ASTM A913/A913M-19

Standard Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Shapes of Structural Quality, Produced by Quenching and Self-Tempering Process (QST)

ABSTRACT
This specification covers high-strength low-alloy steel shapes of structural quality, produced by quenching and self-tempering process (QST). The chemical analysis of the heat and of the steel product analysis shall conform to the chemical requirements prescribed by the reference materials. The Charpy V-notch test shall be performed to determine if the material conforms to the required tensile properties.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers high-strength low-alloy structural steel shapes in Grades 50 [345], 60 [415], 65 [450], 70 [485], and 80 [550], produced by the quenching and self-tempering process (QST). The shapes are intended for riveted, bolted or welded construction of bridges, buildings and other structures.  
1.2 The QST process consists of in line heat treatment and cooling rate controls which result in mechanical properties in the finished condition that are equivalent to those attained using heat treating processes which entail reheating after rolling. A description of the QST process is given in Appendix X1.  
1.3 Due to the inherent characteristics of the QST process, Grade 50 [345], 60 [415], 65 [450], and 70 [485] shapes shall not be formed nor post weld heat treated at temperatures exceeding 1100°F [595°C] and Grade 80 [550] shapes shall not be formed nor post weld heat treated at temperatures exceeding 1000°F [540°C].  
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 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 must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with this specification.  
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: 77.140.70 - Steel profiles
• 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 A673/A673M-17 - Standard Specification for Sampling Procedure for Impact Testing of Structural Steel
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2017
• 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 A898/A898M-07(2012) - Standard Specification for Straight Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Rolled Steel Structural Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM A673/A673M-07(2012) - Standard Specification for Sampling Procedure for Impact Testing of Structural Steel
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-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

Overview

ASTM A913/A913M-19 is the standard specification issued by ASTM International for high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel shapes of structural quality produced using the quenching and self-tempering (QST) process. This specification covers steel shapes suitable for use in riveted, bolted, or welded construction in bridges, buildings, and similar structures. The QST process delivers steel shapes with specified mechanical properties, offering a high degree of strength, ductility, and toughness, making them ideal for demanding structural applications.

Key Topics

• Grades Covered: The standard specifies five grades: 50 [345], 60 [415], 65 [450], 70 [485], and 80 [550], denoting minimum yield strength in ksi [MPa].
• QST Process: Shapes are produced with in-line heat treatment and controlled cooling rates that optimize strength and ductility without requiring post-rolling heat treatment.
• Mechanical Properties: Each grade must meet minimum yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, and Charpy V-notch impact toughness requirements, ensuring safety and structural integrity.
• Chemical Composition: Limits are set for elements such as carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, copper, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, columbium/niobium, and vanadium to ensure consistent performance and weldability.
• Carbon Equivalent: Strict maximum carbon equivalent values are defined for each grade to enhance weldability and minimize susceptibility to cracking.
• Weldability: The specification assumes appropriate welding procedures suitable for the steel grade will be employed, and references guidance for weldability in related ASTM standards.
• Supplementary Requirements: Optional requirements include additional mechanical or impact tests, vacuum treatment, ultrasonic examination, and maximum sulfur limits for enhanced through-thickness properties.

Applications

ASTM A913/A913M-19 high-strength low-alloy steel shapes are widely used in:

• Bridge Construction: Provides structural members for both highway and railway bridges, taking advantage of the steel's high strength-to-weight ratio and toughness.
• Building Structures: Employed in the frameworks of high-rise office towers, commercial buildings, and other critical infrastructure due to reduced weight and improved seismic performance.
• Industrial Structures: Supports for cranes, warehouses, and other facilities where robust, lightweight, and weldable steel shapes enhance overall safety and efficiency.
• Retrofit and Renovation Projects: Used in upgrades to existing structures to improve load capacity with minimal increase in structural weight.

By utilizing QST-processed HSLA steel shapes specified in ASTM A913/A913M-19, project designers and engineers can achieve significant benefits, including reduced structural member weight, enhanced erection speed, and potentially lower overall construction costs.

Related Standards

For optimized material selection and compliance, the following related ASTM standards are frequently referenced with ASTM A913/A913M-19:

• ASTM A6/A6M: General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling - specifies general delivery and test requirements.
• ASTM A673/A673M: Sampling Procedure for Impact Testing of Structural Steel - defines procedures for Charpy V-notch impact tests.
• ASTM A898/A898M: Straight Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Rolled Steel Structural Shapes - outlines ultrasonic testing for internal flaws.

These standards provide the foundation for quality assurance and testing protocols necessary for safe structural steel application.

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Keywords: ASTM A913, high-strength low-alloy steel, QST process, structural steel shapes, weldable steel, bridge steel, building construction steel, ASTM steel standards, Charpy impact, carbon equivalent, steel chemical composition.

