ASTM A950/A950M-24

Standard Specification for Fusion-Bonded Epoxy-Coated Structural Steel H-Piles and Sheet Piling

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the qualification requirements for structural steel H-piles and sheet piling with protective fusion-bonded epoxy coating applied by electrostatic spraying, flocking, or fluidized bed processing. Surface preparation techniques shall be performed by abrasive blast cleaning, grinding and chemical washing prior to coating application. The powder coating shall be heat treated and cured before visible oxidation occurs. Coating materials shall undergo thickness measurements and bend testing, and shall conform to the requirements for film thickness, flexibility and continuity, impact resistance, chemical composition, and corrosion resistance. The coated H-piles or sheet piling shall be stored off of the ground on supports. While handling equipment, bundling bands for packaging and tie-down bands for shipping shall have padded contact areas so as to avoid damage and excessive deflection.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers structural steel H-piles and sheet piling with protective fusion-bonded epoxy coating applied by the electrostatic spray, flocking, or fluidized bed process.  
Note 1: The coating applicator is identified throughout this specification as the manufacturer.  
1.2 Requirements for coatings are contained in Annex A1.  
1.3 This specification is applicable for orders in either inch-pound units (as Specification A950) or SI units (as Specification A950M). The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets.  
1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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: 29-Feb-2024
• ICS: 77.140.50 - Flat steel products and semi-products
• ICS: 77.140.60 - Steel bars and rods
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.02 - Structural Steel for Bridges, Buildings, Rolling Stock and Ships

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A950/A950M-11(2023) - Standard Specification for Fusion-Bonded Epoxy-Coated Structural Steel H-Piles and Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM A328/A328M-24 - Standard Specification for Steel Sheet Piling
• 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 A328/A328M-13a(2018) - Standard Specification for Steel Sheet Piling
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018

Overview

ASTM A950/A950M-24 is the established international standard specification for fusion-bonded epoxy-coated structural steel H-piles and sheet piling. Issued by ASTM International, this standard defines the requirements for applying protective fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) coatings to steel H-piles and sheet piling via electrostatic spray, flocking, or fluidized bed processes.

The document ensures that steel products treated under this standard gain enhanced protection against corrosion, prolonged service life, and increased resilience in demanding environments. This specification addresses crucial aspects including the preparation, application, testing, and handling of coated steel H-piles and sheet piling.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability:
  Covers requirements for both H-piles and sheet piling with fusion-bonded epoxy coatings, applicable in both inch-pound and SI units for international compatibility.

• Surface Preparation:
  Specifies surface cleaning methods such as abrasive blast cleaning, grinding, and chemical washing to prepare the steel before coating.

• Coating Application:
  Details correct methods for applying epoxy coatings (electrostatic spraying, flocking, fluidized bed) and requirements for pre-heating, curing, and preventing oxidation.

• Coating Properties and Testing:
  Outlines material certification, film thickness, flexibility, continuity (using holiday detection), impact resistance, chemical composition, and corrosion resistance. Includes protocols for impact, flexibility, salt fog, abrasion, and cathodic disbondment testing.

• Handling and Packaging:
  Provides guidelines for safe handling, transport, and storage to prevent coating damage, including using padded supports and proper dunnage.

• Quality Control and Inspection:
  Defines inspection procedures, acceptance testing, retesting protocols, certification requirements, and rejection criteria.

Applications

The ASTM A950/A950M-24 specification has wide practical application in industries where structural steel H-piles and sheet piling require robust, long-term corrosion protection, such as:

• Bridges and Marine Structures:
  Essential for steel components exposed to harsh weather, marine, or chemically aggressive environments where corrosion prevention is critical.

• Retaining Walls and Foundations:
  Used in civil infrastructure projects demanding durable foundation systems resistant to moisture and soil chemical exposure.

• Waterfront and Port Facilities:
  Protects steel sheet piles in docks, wharves, and bulkheads, significantly increasing lifespan and reducing maintenance.

• Industrial Installations:
  Applied in chemical plants, refineries, and industrial foundations where structural integrity and chemical resistance are priorities.

Adhering to ASTM A950/A950M-24 ensures these critical infrastructure elements meet stringent performance standards, offering stakeholders confidence in safety, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.

