ASTM A514/A514M-22

Standard Specification for High-Yield-Strength, Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel Plate, Suitable for Welding

ABSTRACT
This specification covers high-yield, quenched, and tempered alloy steel plates for use in welded bridges and other structures. Plates shall be subjected to heat treatment to conform to the tensile and hardness requirements for thickness, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, reduction of area, and Brinell hardness. Heat and product analysis shall conform to the chemical requirements for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, titanium, zirconium, copper, boron, and columbium. Conformance to required mechanical properties shall be determined by tension and hardness tests.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers quenched and tempered alloy steel plates of structural quality in thicknesses of 6 in. [150 mm] and under intended primarily for use in welded structures and other non-welded structures.  
Note 1: All grades are not available in a maximum thickness of 6 in. [150 mm]. See Table 1 for thicknesses available in each grade.  
1.2 If 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.  
1.3 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 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.  
1.4 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-2022
• ICS: 77.140.50 - Flat steel products and semi-products
• 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 A370-24 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• 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 A370-19 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM A370-17a - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• 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 A370-17 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-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 A370-15 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM A370-14 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-May-2014
• 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 A370-13 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• 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

Overview

ASTM A514/A514M-22 is a standard specification established by ASTM International for high-yield-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plates suitable for welding. These steel plates are designed for structural applications where strength, durability, and weldability are primary considerations. The standard specifies material, manufacturing, mechanical properties, and chemical composition requirements to ensure the consistent quality and performance of alloy steel plates up to 6 inches (150 mm) in thickness. Conformance to the requirements is verified by mechanical testing and product analysis.

Key Topics

• Material Characteristics: Defines quenched and tempered alloy steel plates of various grades, with specified minimum yield and tensile strengths, elongation, reduction of area, and Brinell hardness.
• Dimensional Scope: Covers plate thicknesses up to 6 in. [150 mm] for use in both welded and non-welded structures, with some grades available only in limited thicknesses.
• Welding Suitability: Emphasizes suitability for welded fabrication, with guidance to use appropriate welding procedures for the selected steel grade.
• Heat Treatment: Requires plates to be heat treated by quenching and tempering, with specific temperature ranges to achieve desired mechanical properties.
• Chemical Composition: Sets limits and requirements for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, titanium, zirconium, copper, boron, and columbium to optimize strength and fabrication properties.
• Mechanical Testing: Mandates tension and hardness tests, with specific orientation, test frequency, and acceptance criteria based on plate thickness.
• Supplementary Requirements: Optional tests such as Charpy V-Notch impact testing and ultrasonic examination, available upon purchaser request for enhanced performance verification.

Applications

ASTM A514/A514M-22 steel plates are widely utilized in industries requiring high-strength structural components, especially where fabrication by welding is essential. Practical applications include:

• Construction of Large Structures: Used extensively in the fabrication of buildings, bridges, crane booms, and other infrastructure requiring high load-bearing capacity.
• Transportation Equipment: Employed in rolling stock, heavy machinery, and shipbuilding where reduced weight and high strength are beneficial.
• Pressure Vessels and Industrial Components: Suitable for manufacturing pressure shells, tanks, and components exposed to high stress and demanding service conditions.
• Mining and Material Handling Equipment: Preferred for abrasion-resistant dump truck bodies, hoppers, chutes, and conveyors.

The standardized chemical composition and mechanical property requirements make these plates highly reliable for critical structural applications, helping engineers and fabricators achieve optimal performance while maintaining safety and compliance with international norms.

Related Standards

For those involved in the procurement, fabrication, or inspection of structural steel products, the following standards are closely related and often referenced alongside ASTM A514/A514M-22:

• ASTM A6/A6M: General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling - covers common delivery conditions and requirements for steel products.
• ASTM A370: Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products - details procedures for mechanical tests such as tension and hardness tests.
• AWS D1.1/D1.1M: Structural Welding Code - Steel - provides comprehensive guidance on welding operations for structural steel, complementing the welding suitability addressed in ASTM A514/A514M-22.

These related standards support comprehensive quality assurance and safe fabrication practices for high-yield-strength steel plates in various structural and industrial applications.

