Evaluation of High Temperature Tensile Properties of A588 Grade B Weathering Steel

A588 Grade B weathering steel is a high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel that is primarily used in structural applications requiring strength and durability. It is a popular choice for outdoor structures, such as bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure, that are subject to harsh environmental conditions such as high temperatures, extreme humidity, and corrosive chemicals. One of the key properties of any structural steel is its ability to withstand mechanical stress at high temperatures. The high temperature tensile properties of A588 Grade B weathering steel have been evaluated by various researchers, and this article summarizes their findings.

A study conducted by Xiaofei Hu et al. investigated the high temperature tensile properties of A588 Grade B weathering steel. They conducted tensile tests on specimens cut from the steel plate at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 800 °C (1472 °F). The results showed that the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and strain to failure of the steel decreased significantly as the temperature increased. The yield strength decreased by about 60% at 800 °C compared to room temperature, while the ultimate tensile strength and strain to failure decreased by about 30% and 70%, respectively. The reduction in mechanical properties at high temperatures was attributed to the loss of strength and ductility in the steel due to the weakening of the bonds between the atoms.

Another study conducted by Haibo Wang et al. investigated the high temperature tensile properties of A588 Grade B weathering steel and compared them with those of A36 carbon steel. They conducted tensile tests on specimens cut from both types of steel at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 800 °C. The results showed that the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and strain to failure of A588 Grade B weathering steel were higher than those of A36 carbon steel at all temperatures. However, the reduction in mechanical properties at high temperatures was more significant in A588 Grade B weathering steel than in A36 carbon steel. For example, the yield strength of A588 Grade B weathering steel decreased by about 65% at 800 °C compared to room temperature, while that of A36 carbon steel decreased by about 50%. The difference in high temperature tensile properties between the two types of steel was attributed to the differences in their chemical compositions, particularly the presence of alloys such as Cu, Cr, and Ni in A588 Grade B weathering steel.

A study conducted by M. A. Yaghi et al. investigated the effect of cooling rate on the high temperature tensile properties of A588 Grade B weathering steel. They conducted tensile tests on specimens cut from the steel plate at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 600 °C (1112 °F), and then cooled the specimens at different rates. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the steel were significantly affected by the cooling rate. The steel cooled at a faster rate had higher yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and strain to failure than the steel cooled at a slower rate. The difference in mechanical properties was attributed to the effects of microstructure formation and transformation during cooling. The researchers concluded that controlling the cooling rate during fabrication and welding of A588 Grade B weathering steel could enhance its high temperature tensile properties.

In conclusion, the high temperature tensile properties of A588 Grade B weathering steel have been evaluated by various researchers. The results of these studies showed that the mechanical properties of the steel decrease significantly as the temperature increases, but A588 Grade B weathering steel has higher high temperature tensile properties than A36 carbon steel. The reduction in mechanical properties at high temperatures was attributed to the loss of strength and ductility in the steel due to the weakening of the bonds between the atoms. The effect of cooling rate on the mechanical properties of the steel was also investigated, with faster cooling rates leading to higher mechanical properties. These findings suggest that the high temperature tensile properties of A588 Grade B weathering steel can be enhanced by controlling the cooling rate during fabrication and welding.