Related Standards

For comprehensive implementation, ASTM A950/A950M-24 references and aligns with several related standards:

• ASTM A6/A6M: General requirements for steel bars, plates, shapes, and sheet piling.
• ASTM A36/A36M, A328/A328M, A572/A572M, A588/A588M, A690/A690M, A857/A857M: Specifications for various grades of structural and sheet steel products.
• ASTM B117: Salt spray (fog) testing for corrosion resistance assessment.
• ASTM G8, G12, G14, G20: Standards for evaluating coating performance (cathodic disbondment, film thickness, impact resistance, and chemical resistance).
• API RP 5L7: Internal FBE coating practice for line pipe.
• NACE TM0175: Visual standards for blast-cleaned steel.
• SSPC-SP 1, SP 10, VIS 1: Surface preparation and visual standards for coating steel.

Practical Value

ASTM A950/A950M-24 is vital for engineers, project managers, and steel manufacturers seeking reliable, corrosion-resistant construction solutions. By specifying best practices for fusion-bonded epoxy application and quality assurance, this standard promotes longevity, structural integrity, and environmental resistance for steel foundations and sheet piling in diverse applications.

Keywords: fusion-bonded epoxy coating, H-piles, sheet piling, ASTM A950/A950M, structural steel, corrosion resistance, infrastructure protection, coating standards.

