ASTM A588/A588M-19

Standard Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel, up to 50 ksi [345 MPa] Minimum Yield Point, with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance

ABSTRACT
This specification covers high-strength, low-alloy structural steel shapes, plates, and bars for welded, riveted, or bolted construction with atmospheric corrosion resistance. Heat analysis shall be performed wherein the low-alloy structural steel materials shall conform to the required chemical composition for carbon, manganese, phosphorous, sulfur, silicon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, copper, vanadium, and columbium. Steel samples shall also undergo the tensile test and conform to required values of tensile strength, yield point, and elongation.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers high-strength low-alloy structural steel shapes, plates, and bars for welded, riveted, or bolted construction but intended primarily for use in welded bridges and buildings where savings in weight or added durability are important. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of this steel in most environments is substantially better than that of carbon structural steels with or without copper addition (see Note 1). When properly exposed to the atmosphere, this steel is suitable for many applications in the bare (unpainted) condition. This specification is limited to material up to 8 in. [200 mm] inclusive in thickness.  
Note 1: For methods of estimating the atmospheric corrosion resistance of low-alloy steels, see Guide G101.  
1.2 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 A6/A6M for information on weldability.  
1.3 Units—This specification is expressed in both inch-pound units and in SI units; however, unless the purchase order or contract specifies the applicable M specification designation (SI units), the inch-pound units shall apply. 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. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformances with the standard.  
1.4 The text of this specification contains notes, footnotes, or both, that provide explanatory material. Such notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, do not contain any mandatory requirements.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2019
• ICS: 77.140.10 - Heat-treatable steels
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.02 - Structural Steel for Bridges, Buildings, Rolling Stock and Ships

Relations

• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-24 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-23 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-17a - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-16a - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-16 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-14 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-13a - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-13 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-12a - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-12 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-11 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-10a - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM G101-04(2010) - Standard Guide for Estimating the Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance of Low-Alloy Steels
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-10 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010
• Refers: ASTM A6/A6M-09 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009

Overview

ASTM A588/A588M-19 is the Standard Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel with increased atmospheric corrosion resistance, developed by ASTM International. This standard covers structural steel shapes, plates, and bars intended primarily for use in the construction of welded, riveted, or bolted bridges and buildings. Notably, ASTM A588/A588M-19 compliant steel delivers improved durability and weight savings compared to conventional carbon structural steels, making it particularly beneficial in environments where atmospheric corrosion is a concern. The specification includes materials up to 8 inches (200 mm) in thickness and outlines requirements for chemical composition and mechanical properties to ensure reliable structural performance.

Key Topics

• Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance
  A key feature of A588/A588M-19 steel is its enhanced resistance to atmospheric corrosion compared to carbon structural steels with or without copper addition, making it suitable for bare (unpainted) use in many outdoor applications.

• High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel
  The standard details minimum yield points up to 50 ksi (345 MPa), providing high strength for structural applications while enabling weight reductions in critical components.

• Chemical Composition and Analysis
  The steel must conform to strict chemical composition limits-covering elements such as carbon, manganese, phosphorous, sulfur, silicon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, copper, vanadium, and columbium/niobium-ensuring consistent material quality.

• Mechanical Properties and Testing
  Material must meet defined tensile strength, yield, and elongation requirements. Tensile tests confirm properties based on thickness, as outlined in the specification.

• Weldability and Fabrication
  Guidelines are provided for welding procedure selection, referencing ASTM A6/A6M for additional information on weldability and fabrication processes.

• Dual Units and Compliance
  The standard is presented in both inch-pound and SI units, but users must adhere exclusively to one unit system per application to avoid nonconformance.

Applications

ASTM A588/A588M-19 is widely adopted in structural engineering where steel durability and reduced maintenance are critical. Key uses of this standard include:

• Bridges:
  Steel shapes, plates, and bars meeting A588/A588M-19 are widely used for bridge components where atmospheric corrosion resistance is paramount, minimizing the need for coatings or frequent repainting.

• Buildings:
  High-strength, low-alloy steel is utilized for columns, beams, and structural frameworks in commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure buildings, offering longevity and load-bearing efficiency.