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Keywords: ASTM A514, high-yield-strength steel plate, quenched and tempered steel, structural steel plate, welded construction, alloy steel plate, mechanical testing, chemical composition, fabrication standards, welding suitability

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:A514/A514M −22
Standard Specification for
High-Yield-Strength, Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel
Plate, Suitable for Welding
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA514/A514M; 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* 3. General Requirements for Delivery
1.1 This specification covers quenched and tempered alloy 3.1 Plates furnished under this specification shall conform
steel plates of structural quality in thicknesses of 6 in. [150 to the applicable requirements of the current edition of Speci-
mm] and under intended primarily for use in welded structures fication A6/A6M unless a conflict exists in which case this
and other non-welded structures. specification shall prevail.
NOTE 1—All grades are not available in a maximum thickness of 6 in.
4. Materials and Manufacture
[150 mm]. See Table 1 for thicknesses available in each grade.
4.1 The steel shall be killed and conform to the require-
1.2 If the steel is to be welded, it is presupposed that a
ments for fine austenitic grain size in Specification A6/A6M.
welding procedure suitable for the grade of steel and intended
use or service will be utilized. See Appendix X3 of Specifica-
5. Heat Treatment
tion A6/A6M for information on weldability.
5.1 Except as allowed by 5.2, plates shall be heat treated to
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
conform to the tensile and hardness requirements given in
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
Table 2 by heating to not less than 1650 °F [900 °C], quench-
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
ing in water or oil, and tempering at not less than 1150 °F
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system
[620 °C]. The heat-treatment temperatures shall be reported in
shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
the test report.
from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
5.2 Plates ordered without the heat treatment specified in
standard.
5.1shallbestressrelievedbythemanufacturer,andsubsequent
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
heat treatment of the plates to conform to 5.1 shall be the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
responsibility of the purchaser.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 6. Chemical Composition
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6.1 The heat analysis shall conform to the requirements
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
given in Table 1.
2. Referenced Documents
6.2 When a purchaser specifies a product analysis in accor-
dance with Supplementary Requirement S2, the product analy-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
sis shall conform to the requirements given in Table 1, subject
A6/A6M Specification for General Requirements for Rolled
to the product analysis tolerances in Specification A6/A6M.
Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
7. Mechanical Properties
of Steel Products
7.1 Tension Test—The plates as represented by the tension
test specimens shall conform to the tensile requirements given
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
in Table 2.
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.02 on Structural Steel for Bridges, Buildings, Rolling Stock and Ships.
7.2 Hardness Test—For plates ⁄8 in. [10 mm] and under in
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2022. Published September 2022. Originally
ɛ1
thickness, a Brinell hardness test may be used instead of
approved in 1964. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as A514/A514M – 18 .
DOI: 10.1520/A0514_A0514M-22.
tension testing each plate, in which case a tension test shall be
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
made from a corner of each of two plates per lot. A lot shall
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
consist of plates from the same heat, thickness, prior condition,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. and scheduled heat treatment and shall not exceed 15 tons [15
*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
A514/A514M−22
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis)
NOTE 1—Where “. . .” appears in this table, there is no requirement.
Chemical Composition, %
Grade A Grade B Grade E Grade F Grade H Grade P Grade Q Grade S
Maximum Thickness, in. [mm]
1 1 1 1
Element 1 ⁄4 [32] 1 ⁄4 [32] 6 [150] 2 ⁄2 [65] 2 [50] 6 [150] 6 [150] 2 ⁄2 [65]
Carbon 0.15–0.21 0.12–0.21 0.12–0.20 0.10–0.20 0.12–0.21 0.12–0.21 0.14–0.21 0.11–0.21
Manganese 0.80–1.10 0.70–1.00 0.40–0.70 0.60–1.00 0.95–1.30 0.45–0.70 0.95–1.30 1.10–1.50
Phosphorus, max 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
Sulfur, max 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.020
Silicon 0.40–0.80 0.20–0.35 0.20–0.40 0.15–0.35 0.20–0.35 0.20–0.35 0.15–0.35 0.15–0.45
Nickel . . . 0.70–1.00 0.30–0.70 1.20–1.50 1.20–1.50 .
Chromium 0.50–0.80 0.40–0.65 1.40–2.00 0.40–0.65 0.40–0.65 0.85–1.20 1.00–1.50 .
Molybdenum 0.18–0.28 0.15–0.25 0.40–0.60 0.40–0.60 0.20–0.30 0.45–0.60 0.40–0.60 0.10–0.60
A
Vanadium . 0.03–0.08 0.03–0.08 0.03–0.08 . 0.03–0.08 0.06 max
B BBB B
Titanium 0.01–0.10 0.01–0.10 .
C
Zirconiu
...