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: A950/A950M − 24
Standard Specification for
Fusion-Bonded Epoxy-Coated Structural Steel H-Piles and
Sheet Piling
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A950/A950M; 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* A572/A572M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy
Columbium-Vanadium Structural Steel
1.1 This specification covers structural steel H-piles and
A588/A588M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy
sheet piling with protective fusion-bonded epoxy coating
Structural Steel, up to 50 ksi [345 MPa] Minimum Yield
applied by the electrostatic spray, flocking, or fluidized bed
Point, with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance
process.
A690/A690M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy
NOTE 1—The coating applicator is identified throughout this specifica-
Nickel, Copper, Phosphorus Steel H-Piles and Sheet
tion as the manufacturer.
Piling with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance for Use in
1.2 Requirements for coatings are contained in Annex A1.
Marine Environments
1.3 This specification is applicable for orders in either
A857/A857M Specification for Steel Sheet Piling, Cold
inch-pound units (as Specification A950) or SI units (as
Formed, Light Gage
Specification A950M). The values stated in either inch-pound
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the
G8 Test Methods for Cathodic Disbonding of Coated Steel
text, the SI units are shown in brackets.
G12 Test Method for Nondestructive Measurement of Film
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the Thickness of Pipeline Coatings on Steel (Withdrawn
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 2013)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
G14 Test Method for Impact Resistance of Pipeline Coatings
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
(Falling Weight Test)
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
G20 Test Method for Chemical Resistance of Pipeline Coat-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
ings
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
2.2 API Specification:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
API RP 5L7 Recommended Practice for Internal Fusion
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Bonded Epoxy Coating of Line Pipe
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 2.3 NACE Standard:
TM0175 Visual Standard for Surfaces of New Steel Cen-
2. Referenced Documents
trifugally Blast Cleaned with Steel Shot or Steel Grit
2.1 ASTM Standards:
(Nace No. 2)
A6/A6M Specification for General Requirements for Rolled 6
2.4 SSPC Standards:
Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
SSPC-SP 1 Surface Preparation Specification No. 1: Solvent
A36/A36M Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
Cleaning
A328/A328M Specification for Steel Sheet Piling
SSPC-SP 10 Near-White Blast Cleaning
SSPC-VIS 1 Visual Standards
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is under the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee A01.02 on Structural Steel for Bridges, Buildings, Rolling Stock and
Ships. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
Current edition approved March 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally www.astm.org.
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as A950/A950M – 11 Available from American Petroleum Institute (API), 200 Massachusetts
(2023). DOI: 10.1520/A0950_A0950M-24. Avenue, NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20001-5571, http://www.api.org.
2 5
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from NACE International (NACE), 15835 Park Ten Pl., Houston, TX
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM 77084, http://www.nace.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), 800 Trumbull Drive,
the ASTM website. Pittsburgh, PA 15205, https://www.sspc.org.
*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
A950/A950M − 24
3. General Requirements for Delivery to the purchaser. The sample shall be packaged in an airtight
container and identified by the batch designation.
3.1 Structural products furnished under this specification
shall conform to the requirements of Specification A6/A6M,
5.4 The powder coating shall be maintained in a
for the specific structural product order, unless a conflict exists
temperature-controlled environment following the written rec-
in which case this specification shall prevail.
ommendations of the powder coating manufacturer until ready
for use, at which point the powder coating will be given
4. Ordering Information
sufficient time to reach approximate plant ambient temperature.
4.1 Information items to be considered, if appropriate, for
5.5 The patching material shall be as recommended by the
inclusion in purchase orders are as follows:
powder coating manufacturer and shall be compatible with the
4.1.1 Specification designation and year of issue for H-pile
coating. If specified in the order, a sample of the patching
or sheet piling,
material shall be supplied to the purchaser.
4.1.2 Section,
4.1.3 Quantity,
6. Surface Preparation
4.1.4 Length,
6.1 Prior to blast cleaning, the surfaces of steel H-piles and
4.1.5 Portions to be coated (full length or distance from end
sheet piling to be coated shall be precleaned, as required, in
to remain bare),
accordance with SSPC-SP 1. Steel surfaces shall be cleaned by
4.1.6 Requirements for certifications (see 14.1),
abrasive blast cleaning to near-white metal in accordance with
4.1.7 Requirements for material samples (see 5.3),
SSPC-SP 10. The cleaning media used shall produce an anchor
4.1.8 Requirements for patching material sample (see 5.5),
pattern profile of 1.5 mils to 4.0 mils [40 μm to 100 μm]. The
4.1.9 Requirements for visual standard of comparison for
visual standard of comparison used to define the final surface
surface cleaning (see 6.1),
condition shall be SSPC-VIS 1 or TM0175. Expended blasting
4.1.10 Requirements for number and frequency of tests (see
media debris and dust shall be removed from blasted surfaces
9.1), and
prior to applying coating.
