Weathering Steel for Structural Hollow Sections
ASTM A847/A847M covers cold-formed welded and seamless structural tubing. Its application includes buildings, bridges and other structural construction requiring enhanced resistance to atmospheric corrosion. The finished hollow section is the specified product, so its dimensional, material and test requirements apply together. This description of the standard does not establish that every permitted construction is offered: confirm the supplied construction and section in the quotation.
For exposed steelwork, a hollow section contributes to both the load-bearing design and the visible form. The choice between a square post, rectangular frame member and round tube depends on the structural layout, connection details and architectural proportions.
ASTM A847 Tube Supplier, Exporter and Stockist in India
ASC supports ASTM A847 tube purchases for individual fabrication schedules and larger project packages. Our international supply service welcomes enquiries from the USA, UK and Europe, including Germany and the Netherlands, alongside buyers in other export markets.
Fast delivery is a focus of our service. The proposed delivery schedule depends on the section, wall thickness, quantity, availability and destination. Tubes can be packed in bundles or wooden boxes where appropriate, with the packing method agreed for the dimensions and transport arrangements.
Discuss ASTM A847 Structural Tubes SupplyRound, Square and Rectangular ASTM A847 Tubing
Square hollow sections have equal outside dimensions and flat connection faces. They suit engineered posts and framed steelwork where a balanced profile is part of the design. Rectangular hollow sections provide different width and depth dimensions, allowing the member to be oriented to suit the structural and architectural layout.
Round A847 tubing provides a continuous curved profile for columns, bracing and other designed members. Buyers also use the term A847 pipe, but this remains a structural-tubing specification rather than a pressure-pipe rating.
Corten steel square tube and Corten steel rectangular tube are broad commercial descriptions. An ASTM A847 requirement identifies the finished structural-tube specification, while other weathering-tube grades retain their own material requirements.
ASTM A847 Tube Dimensions and Standard Scope
Round sections are measured by outside diameter; square and rectangular sections are measured across their flat faces. ASC quotes the section dimensions, wall thickness and lengths required for the fabrication project.
ASTM A847/A847M-26 states a welded-tube scope of up to 88 in. periphery and 1 in. wall, or independently 2235 mm periphery and 25.4 mm wall. For seamless tubing, the stated figures are 32 in. periphery and 0.500 in. wall, or 813 mm and 12.7 mm.
Periphery is the distance around the section, not its outside diameter. These figures describe the standard’s dimensional scope, not an ASC stock range; other dimensions can meet the specification when its remaining requirements are satisfied. The inch-pound and SI systems are used independently.
ASTM A847 Mechanical Properties
Tensile properties help the engineer assess the material, while section dimensions, connections and the governing design rules determine the member’s capacity. The following requirements are a 2021 specification reference for finished structural tubing.
| Property | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 485 MPa |
| Yield strength | 345 MPa |
| Elongation over a 50 mm gauge length | 19% |
The 19% elongation minimum applies at specified wall thicknesses of 3.0 mm and above; for lighter walls, elongation is agreed with the manufacturer. The reference concerns longitudinal tensile tests on finished round and shaped tubing. The order identifies the applicable standard edition.
A847-21 tensile reference, slide 28 · Wall-thickness qualification
Alloy Composition and Atmospheric-Corrosion Resistance
A847 is a high-strength, low-alloy structural steel specification with chemical-analysis requirements for the material. Its weathering behaviour comes from the steel composition and suitable exposure, not from applying a rust-coloured surface finish.
Heat-specific material records provide the composition of the supplied steel. The specified standard edition and its analysis provisions remain the basis for material acceptance, alongside the finished-tube mechanical and dimensional requirements.
A847 Tubing for Construction and Architectural Fabrication
Building fabricators use hollow sections in designed frames, columns, posts and bracing. A847 provides a weathering-steel option where an exposed member must serve a structural purpose as well as form part of the finished appearance.
Bridge and pedestrian-structure projects can also specify weathering hollow sections. Connection design, weld details and the exposure of both external and internal surfaces matter to the finished structure. Dynamic loading or low-temperature service can require additional toughness testing rather than relying on tensile strength alone.
Architectural metalwork may use square and rectangular sections for visible frames and supports. The required member capacity, drainage and surface protection are determined for the installation; material supply does not replace structural design.
Welding, Drainage and Weathering Performance
Welding procedures must suit the steel and its intended service. Fabricators also need access for weld preparation, inspection and the specified connection details. Any project-specific toughness or additional testing requirements can be included in the material enquiry.
Alternating wet and dry exposure supports the development of a protective patina. Persistent dampness, debris traps and significant chloride exposure require particular attention. Hollow-section detailing should address water entry, drainage and ventilation wherever moisture could remain inside the member.
Weathering steel can be used unpainted in suitable applications, but its appearance develops gradually. Runoff can stain adjacent surfaces, and the design may still require coatings or other protection. A planned inspection and maintenance approach remains important.
Material Documentation and Delivery Requirements
ASC can discuss the required material test documentation, heat identification and inspection requirements with the ASTM A847 supply offer. The order can identify any supplementary tests, surface-protection requirements or special packing needed by the project.
For fabrication packages, documentation should correspond to the supplied hollow sections and their material specification. Agreed marking and packing help keep the different sections identifiable through handling and delivery.
ASTM A847 Structural Tube FAQs
What is ASTM A847 tubing used for?
ASTM A847 is specified for structural construction requiring high strength and improved atmospheric-corrosion resistance. Typical design contexts include building frames, posts, bridge members and exposed architectural steelwork. The section and connections must suit the structural design.
Which ASTM A847 tube shapes can ASC supply?
ASC handles round, square and rectangular ASTM A847 structural-tube requirements. The specific dimensions, wall thickness, lengths and availability are confirmed with the quotation. Special tubular shapes fall within the standard, but a special profile requires a separate supply assessment.
Does ASTM A847 cover welded and seamless tubing?
Yes. The specification covers cold-formed welded and seamless structural tubing, with different stated dimensional scope figures for each. The construction offered for a particular section is identified in the quotation; the specification’s scope is not a stock schedule.
How does ASTM A847 differ from ASTM A500?
A847 includes enhanced atmospheric-corrosion-resistance requirements for weathering structural tubing. A500 covers carbon structural tubing with grade-dependent properties. A matching shape or similar strength value does not make the two specifications interchangeable.
Is ASTM A847 suitable for pressure or economizer tubes?
A847 is a structural-tubing specification, not a pressure-service approval. Industrial pressure-containing or economizer tube requirements belong to the applicable equipment and tube specification, such as the separate ASTM A423 product family.
What strength and elongation figures apply to A847 tubing?
The A847/A847M-21 reference gives minimum tensile strength of 485 MPa and yield strength of 345 MPa. Minimum elongation is 19% over a 50 mm gauge length at specified walls of 3.0 mm and above; lighter-wall elongation is agreed with the manufacturer. The order identifies the applicable standard edition.
Can ASTM A847 tubing be left unpainted outdoors?
It can be used unpainted where exposure and detailing support weathering performance. Drainage, internal moisture, salt exposure and runoff staining need consideration. Low-temperature or dynamically loaded structures may also require additional toughness tests, independently of the corrosion assessment.
Does ASC arrange international supply and packing for A847 tubes?
Yes. ASC is an exporter of ASTM A847 structural tubes and offers bundles or wooden boxes where appropriate. Required material documents and project-specific inspection can be discussed with the offer. Delivery timing is confirmed for the actual section, quantity, availability and destination.