bars shall be from a
specimen taken from each as-rolled or as-heat treated plate.
single heat of steel.

6
 A709/A709M − 13a
S60.1.2 Structural Shapes—One tension test shall be made shall be taken from each heat of the same bar diameter or
using a test specimen taken from each 5 tons [5 Mg] of material thickness for each furnace charge.
produced on the same mill of the same nominal size, excluding S92. Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance
length, from each heat of steel. For single pieces that weigh
more than 5 tons [5 Mg] individually, each piece shall be S92.1 When specified, the material manufacturer shall sup-
tested. If shapes are heat treated, one test shall be made on ply to the purchaser evidence of atmospheric corrosion resis-
specimens taken from each heat of the same nominal size, tance satisfactory to the purchaser.
S92.2 Refer to S23 of Specification A6/A6M (applicable
excluding length, in each furnace lot.
only to Grades 36 [250] and 50 [345]).
S60.1.3 Bars—One tension test shall be made using a test
specimen taken from each 5 tons [5 Mg] of the same heat and S93. Limitation on Weld Repair (Fracture Critical Mate-
same diameter or thickness if the material is furnished as-rolled rial Only)
or is heat treated in a continuous-type furnace. For material S93.1 Weld repair of the base metal by the material manu-
heat treated in other than a continuous-type furnace, one test facturer or supplier is not permitted.

ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

Standardized supplementary requirements for use at the option of the purchaser are listed in
Specification A6/A6M as follows:

S18. Maximum Tensile Strength (Grades 50 [345],

50S [345S], 50W [345W], and HPS 50W [HPS 345W]).

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A709/A709M – 13) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Oct. 1, 2013.)

(1) Revised Table 3. (2) Revised Section 6.

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A709/A709M – 11) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved May 1, 2013.)

(1) Revised 1.1.1.

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