What is ASTM A500?

ASTM A500 Tubes

ASTM International developed the specification known as ASTM A500, which is recognized worldwide and controls the manufacturing and quality criteria of cold-formed, welded, and seamless corten steel structural tubing. It covers the necessary mechanical and chemical properties of structural tubing used in all sorts of load-bearing and structural applications, including general construction, bridges, and buildings. Many grades (A, B, C) are covered, too, which guarantees that the steel tube will have minimum yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, weldability, and satisfactory dimensions. Following this specification allows producers to be confident that their products are suitable for the kinds of building environments where consistent performance and structural integrity are essential.

Square & Rectangle ASTM A500 Tubes

As a result, we produce ASTM A500 Tubes, rectangle, and special shaped tubing with the following physical properties. Non-round tubing produced to A500 does not require a flattening test.
Grade Yield (min) Tensile (min) Elongation (min)
Grade A 39,000 psi 45,000 psi Determined by wall
Grade B 46,000 psi 58,000 psi Determined by wall
Grade C 50,000 psi 62,000 psi Determined by wall

Round ASTM A500 Tubes

We produce ASTM A500 Tubes in three grades, each with its own physical properties. As part of the A500 specification, round tubing must also undergo a flattening test.
Grade Yield(min) Tensile (min) Elongation (min)
Grade A 33,000 psi 45,000 psi Determined by wall
Grade B 42,000 psi 58,000 psi Determined by wall
Grade C 46,000 psi 62,000 psi Determined by wall

Corten Steel Tube is your premium resource for advanced quality A500 structural carbon steel tubing. Contact us for more information regarding ASTM A500 carbon steel tubes. We will gladly discuss the specific requirements of your next project.

Specification Of ASTM A500 Tubes

According to ASTM A500 requirements, weld seams in square, rectangular and any other type of special shaped tube shall not be located in the corner radius. The corner radius of square and rectangular tubing shall not exceed three times the tube diameter. While ASTM A500 states that electric resistance welded tubing is usually supplied with no removal of the inside flash, if flash control is needed it should be clearly defined at the time of quotation or order. ASTM A847 is used for high-strength, low-alloy, atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel tubing.

Property Details
Standard ASTM A500 / ASME SA500
Available Grades Grade A | Grade B | Grade C | Grade D
Size – ASTM A500 Square Pipes: 10 x 10 mm – 800 x 800 mm
– ASTM A500 Grade B Round Pipes: O.D. 13.7 – 1214 mm
– ASTM A500 GrB Rectangular Pipes: 10 x 20 mm – 400 x 800 mm
End Screwed, Beveled, Threaded, Plain
Type Welded | ERW | Seamless | Fabricated
Length 6 Meter – 12 Meter | Cut to length
Surface Finish Black Phosphating | Hairline | Shot Blasting | Anti Corrosive | Galvanized
A500 Grade B Round Tubing Wall Thickness 1.0 mm – 40 mm
Delivery Condition Annealed & Pickled, Polished, Bright & Annealed, etc.

ASTM A500 Tube Chemical Composition

Tubes made to ASTM A500 have a chemical makeup especially tailored to reach a balance of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance.

Typically, the following limits are called for:

Composition, %
Element Grades A, B and D Grace C
  Heat Analysis Product Analysis Heat Analysis Product Analysis
Carbon, max 0.26 0.30 0.23 0.27
Manganese, max 1.35 1.40
Phosphorus, max 0.035 0.045 0.035 0.045
Sulfur, max 0.035 0.045 0.035 0.045
Copper, when copper steel is specified, min 0.20 0.18 0.20 0.18

The performance of the tube under all conditions—during fabrication, as a structural member, or when exposed to the elements—is made much more reliable because of how consistently those limits are observed and how well the specified elements go together.

Mechanical Properties of ASTM A500 Tubes

Grades A, B, and C of ASTM A500 tubes are available in different structural forms to serve various applications. These grades offer rising degrees of strength and yield, which allows designers and engineers to select materials based on load requirements and application types.

