ASTM A588 covers high strength, low-alloy structural steel shapes, plates, and bars with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance that is intended for riveted, bolted, or welded construction. When properly exposed to the atmosphere, this steel is suitable for many applications in the bare/unpainted condition.

This abridged table shows only the mechanical requirements for bars 4” and under. The complete table including shapes and plates can be found in the ASTM standard at  www.astm.org

Mechanical Requirements
Tensile, min, ksi 70
Yield, min, ksi 50
Elongation, min % in 8” 18
Elongation, min % in 2” 21

A588 Chemical Requirements
Element % Grade A Grade B Grade C
Carbon 0.19 max 0.20 max 0.17 max
Manganese 0.80 – 1.25 0.75 – 1.35 0.50 – 1.20
Phosphorus 0.04 max 0.04 max 0.04 max
Sulfur 0.05 max 0.05 max 0.05 max
Silicon 0.30 – 0.65 0.15 – 0.50 0.25 – 0.50
Nickel 0.40 max 0.50 max 0.40 max
Chromium 0.40 – 0.65 0.40 – 0.70 0.40 – 0.70
Molybdenum - - 0.10 max
Copper 0.25 – 0.40 0.20 – 0.40 0.30 – 0.50
Vanadium 0.02 – 0.10 0.01 – 0.10 -
Columbium - - 0.005 – 0.05