This specification covers high-strength low-alloy structural steel shapes, plates, and bars for welded, riveted, or bolted construction intended primarily for use as structural members where savings in weight (mass) or added durability are important. Steel specimens shall be semi-killed or killed. Heat analysis shall be performed wherein steel specimens shall conform to required chemical compositions of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and copper. Atmospheric corrosion resistance shall be estimated for steel specimens. Specimens shall also undergo tension tests and shall conform to specified values of tensile strength, yield point, and elongation.

1.1 This specification covers high-strength low-alloy structural steel shapes, plates, and bars for welded, riveted, or bolted construction intended primarily for use as structural members where savings in weight [mass] or added durability are important. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of the steel in most environments is substantially better than that of carbon structural steels with or without copper addition. When properly exposed to the atmosphere, this steel can be used bare (unpainted) for many applications (see Note 1). This specification is limited to material up to 4 in. [100 mm], inclusive, in thickness.

1.2 When the steel is to be welded, it is presupposed that a welding procedure suitable for the grade of steel and intended use or service will be utilized. See Appendix X3 of Specification A6/A6M for information on weldability.

1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.

1.4 For structural products produced from coil and furnished without heat treatment or with stress relieving only, the additional requirements, including additional testing requirements and the reporting of additional test results, of Specification A6/A6M apply.