Round Structural Tubing
  Grade A Grade B Grade C Grade D
Tensile strength, mn, ps (MPa) 45 000
(310)
58 000
(400)
62 00
(427)
58 000
(400)
Yield strength, mn, psi (MPa) 33 000
(228)
42 000
(290)
46 000
(317)
36 000
(250)
Elongation in 2 in. (50.8 mm), min, %A 25B 23C 21D 23C
Shaped Structural Tubing
  Grade A Grade B Grade C Grade D
Tensile strength, mn, ps (MPa) 45 000 (310) 58 000 (400) 62 00 (427) 58 000 (400)
Yield strength, mn, psi (MPa) 39 000 (269) 46 000 (317) 50 000 (345) 36 000 (250)
Elongation in 2 in. (50.8 mm), min, %A 25B 23C 21D 23C

Particularly in steel frames and engineered buildings, the mechanical qualities of A500 tubing make it perfect for vital structural elements where strength and long-term performance are absolutely crucial.

Applications of ASTM A500 Corten Steel Tubes

Due to their combination of strength, versatility, and variety of forms, ASTM A500 Corten steel tubes have many applications across numerous fields.

  • Construction: Used for load bearing columns, beams, building frames, and trusses in residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
  • Industrial Equipment: Applied in the manufacture of equipment frames, conveyor systems, racking structures, and automated machinery supports.
  • Infrastructure: Utilized in the development of highway signs, guardrails, utility poles, and pipelines.

For an array of structural and technical tasks requiring not just strength but also a level of precision that can ensure anything from half a century to a century of service, their mix of right wall thickness gives them a constant wall thickness across all shapes, right shape across all cases, and right resistance to twist.

Advantages of Using ASTM A500 Tubes

ASTM A500 tubes are the preferred choice for structural steel projects. Their unique advantages make them so:

  • High Strength to Weight Ratio: Delivers excellent load capacity while minimizing material weight, ideal for efficient and lightweight structural designs.
  • Superior Weldability: The chemical composition ensures smooth, strong welds, which simplifies fabrication and assembly processes.
  • Cost Efficiency: Offers a budget friendly solution without compromising on strength or performance, reducing overall project costs.
  • Versatile Availability: Produced in multiple shapes, sizes, and grades, allowing for maximum design flexibility and structural compatibility.

Taken together, these benefits lead to widespread utilization of ASTM A500 tubes in engineering, building, and infrastructure development all around.

Why Choose Our ASTM A500 Tubes?

Choosing our Corten steel ASTM A500 tubes means investing in quality, performance, and long-term durability. These tubes are engineered for superior strength and atmospheric corrosion resistance, making them ideal for structural and architectural applications exposed to harsh weather. Our ASTM A500 Corten tubes develop a protective patina over time, reducing maintenance and eliminating the need for painting. With precise manufacturing standards, excellent weldability, and customized solutions, our tubes deliver exceptional value and reliability for your construction and design projects.

FAQs for ASTM A588 Corten Steel Plates

ASTM A500 Grade B steel pipe can often replace other standard carbon steel pipes due to comparable mechanical properties.  However, for more demanding applications requiring greater strength, ASTM A500 Grade C pipe, with its higher yield and tensile strength, is the preferred choice.

Galvanized rectangular tubing can be manufactured from either A513 or A500 grade steel, depending on the dimensions. The galvanization process involves hot-dipping the steel into molten zinc.

ASTM A500 comes in different grades, including B and C. Grade B is suitable for various construction methods like welding, riveting, and bolting. Grade C is specified for structural uses where higher strength is essential, boasting a minimum yield strength of 50,000 psi (345 MPa) and a minimum tensile strength of 62,000 psi (427 MPa).

ASTM A500 is also known as A-500 carbon steel tubing is a standard specification for cold-formed welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing in round, square and rectangular shapes. ASTM A500 is the most common specification in North America for Hollow Structural Sections (HSS).

Get in Touch with Our Expert Team

At Corten Steel Tube, we are your trusted supplier of high-quality Corten steel products. With a focus on durability, sustainability, and expert support, we ensure that you get the materials you need, when you need them. Our experienced team is ready to assist you with product selection, customization, and any questions you may have.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for a personalized quote and expert guidance.

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