• Riveted, Bolted, or Welded Construction:
  The specification provides for applications requiring various joining methods, giving fabricators flexibility in construction techniques.

• Other Exposed Structures:
  Suitable for numerous other outdoor structures such as towers, frames, or sculptures where painted protection may not be desired.

Related Standards

For comprehensive compliance, users of ASTM A588/A588M-19 should also be familiar with the following related ASTM standards:

• ASTM A6/A6M: Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling, which lays out additional testing and reporting requirements for structural steel products.
• ASTM G101: Guide for Estimating the Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance of Low-Alloy Steels, referenced for determining corrosion resistance indices.
• AASHTO M 222: The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials adopts this specification as M 222 for state infrastructure projects.

By adhering to ASTM A588/A588M-19, specifiers and constructors ensure their steel structures benefit from improved performance, reduced maintenance, and a robust response to atmospheric corrosion, supporting sustainable and long-lasting infrastructure development.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: A588/A588M −19 American Association State
Highway and Transportation Officials Standard
AASHTO No.: M 222
Standard Specification for
High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel, up to 50 ksi [345
MPa] Minimum Yield Point, with Atmospheric Corrosion
Resistance
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA588/A588M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, do not contain
any mandatory requirements.
1.1 This specification covers high-strength low-alloy struc-
turalsteelshapes,plates,andbarsforwelded,riveted,orbolted 1.5 For structural products produced from coil and fur-
construction but intended primarily for use in welded bridges nished without heat treatment or with stress relieving only, the
and buildings where savings in weight or added durability are additional requirements, including additional testing require-
important. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of this steel in ments and the reporting of additional test results, of Specifi-
most environments is substantially better than that of carbon cation A6/A6M apply.
structural steels with or without copper addition (see Note 1).
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
When properly exposed to the atmosphere, this steel is suitable
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
for many applications in the bare (unpainted) condition. This
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
specification is limited to material up to 8 in. [200 mm]
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
inclusive in thickness.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
NOTE 1—For methods of estimating the atmospheric corrosion resis-
tance of low-alloy steels, see Guide G101.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 When the steel is to be welded, a welding procedure
suitable for the grade of steel and intended use or service is to 2.1 ASTM Standards:
be utilized. See Appendix X3 of Specification A6/A6M for A6/A6M Specification for General Requirements for Rolled
information on weldability. Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
G101 Guide for Estimating the Atmospheric Corrosion Re-
1.3 Units—This specification is expressed in both inch-
sistance of Low-Alloy Steels
pound units and in SI units; however, unless the purchase order
or contract specifies the applicable M specification designation
3. General Requirements for Delivery
(SIunits),theinch-poundunitsshallapply.Thevaluesstatedin
3.1 Product furnished to this specification shall conform to
eitherinch-poundunitsorSIunitsaretoberegardedseparately
the requirements of Specification A6/A6M, including any
as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets.
supplementary requirements indicated in the purchase order or
The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents;
contract. Failure to comply with the general requirements of
therefore, each system is to be used independently of the other.
Specification A6/A6M constitutes nonconformance with this
Combining values from the two systems may result in noncon-
specification. In case of conflict between the requirements of
formances with the standard.
this specification and Specification A6/A6M, this specification
1.4 The text of this specification contains notes, footnotes,
shall prevail.
or both, that provide explanatory material. Such notes and
3.2 Coils are excluded from qualification to this specifica-
tion until they are processed into a finished structural product.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.02 on Structural Steel for Bridges, Buildings, Rolling Stock and Ships. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2019. Published September 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1968. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as A588/A588M – 15. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/A0588_A0588M-19. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A588/A588M − 19
