1.1 This specification covers carbon steel shapes, plates, and bars of structural quality for use in riveted, bolted, or welded construction of bridges and buildings, and for general structural purposes.

1.2 Supplementary requirements are provided for use where additional testing or additional restrictions are required by the purchaser. Such requirements apply only when specified in the purchase order.

1.3 When the steel is to be welded, a welding procedure suitable for the grade of steel and intended use or service is to be utilized. See Appendix X3 of Specification A 6/A 6M for information on weldability.

1.4 For Group 4 and 5 wide flange shapes for use in tension, it is recommended that the purchaser consider specifying supplementary requirements, such as fine austenitic grain size and Charpy V-notch impact testing.

1.5 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately 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 is to be used independently of the other, without combining values in any way.

1.6 The text of this specification contains notes or footnotes, or both, that provide explanatory material. Such notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, do not contain any mandatory requirements.

1.7 For structural products cut from coiled product, the additional requirements, including additional testing requirements and the reporting of additional test results, of A 6/A 6M apply.