4.1.11 Requirements for inspection at the manufacturing
plant (see 12.1).
6.2 Prior to application of the fusion-bonded epoxy coating,
raised slivers, scabs, laps, sharp edges, or seams shall be
NOTE 2—An example of an ordering description is as follows: Struc-
tural steel sheet piling, Grade 60, Type 1, to ASTM A572 – ; section removed using abrasive grinders. No individual area of grind-
2 2
PZ35, 20 000 ft, 40 ft, 0 in. long in secured lifts, epoxy-coated to ASTM
ing shall exceed 36 in. [230 cm ]. Total area of grinding shall
A950 – , including certification for coated sheet piling, sample of coating
not exceed 1 % of total surface area.
material, 2 gal of patching material, and surface cleaning comparison with
SSPC-VIS 1.
6.3 Slivers raised during the cleaning or coating application
[Structural steel sheet piling, Grade 400, Type 1, to ASTM A572M – ;
process shall be treated as permissible coating damage and
section PZ35, 6000 m, 12 m long in secured lifts, epoxy-coated to ASTM
repaired in accordance with Section 11.
A950M – , including certification for coated sheet piling, sample of
coating material, 8 L of patching material, and surface cleaning compari-
6.4 It shall be permissible for a chemical wash and/or
son with SSPC-VIS 1].
conversion of the steel H-piles or sheet piling surface to be
used. This pretreatment shall be applied after abrasive blast
5. Materials
cleaning and before coating, in accordance with the written
5.1 Steel H-piles to be coated shall meet the requirements of
application instructions specified by the pretreatment manufac-
Specifications A36/A36M, A572/A572M, A588/A588M, or
turer.
A690/A690M, whichever is specified in the order. Steel sheet
piling to be coated shall meet the requirements of Specifica-
7. Application of Coating
tions A328/A328M, A572/A572M, A690/A690M, or A857/
7.1 The powder coating shall be applied to the cleaned and
A857M, whichever is specified in the order.
pretreated (if applicable) surface as soon as possible and before
NOTE 3—Surface conditions such as slivers, gouges, laminations, pits,
visible oxidation of the surface occurs, as discernible to a
and sharp edges can cause coating application difficulties and effort should
person with normal or corrected vision. In no case shall
be made to hold these conditions to a minimum.
application of the coating be delayed more than 3 h after
5.2 The coating material shall meet the requirements listed
cleaning.
in Annex A1 and shall be approved by the purchaser.
7.2 To achieve the required coating thickness (see 8.1), the
5.2.1 A written certification shall be furnished to the pur-
steel shall be preheated prior to applying the powder coating in
chaser that properly identifies the batch designation of the
accordance with the manufacturer’s written recommendations.
powder coating used in the order, material, quantity
The heat source shall not leave a residue or contaminant on the
represented, date of manufacture, name and address of
steel surfaces. If oxidation occurs, the steel shall be cooled to
manufacturer, and a statement that the supplied powder coating
ambient temperature and recleaned before applying the powder
is the same composition as that prequalifed to Annex A1 of this
coating.
specification. The powder coating shall be used within the
manufacturer’s written recommended shelf life.
7.3 The powder coating shall be applied and cured in
5.3 If specified in the order, a representative 8 oz. [0.2 kg] accordance with the powder coating manufacturer’s written
sample from each batch of the powder coating shall be supplied recommendations.
A950/A950M − 24
7.4 Areas of steel sections not requiring coating to allow coated along with these sections using the same application
welding or for other purposes shall be specified by the equipment and procedures.
purchaser and shall be blocked-out during the coating applica-
NOTE 5—Bend tests to determine coating flexibility acceptance are
tion.
intended to be performed at the manufacturer’s plant.
8.3.1.1 Test panels shall be bent around a mandrel to a
8. Requirements for Coated H-Piles and Sheet Piling
minimum of 1.5° total deflection (after rebound) at ambient
8.1 Thickness of Coating: temperature in accordance with 5.3.3.1 of API RP 5L7. The
8.1.1 The minimum thickness of coating after curing on flat radius of the mandrel shall be calculated using the following
surfaces of H-piles and sheet piling shall be 18 mils [450 μm]. equation:
The minimum thickness of coating after curing on edges and
R 5 37.7t
corners of sections, as measured on flat surfaces ⁄2 in. [13 mm]
where:
from these edges and corners of sections, shall be a minimum
of 7 mils [175 μm]. It shall be permissible for the coating R = mandrel radius, and
t = panel thickness including coating.
thickness to be reduced on the ball and socket of sheet piling.
8.1.2 Measurements shall be made in accordance with Test
When no mandrel of the calculated size is available, it shall
Method G12 following the instructions for calibration and use
be permissible that a smaller radius mandrel be substituted.
recommended by the thickness gauge manufacturer. Gauges
8.3.2 No cracking or disbonding of the coating on the
shall be of the pull-off or fixed probe type, except that
outside radius of the test panels shall be discernible to a person
“pencil-type” pull-off gauges, which require the operator to
with normal or corrected vision. Except as specified in Section
observe the readings at the instant the magnet is pulled from
10, cracking or disbonding of the coating shall be cause for
the surface, shall not be used.
rejection of the coated H-piles or sheet piling represented by
8.1.3 Thickness measurements on test sheet piling sections
the bend test panels.
shall be taken on flat surfaces and corners of each side and edge 8.3.3 Fracture or failure of the steel in the bend test shall not
at 2 ft [0.6 m] intervals along piling sections. Thickness
be considered a failure of the coating. Another test panel from
measurements on test H-piles shall be taken alternately on the the same production lot shall be substituted for repeat testing.
edges of flanges, outside and inside of flat surfac
...

