ASTM A500 Tubes
Depending on the strength requirements of the tube, certain tubing is most suitable for certain applications. ASTM A500 Tubes are often referred to as hollow structural sections. Rectangular sections are commonly used in welded steel frames with multiple directions of loading.
Due to their uniform geometry along two or more cross-sectional axes, square and circular HSS exhibit uniform strength characteristics under multiple-axis loading. Therefore, they are good choices for columns. The resistance to torsion is also excellent.
The flat square surfaces of ASTM A500 Tubes can sometimes enhance the aesthetics of exposed structures. We typically produce to ASTM A500 grade B standards, but we can also produce to ASTM A1085. There is a specification for the outside dimensions (OD) and wall thickness (gauge).
In structural applications, we produce square, rectangle, round, and special-shaped electric resistance welded carbon steel tubing to ASTM specifications ASTM A500 Tubes, Grade B, and Grade C. The grade required depends on the purpose and strength level. The Grade D specification is not met by Valmont tubing.
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.
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.
Specification Of ASTM A500 Tubes
- In accordance with ASTM A500 Tubes, weld seams should not be located within the corner radius of square, rectangle, and other specially shaped tubes.
- The corner radius of square and rectangular tubing shall not exceed three times the tube diameter, according to ASTM A500.
- As per ASTM A500, electric resistance welded tubing is normally provided without removing the inside flash. Please specify at the time of quotation or order placement if flash control is required.
- ASTM A847 specifies high-strength low alloy atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel tubing.
A500 Carbon Steel Structural Tubing Benefits
The ASTM A500 Tubes Structural Tubing offers several advantages that make it highly desirable in structural load bearing applications. Benefits of A500 Carbon Steel Structural Tubing include
A500 Carbon Steel Structural Tubing Specifications & Requirements
According to ASTM A500 Tubes specifications, manufactured carbon steel tubing must meet certain specifications before being sold. You can use th
A500 Carbon Steel Manufacturer Specifications
According to ASTM A500 Tubes flat-rolled steel tubing should be welded using electric-resistance welding. To ensure the structural design strength of the tubing section, longitudinal butt joints of welded tubing shall be welded across their thickness. Inside flash is typically not removed from welded structural steel tubing.
A500 Carbon Steel Material Component Properties
ASTM A500 Tubes structural tubing is only manufactured from materials that match the criteria for carbon steel. The chemical composition for A500 is mostly iron with added carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and copper. Check out the chart below for exact A500 carbon steel chemical specifications.
Chemical Requirements
A500 Carbon Steel Mechanical Properties
The tensile strength of a material is determined by how much stretching stress it can withstand before breaking or failing. The ultimate tensile strength of carbon steel is calculated by dividing its area by its stress, expressed in pounds or tons per square inch. A500’s performance can be measured by its tensile strength. A500 carbon steel’s tensile strength is shown in the chart below.
Tensile Requirements
A500 Carbon Steel Permissible Dimensional Variations for Outside Dimensions
Outside diameter measurements for ASTM A500 Tubes must be made at positions at least 2” (50.8mm) from either end of the tubing.
It is prohibited for round structural tubing with a nominal outside diameter of 1.900″ (48.26mm) or less to vary by more than 0.5%, rounded to the nearest 0.005″ (0.13mm). Nominal ODs of 2″ (50.8mm) and larger cannot vary more than 0.75%, rounded to the nearest 0.005″.
A convexity or concavity allowance must be made when measuring square structural tubing and rectangular structural tubing across flats. The specified dimensions must not exceed the plus/minus allowances shown in the table below.
ASTM A500 Tubes Outside Dimensional Tolerances for Square & Rectangular Steel tubing
When determining outside dimensional tolerances for square and rectangular steel tubing, multiple factors must be taken into account. Below is a chart that shows the exact outside dimensional tolerances for A500 carbon steel.
WALL THICKNESS
The minimum wall thickness at any point of measurement should not be less than 90% of the specified nominal wall thickness. The maximum wall thickness, excluding weld seams, shall not exceed 110% of the nominal wall thickness. The wall thickness of square and rectangular structural tubing must be measured in the center of the flat.
STRAIGHTNESS
For structural tubing, the maximum variation in straightness is 1/8″ times the total length in feet (or 10.4mm times the number of meters).
SIDE SQUARENESS
The adjacent sides of square structural tubing and rectangular structural tubing cannot deviate more than 2° from 90°.
CORNER RADII
The radius of any outside corner of square structural tubing or rectangular structural tubing cannot exceed three times (3x) the specified wall thickness.
TWIST
For square structural tubing and rectangular structural tubing, the tolerances for twist (variation with respect to axial alignment) are shown in the table below.
Twist Tolerances for Square and Rectangular Structural Tubing
Stocked Size Range And Shapes
Square: 0.500″ to 16.000″ with 0.065″ to 0.625″ Wall Thickness
Rectangle: 1.000″ x 0.500″ to 20.000″ x 12.000″ with 0.065″ to 0.625″ Wall Thickness
Round: 0.750″ to 20.000″ O.D. with 0.065″ to 0.625″ Wall Thickness
A500 Advantages
- Excellent weldability
- Good machinability
- Can be cold worked
- Aesthetically pleasing