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:A913/A913M −19
Standard Specification for
High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Shapes of Structural Quality,
Produced by Quenching and Self-Tempering Process (QST)
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA913/A913M; 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.
1. Scope* mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This specification covers high-strength low-alloy struc-
tural steel shapes in Grades 50 [345], 60 [415], 65 [450], 70
2. Referenced Documents
[485], and 80 [550], produced by the quenching and self-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tempering process (QST). The shapes are intended for riveted,
A6/A6M Specification for General Requirements for Rolled
bolted or welded construction of bridges, buildings and other
Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
structures.
A673/A673M Specification for Sampling Procedure for Im-
1.2 The QST process consists of in line heat treatment and
pact Testing of Structural Steel
cooling rate controls which result in mechanical properties in
A898/A898M Specification for Straight Beam Ultrasonic
the finished condition that are equivalent to those attained
Examination of Rolled Steel Structural Shapes
using heat treating processes which entail reheating after
rolling.Adescription of the QST process is given in Appendix
3. General Requirements for Delivery
X1.
3.1 Material furnished under this specification shall con-
1.3 Due to the inherent characteristics of the QST process,
form to the applicable requirements of the current edition of
Grade 50 [345], 60 [415], 65 [450], and 70 [485] shapes shall
Specification A6/A6M.
not be formed nor post weld heat treated at temperatures
4. Materials and Manufacture
exceeding1100°F[595°C]andGrade80[550]shapesshallnot
beformednorpostweldheattreatedattemperaturesexceeding
4.1 The shapes shall be produced by the quenching and
1000°F [540°C].
self-tempering process (QST). Following rapid quenching to
achieve a surface temperature below the martensite start
1.4 When the steel is to be welded, it is presupposed that a
temperature, Ms, the shapes shall be allowed to auto-temper to
welding procedure suitable for the grade of steel and intended
a self-tempering temperature (STT) that shall be 1100°F
use or service will be utilized. See Appendix X3 of Specifica-
[595°C] minimum and 1300°F [705°C] maximum for Grades
tion A6/A6M for information on weldability.
50[345],60[415],65[450],and70[485];and1000°F[540°C]
1.5 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
minimum and 1250°F [680°C] maximum for Grade 80 [550].
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
The STT shall be reported on the mill test report.
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
4.2 For Grades 60 [415], 65 [450], 70 [485], and 80 [550],
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must
the requirements for fine austenitic grain size in Specification
be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
A6/A6M shall be met.
two systems may result in nonconformance with this specifi-
cation.
5. Chemical Composition
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 The chemical analysis of the heat shall conform to the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
requirements prescribed in Table 1.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.2 The steel shall conform on product analysis to the
requirements prescribed in Table 1 subject to the product
analysis tolerances in Specification A6/A6M.
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM 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 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as A913/A913M – 15. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/A0913_A0913M-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
A913/A913M−19
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis) TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements
Yield Point, Tensile
NOTE 1—Boron shall not be intentionally added. See Specification
Elongation, min
min. Strength, min.
A6/A6M, Section 7.1.2, for additional guidance regarding boron.
Grade
8in. 2in.
ksi [MPa] ksi [MPa]
Maximum Content in %
[200 mm], % [50 mm], %
Element
Grade 50 Grade 60 Grade 65 Grade 70 Grade 80
50 [345] 50 [345] 65 [450] 18 21
[345] [415] [450] [485] [550]
60 [415] 60 [415] 75 [520] 16 18
Carbon 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.16
65 [450] 65 [450] 80 [550] 15 17
Manganese 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.80
70 [485] 70 [485] 90 [620] 14 16
Phosphorus 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
80 [550] 80 [550] 95 [655] 13 15
Sulfur 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
Silicon 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.50
Copper 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45
Nickel 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Chromium 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
7. Maximum Carbon Equivalent Requirement
Molybdenum 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07
Columbium 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.06
A 7.1 The carbon equivalent on heat analysis shall not exceed
(Niobium)
Vanadium 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.09 0.10
the limits listed in this section. The chemical analysis (heat
A
analysis) of the elements that appear in the carbon equivalent
Columbium and niobium are interchangeable names for the same element.
formula and the actual carbon equivalent shall be reported.
Carbon equivalent limits
6. Mechanical Properties Grade 50 [345]: 0.38 %
Grade 60 [415]: 0.40 %
6.1 Tensile Properties—The material as represented by the
Grade 65 [450]: 0.43 %
Grade 70 [485]: 0.45 %
test specimens shall conform to the tensile properties given in
Grade 80 [550]: 0.49 %
Table 2.
7.2 Calculate the carbon equ
...