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: A950/A950M − 11 (Reapproved 2023) A950/A950M − 24
Standard Specification for
Fusion-Bonded Epoxy-Coated Structural Steel H-Piles and
Sheet Piling
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A950/A950M; 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 Scope*
1.1 This specification covers structural steel H-piles and sheet piling with protective fusion-bonded epoxy coating applied by the
electrostatic spray, flocking, or fluidized bed process.
NOTE 1—The coating applicator is identified throughout this specification as the manufacturer.
1.2 Requirements for coatings are contained in Annex A1.
1.3 This specification is applicable for orders in either inch-pound units (as Specification A950) or SI units (as Specification
A950M). The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units
are shown in brackets.
1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 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
A36/A36M Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
A328/A328M Specification for Steel Sheet Piling
A572/A572M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Columbium-Vanadium Structural Steel
A588/A588M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel, up to 50 ksi [345 MPa] Minimum Yield Point, with
Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance
A690/A690M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Nickel, Copper, Phosphorus Steel H-Piles and Sheet Piling with
Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance for Use in Marine Environments
A857/A857M Specification for Steel Sheet Piling, Cold Formed, Light Gage
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is under the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.02 on Structural Steel for Bridges, Buildings, Rolling Stock and Ships.
Current edition approved May 1, 2023March 1, 2024. Published June 2023March 2024. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20152023 as
A950/A950M – 11 (2015).(2023). DOI: 10.1520/A0950_A0950M-11R23.10.1520/A0950_A0950M-24.
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
A950/A950M − 24
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
G8 Test Methods for Cathodic Disbonding of Coated Steel
G12 Test Method for Nondestructive Measurement of Film Thickness of Pipeline Coatings on Steel (Withdrawn 2013)
G14 Test Method for Impact Resistance of Pipeline Coatings (Falling Weight Test)
G20 Test Method for Chemical Resistance of Pipeline Coatings
2.2 American Petroleum Institute API Specification:
API RP 5L7 Recommended Practice for Internal Fusion Bonded Epoxy Coating of Line Pipe
2.3 National Association of Corrosion Engineers NACE Standard:
TM0175 Visual Standard for Surfaces of New Steel Centrifugally Blast Cleaned with Steel Shot or Steel Grit (Nace No. 2)
2.4 Steel Structures Painting Council SSPC Standards:
SSPC-SP 1 Surface Preparation Specification No. 1: Solvent Cleaning
SSPC-SP 10 Near-White Blast Cleaning
SSPC-VIS 1 Visual Standards
3. General Requirements for Delivery
3.1 Structural products furnished under this specification shall conform to the requirements of Specification A6/A6M, for the
specific structural product order, unless a conflict exists in which case this specification shall prevail.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Information items to be considered, if appropriate, for inclusion in purchase orders are as follows:
4.1.1 Specification designation and year of issue for H-pile or sheet piling,
4.1.2 Section,
4.1.3 Quantity,
4.1.4 Length,
4.1.5 Portions to be coated (full length or distance from end to remain bare),
4.1.6 Requirements for certifications (see 14.1),
4.1.7 Requirements for material samples (see 5.3),
4.1.8 Requirements for patching material sample (see 5.5),
4.1.9 Requirements for visual standard of comparison for surface cleaning (see 6.1),
4.1.10 Requirements for number and frequency of tests (see 9.1), and
4.1.11 Requirements for inspection at the manufacturing plant (see 12.1).
NOTE 2—An example of an ordering description is as follows: Structural steel sheet piling, Grade 60, Type 1, to ASTM A572 – ; section PZ35, 20 000
ft, 40 ft, 0 in. long in secured lifts, epoxy-coated to ASTM A950 – , including certification for coated sheet piling, sample of coating material, 2 gal of
patching material, and surface cleaning comparison with SSPC-VIS 1.
[Structural steel sheet piling, Grade 400, Type 1, to ASTM A572M – ; section PZ35, 6000 m, 12 m long in secured lifts, epoxy-coated to ASTM A950M
– , including certification for coated sheet piling, sample of coating material, 8 L of patching material, and surface cleaning comparison with SSPC-VIS 1].
5. Materials
5.1 Steel H-piles to be coated shall meet the requirements of Specifications A36/A36M, A572/A572M, A588/A588M, or
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available from American Petroleum Institute (API), 200 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20001-5571, http://www.api.org.
Available from NACE International (NACE), 15835 Park Ten Pl., Houston, TX 77084, http://www.nace.org.
Available from Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), 800 Trumbull Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, https://www.sspc.org.
A950/A950M − 24
A690/A690M, whichever is specified in the order. Steel sheet piling to be coated shall meet the requirements of Specifications
A328/A328M, A572/A572M, A690/A690M, or A857/A857M, whichever is specified in the order.
