A588 Weathering Steel Plate Standards and Regulations

Weathering steel, or A588 steel, is a form of carbon steel that has been treated with a variety of different chemicals in order to create a corrosion-resistant surface layer. A588 weathering steel is most commonly used in architecture and other construction projects, such as bridges and retaining walls. As a result, it has some very specific requirements and standards that must be met in order to achieve maximum effectiveness.

On the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A588 American National Standards Institute (ANSI) page, five different types of A588 steel are specified: Type A, Type B, Type C, Type K, and Type M. The most common type of A588 steel used is Type A. All of the types are subjected to rigorous tests and must meet the standards set by ASTM International, one of the most authoritative standards-setting groups in the building industry. Type A is further divided into three subtypes, A1, A2, and A3, each defined by its carbon equivalent content, chemical composition, and mechanical properties.

For Type A1, the carbon equivalent content must be as low as 0.19 and as high as 0.25, its maximum mechanical properties must be 150 ksi for tensile strength and 130 ksi for yield strength, and its chemical composition must adhere to a set of detailed requirements. These requirements dictate the maximum percentages that different elements, such as silicon, magnesium, and manganese, can make up in the steel. The standards for Type A2 and A3 are similar to Type A1, with the only difference being a lower carbon equivalent content.

In addition to these specific requirements, all types of A588 weathering steel must adhere to certain rules set forth by the International Building Code (IBC), a set of guidelines established by the International Code Council (ICC) for the design and construction of buildings. For example, the IBC requires special qualifications for specialized construction applications, such as minimum welding procedure and performance qualifications, special inspection requirements, and application of appropriate weathering/exposure factors.

Finally, all A588 steel must meet other regulatory requirements set by the ICC and American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These requirements include minimum design values, loading conditions, and environmental endurance. In order to be considered fully compliant with these standards, A588 steel must be tested and inspected in a standard laboratory environment and certified to meet all of the standards mentioned above. Only then can a manufacturer guarantee that the A588 steel they supply is of the highest quality and can provide the expected performance.