A36 steel

A36 steel is a standard steel alloy which is a common structural steel used in the United States.

The A36 standard was established by the standards organization ASTM International.

Properties

As with most steels, A36 has a density 7.8 times that of water. A36 steel in plates, bars, and shapes with a thickness of less than 8 inches (203 mm) has a minimum yield strength of 36 ksi (36,000 psi or 248 MPa), and ultimate tensile strength of 58-80 ksi (400-550 MPa). Plates thicker than 8 inches have 32 ksi yield strength and 58-80 ksi ultimate tensile strength.

A36 is a standard carbon steel, without advanced alloying.

Usage

Fabricated forms

A36 is produced in a wide variety of forms, including:

• Plate
• Structural Shapes
• Pipe
• Bar
• Sheet

For more information, see Structural steel.

Methods of joining

A36 is readily welded by nearly all welding processes. The most commonly used for A36 are the cheapest and easiest - shielded metal arc welding, (SMAW) (otherwise known as stick welding), gas metal arc welding (otherwise known as MIG welding for Metal Inert Gas), and oxyacetylene welding for non-electric methods.

A36 steel is also commonly bolted and riveted in structural applications.

References

See also

• Structural steel