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.
´1
Designation: A514/A514M − 18 A514/A514M − 22
Standard Specification for
High-Yield-Strength, Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel
Plate, Suitable for Welding
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A514/A514M; 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.
ε NOTE—Table 1 was editorially corrected in May 2019.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers quenched and tempered alloy steel plates of structural quality in thicknesses of 6 in. [150 mm] and
under intended primarily for use in welded structures and other non-welded structures.
NOTE 1—All grades are not available in a maximum thickness of 6 in. [150 mm]. See Table 1 for thicknesses available in each grade.
1.2 If 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 X 3X3 of Specification A6/A6M for information on weldability.
1.3 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 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.
1.4 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
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
3. General Requirements for Delivery
3.1 Plates furnished under this specification shall conform to the applicable requirements of the current edition of Specification
A6/A6M unless a conflict exists in which case this specification shall prevail.
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 Nov. 15, 2018Sept. 1, 2022. Published November 2018September 2022. Originally approved in 1964. Last previous edition approved in
ɛ1
20142018 as A514/A514M – 14.A514/A514M – 18 . DOI: 10.1520/A0514_A0514M-18E01.10.1520/A0514_A0514M-22.
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
A514/A514M − 22
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements (Heat Analysis)
NOTE 1—Where “. . .” appears in this table, there is no requirement.
Chemical Composition, %
Grade A Grade B Grade E Grade F Grade H Grade P Grade Q Grade S
Maximum Thickness, in. [mm]
1 1 1 1
Element 1 ⁄4 [32] 1 ⁄4 [32] 6 [150] 2 ⁄2 [65] 2 [50] 6 [150] 6 [150] 2 ⁄2 [65]
Carbon 0.15–0.21 0.12–0.21 0.12–0.20 0.10–0.20 0.12–0.21 0.12–0.21 0.14–0.21 0.11–0.21†
Carbon 0.15–0.21 0.12–0.21 0.12–0.20 0.10–0.20 0.12–0.21 0.12–0.21 0.14–0.21 0.11–0.21
Manganese 0.80–1.10 0.70–1.00 0.40–0.70 0.60–1.00 0.95–1.30 0.45–0.70 0.95–1.30 1.10–1.50
Phosphorus, max 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
Sulfur, max 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.020
Silicon 0.40–0.80 0.20–0.35 0.20–0.40 0.15–0.35 0.20–0.35 0.20–0.35 0.15–0.35 0.15–0.45
Nickel . . . 0.70–1.00 0.30–0.70 1.20–1.50 1.20–1.50 .
Chromium 0.50–0.80 0.40–0.65 1.40–2.00 0.40–0.65 0.40–0.65 0.85–1.20 1.00–1.50 .
Molybdenum 0.18–0.28 0.15–0.25 0.40–0.60 0.40–0.60 0.20–0.30 0.45–0.60 0.40–0.60 0.10–0.60
A
Vanadium . 0.03–0.08 0.03–0.08 0.03–0.08 . 0.03–0.08 0.06 max
B B B B B
Titanium 0.01–0.10 0.01–0.10 .
C
Zirconium 0.05–0.15 . . . . . . .
Copper . . . 0.15–0.50 . . . .
Boron 0.0025 max 0.0005–0.005 0.001–0.005 0.0005–0.006 0.0005–0.005 0.001–0.005 . 0.001–0.005
Columbium . . . . . . . 0.06
D
(Niobium), max
† Editorially corrected.
A
May be substituted for part or all of titanium content on a one for one basis.
B
Titanium may be present in levels up to 0.06 % to protect the boron additions.
C
Zirconium may be replaced by cerium. When cerium is added, the cerium/sulfur ratio should be approximately 1.5 to 1, based upon heat analysis.
D
Columbium and niobium are interchangeable names for the same element.
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 The steel shall be killed and conform to the requirements for fine austenitic grain size in Specification A6/A6M.
5. Heat Treatment
5.1 Except as allowed by 5.2, plates shall be heat treated to conform to the tensile and hardness requirements given in Table 2
by heating to not less than 1650°F [900°C],1650 °F [900 °C], quenching in water or oil, and tempering at not less than 1150°F
[620°C].1150 °F [620 °C]. The heat-treatment temperatures shall be reported in the test report.
5.2 Plates ordered without the heat treatment specified in 5.1 shall be stress relieved by the manufacturer, and subsequent heat
treatment of the plates to conform to 5.1 shall be the responsibility of the purchaser.
TABLE 2 Tensile and Hardness Requirements
NOTE 1— See the Orientation and Preparation subsections in the Tension Tests section of Specification A6/A6M.
NOTE 2—Where “. . .” appears in t
...