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis) TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements
NOTE 1—Where “. . .” appears in this table, there is no requirement.
NOTE 1—Where “. . .” appears in this table, there is no requirement.
Structural
Composition, %
Plates and Bars Shapes
Element Grade A Grade B Grade K
For Thick- For Thick-
A
Carbon 0.19 max 0.20 max 0.17 max
For Thick- nesses nesses
A
Manganese 0.80–1.25 0.75–1.35 0.50–1.20
nesses Over 4 in. Over 5 in.
C
All
Phosphorus 0.030 max 0.030 max 0.030 max
4 in. [100 [100 mm] [125 mm]
C
Sulfur 0.030 max 0.030 max 0.030 max
mm] and to 5 in. [125 to 8 in.[200
Silicon 0.30–0.65 0.15–0.50 0.25–0.50
Under mm] incl mm] incl
Nickel 0.40 max 0.50 max 0.40 max
Tensile strength, 70 [485] 67 [460] 63 [435] 70 [485]
Chromium 0.40–0.65 0.40–0.70 0.40–0.70
min,ksi [MPa]
Molybdenum . . 0.10 max
Yield point, min, 50 [345] 46 [315] 42 [290] 50 [345]
Copper 0.25–0.40 0.20–0.40 0.30–0.50
ksi
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: A588/A588M − 15 A588/A588M − 19 American Association State
Highway and Transportation Officials Standard
AASHTO No.: M 222
Standard Specification for
High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel, up to 50 ksi [345
MPa] Minimum Yield Point, with Atmospheric Corrosion
Resistance
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A588/A588M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers high-strength low-alloy structural steel shapes, plates, and bars for welded, riveted, or bolted
construction but intended primarily for use in welded bridges and buildings where savings in weight or added durability are
important. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of this steel in most environments is substantially better than that of carbon
structural steels with or without copper addition (see Note 1). When properly exposed to the atmosphere, this steel is suitable for
many applications in the bare (unpainted) condition. This specification is limited to material up to 8 in. [200 mm] inclusive in
thickness.
NOTE 1—For methods of estimating the atmospheric corrosion resistance of low-alloy steels, see Guide G101.
1.2 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 A6/A6M for information on weldability.
1.3 Units—This specification is expressed in both inch-pound units and in SI units; however, unless the purchase order or
contract specifies the applicable M specification designation (SI units), the inch-pound units shall apply. 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.other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformances with the standard.
1.4 The text of this specification contains notes, footnotes, or both, that provide explanatory material. Such notes and footnotes,
excluding those in tables and figures, do not contain any mandatory requirements.
1.5 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.
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A6/A6M Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
G101 Guide for Estimating the Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance of Low-Alloy Steels
3. General Requirements for Delivery
3.1 Structural products Product furnished underto this specification shall conform to the requirements of the current edition of
Specification A6/A6M, for the specific structural product ordered, unless a including any supplementary requirements indicated
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.02
on Structural Steel for Bridges, Buildings, Rolling Stock and Ships.
Current edition approved March 1, 2015Sept. 1, 2019. Published March 2015September 2019. Originally approved in 1968. Last previous edition approved in 20102015
as A588/A588M – 10.A588/A588M – 15. DOI: 10.1520/A0588_A0588M-15.10.1520/A0588_A0588M-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A588/A588M − 19
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis)
NOTE 1—Where “. . .” appears in this table, there is no requirement.
Composition, %
Element Grade A Grade B Grade K
A
Carbon 0.19 max 0.20 max 0.17 max
A
Manganese 0.80–1.25 0.75–1.35 0.50–1.20
C
Phosphorus 0.030 max 0.030 max 0.030 max
C
Sulfur 0.030 max 0.030 max 0.030 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 .
B
Columbium . . 0.005–0.05
B
Columbium/ . . 0.005–0.05
D
niobium
A
For each reduction of 0.01 percentage point below the specified maximum for
carbon, an increase of 0.06 percentage point above the specified maximum for
manganese is permitted, up to a maximum of 1.50 %.
B 1
For plates under ⁄2 in. [13 mm] in thickness, the minimum columbium (niobium)
is waived.
C
A maximum phosphorus content of 0.04 % and a maximum sulfur content of 0.05
% are permitted for the following materials:
· Structural shapes
· Bars
· Plates with widths up to and including 15 in. [380 mm]
D
Columbium (Cb) and niobium (Nb) are considered interchangeable names for
the same element and both names are acceptable.
in the purchase order or contract. Failure to comply with the general requirements of Specification A6/A6Mconflict exists, in which
case this specification constitutes nonconformance with this specification. In case of conflict between the requirements of this
specification and Specification A6/A6M, this specification shall prevail.
3.2 Coils are excl
...