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: A913/A913M − 15 A913/A913M − 19
Standard Specification for
High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Shapes of Structural Quality,
Produced by Quenching and Self-Tempering Process (QST)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A913/A913M; 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.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers high-strength low-alloy structural steel shapes in Grades 50 [345], 60 [415], 65 [450] and [450],
70 [485], and 80 [550], produced by the quenching and self-tempering process (QST). The shapes are intended for riveted, bolted
or welded construction of bridges, buildings and other structures.
1.2 The QST process consists of in line heat treatment and cooling rate controls which result in mechanical properties in the
finished condition that are equivalent to those attained using heat treating processes which entail reheating after rolling. A
description of the QST process is given in Appendix X1.
1.3 Due to the inherent characteristics of the QST process, the Grade 50 [345], 60 [415], 65 [450], and 70 [485] shapes shall
not be formed andnor post weld heat treated at temperatures exceeding 1100°F [600°C].[595°C] and Grade 80 [550] shapes shall
not be formed nor post weld heat treated at temperatures exceeding 1000°F [540°C].
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 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 must be used
independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with this specification.
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
A673/A673M Specification for Sampling Procedure for Impact Testing of Structural Steel
A898/A898M Specification for Straight Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Rolled Steel Structural Shapes
3. General Requirements for Delivery
3.1 Material furnished under this specification shall conform to the applicable requirements of the current edition of
Specification A6/A6M.
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 The shapes shall be produced by the quenching and self-tempering process (QST). Following rapid quenching to achieve
a surface temperature below the martensite start temperature, Ms, the shapes shall be allowed to auto-temper to a self-tempering
temperature (STT) that shall be 1100°F [595°C] minimum and 1300°F [705°C] maximum. maximum for Grades 50 [345], 60
[415], 65 [450], and 70 [485]; and 1000°F [540°C] minimum and 1250°F [680°C] maximum for Grade 80 [550]. The STT shall
be reported on the mill test report.
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 July 1, 2015Sept. 1, 2019. Published August 2015September 2019. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 20142015
as A913/A913M – 14a.A913/A913M – 15. DOI: 10.1520/A0913_A0913M-15.10.1520/A0913_A0913M-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’sstandard’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
A913/A913M − 19
4.2 For gradesGrades 60 [415], 65 [450], and 70 [485], and 80 [550], the requirements for fine austenitic grain size in
Specification A6/A6M shall be met.
5. Chemical Composition
5.1 The chemical analysis of the heat shall conform to the requirements prescribed in Table 1.
5.2 The steel shall conform on product analysis to the requirements prescribed in Table 1 subject to the product analysis
tolerances in Specification A6/A6M.
6. Mechanical Properties
6.1 Tensile Properties—The material as represented by the test specimens shall conform to the tensile properties given in Table
2.
6.2 Charpy V-notch tests shall be made in accordance with Specification A673/A673M, Frequency H:
6.2.1 The test results of full-size specimens shall meet an average value of 40 ft-lbf [54 J] at 70°F [21°C].
6.2.1.1 Test reports for every heat supplied are required.
6.2.2 Charpy V-notch test requirements exceeding the value specified in 6.2.1 or lower test temperatures are subject to
agreement between the purchaser and the producer.
7. Maximum Carbon Equivalent Requirement
7.1 The carbon equivalent on heat analysis shall not exceed the limits listed in this section. The chemical analysis (heat analysis)
of the elements that appear in the carbon equivalent formula and the actual carbon equivalent shall be reported.
Carbon equivalent limits
Grade 50 [345]: 0.38 %
Grade 60 [415]: 0.40 %
Grade 65 [450]: 0.43 %
Grade 70 [485]: 0.45 %
Grade 80 [550]: 0.49 %
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis)
NOTE 1—Boron shall not be intentionally added. See Specification
A6/A6M, Section 7.1.2 for additional guidance regarding boron.
Maximum content in %
Element
Grade 50 Grade 60 Grade 65 Grade 70
[345] [415] [450] [485]
Carbon 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12
Manganese 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60
Phosphorus 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
Sulfur 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
Silicon 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40
Copper 0.45 0.35 0.35 0.45
Nickel 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Chromium 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Molybdenum 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07
Columbium 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05
Vanadium 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.09
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis)
NOTE 1—Boron shall not be intentionally added. See Specification
A6/A6M, Section 7.1.2, for additional guidance regarding boron.
Maximum Content in %
Element
Grade 50 Grade 60 Grade 65 Grade 70 Grade 80
[345] [415] [450] [485] [550]
Carbon 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.16
Manganese 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.80
Phosphorus 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
Sulfur 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
Silicon 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.50
Copper 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45
Nickel 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Chromium 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Molybdenum 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07
Columbium 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.06
A
(Niobium)
Vanadium 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.09 0.10
A
Columbium and niobium are interchangeable names for the same element.
A913/A913M − 19
TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements
Yield Point, Tensile
Elongation, min
min. Strength, min.
Grade
8 in. 2 in.
ksi [MPa] ksi [MPa]
[200 mm], % [50 mm], %
50 [345] 50 [345] 65 [450] 18 21
60 [415] 60 [415] 75 [520] 16 18
65 [450] 65 [450] 80 [550] 15 17
70 [485] 70 [485] 90 [620] 14 16
80 [550] 80 [550] 95 [655] 13 15
7.2 Calculate the carbon equivalent using the following equation:
CE 5 C1Mn/61~Cr1Mo1V!/51~Cu1Ni!/15
8. Keywords
8.1 high-strength low-alloy steel; QST; quenching and self-tempering process; steel shapes; structural shapes; structural steel
SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
Supplementary requirements shall not apply unless specified in the purchase order
...