This specification covers carbon and high-strength steel shapes of structural quality manufactured by the electric resistance forge-welding process from coils. The specimens shall be established by the steel supplier, shape manufacturer, and shape purchaser of the materials. Specimens shall conform to the required chemical compositions of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur and silicon. Specimens shall undergo tension tests, peel tests and tee tension tests and shall conform to the required values of tensile strength, yield point, and elongation.

1.1 This specification covers carbon and high-strength steel shapes of structural quality manufactured by the electric-resistance forge-welding process from coils.

1.2 The size range covered is described in nominal dimensions for columns, beams, and tees.

Size Range, in. (mm)

Web thickness

0.060 to 0.500 [1.5 to 12.7]

Flange thickness

0.060 to 0.500 [1.5 to 12.7]

Overall depth

2.00 to 24.00 [50 to 600]

Flange width

0.50 to 12.00 [12.7 to 300]

1.3 These shapes are intended for two classes of application:

1.3.1 Class 1—General structural use where static loading predominates.

1.3.2 Class 2—Structural use where fatigue loading occurs and is a principal design consideration.  

Note 1: Caution—Because of the absence of smooth, integral, large radius fillets at the junctions of the webs and the flanges (see Fig. 1), fatigue limits of resistance forge-welded shapes in torsion, lateral loading, and flexure are usually lower than those for hot-rolled shapes of similar size and material. Users should consult shape manufacturers for recommended values of fatigue limits for each specific use, material, and size in cases where dynamic loading is a principal design consideration.

FIG. 1 Appearance of Peel Test Criteria

1.4 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.

1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.6 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 10, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.