NOTE 3—Surface conditions such as slivers, gouges, laminations, pits, and sharp edges can cause coating application difficulties and effort should be made
to hold these conditions to a minimum.
5.2 The coating material shall meet the requirements listed in Annex A1 and shall be approved by the purchaser.
5.2.1 A written certification shall be furnished to the purchaser that properly identifies the batch designation of the powder coating
used in the order, material, quantity represented, date of manufacture, name and address of manufacturer, and a statement that the
supplied powder coating is the same composition as that prequalifed to Annex A1 of this specification. The powder coating shall
be used within the manufacturer’s written recommended shelf life.
5.3 If specified in the order, a representative 8 oz. [0.2 kg] sample from each batch of the powder coating shall be supplied to the
purchaser. The sample shall be packaged in an airtight container and identified by the batch designation.
5.4 The powder coating shall be maintained in a temperature-controlled environment following the written recommendations of
the powder coating manufacturer until ready for use, at which point the powder coating will be given sufficient time to reach
approximate plant ambient temperature.
5.5 The patching material shall be as recommended by the powder coating manufacturer and shall be compatible with the coating.
If specified in the order, a sample of the patching material shall be supplied to the purchaser.
6. Surface Preparation
6.1 Prior to blast cleaning, the surfaces of steel H-piles and sheet piling to be coated shall be precleaned, as required, in accordance
with SSPC-SP 1. Steel surfaces shall be cleaned by abrasive blast cleaning to near-white metal in accordance with SSPC-SP 10.
The cleaning media used shall produce an anchor pattern profile of 1.5 mils to 4.0 mils [40 μm to 100 μm]. The visual standard
of comparison used to define the final surface condition shall be SSPC-VIS 1 or TM0175. Expended blasting media debris and dust
shall be removed from blasted surfaces prior to applying coating.
6.2 Prior to application of the fusion-bonded epoxy coating, raised slivers, scabs, laps, sharp edges, or seams shall be removed
2 2
using abrasive grinders. No individual area of grinding shall exceed 36 in. [230 cm ]. Total area of grinding shall not exceed 1 %
of total surface area.
6.3 Slivers raised during the cleaning or coating application process shall be treated as permissible coating damage and repaired
in accordance with Section 11.
6.4 It shall be permissible for a chemical wash and/or conversion of the steel H-piles or sheet piling surface to be used. This
pretreatment shall be applied after abrasive blast cleaning and before coating, in accordance with the written application
instructions specified by the pretreatment manufacturer.
7. Application of Coating
7.1 The powder coating shall be applied to the cleaned and pretreated (if applicable) surface as soon as possible and before visible
oxidation of the surface occurs, as discernible to a person with normal or corrected vision. In no case shall application of the
coating be delayed more than 3 h after cleaning.
7.2 To achieve the required coating thickness (see 8.1), the steel shall be preheated prior to applying the powder coating in
accordance with the manufacturer’s written recommendations. The heat source shall not leave a residue or contaminant on the steel
surfaces. If oxidation occurs, the steel shall be cooled to ambient temperature and recleaned before applying the powder coating.
7.3 The powder coating shall be applied and cured in accordance with the powder coating manufacturer’s written recommenda-
tions.
A950/A950M − 24
7.4 Areas of steel sections not requiring coating to allow welding or for other purposes shall be specified by the purchaser and
shall be blocked-out during the coating application.
8. Requirements for Coated H-Piles and Sheet Piling
8.1 Thickness of Coating:
8.1.1 The minimum thickness of coating after curing on flat surfaces of H-piles and sheet piling shall be 12 mils [30018 mils [450
μm]. The minimum thickness of coating after curing on edges and corners of sections, as measured on flat surfaces ⁄2 in. [13 mm]
from these edges and corners of sections, shall be a minimum of 7 mils [175 μm]. It shall be permissible for the coating thickness
to be reduced on the ball and socket of sheet piling.
8.1.2 Measurements shall be made in accordance with Test Method G12 following the instructions for calibration and use
recommended by the thickness gauge manufacturer. Gauges shall be of the pull-off or fixed probe type, except that “pencil-type”
pull-off gauges, which require the operator to observe the readings at the instant the magnet is pulled from the surface, shall not
be used.
8.1.3 Thickness measurements on test sheet piling sections shall be taken on flat surfaces and corners of each side and edge at 2
ft [0.6 m] intervals along piling sections. Thickness measurements on test H-piles shall be taken alternately on the edges of flanges,
outside and inside of flat surfaces of flanges, intersection of flanges and web, and on each side of the web at 2 ft intervals along
H-pile sections.
NOTE 4—Powder coating overspray at interlock segments of sheet piling is inherent to the coating process and should be considered to be acceptable.
A heavier coating thickness in these areas may result in the inability to join pieces.
8.2 Continuity of Coating:
8.2.1 Damaged or deficiently coated areas, as discernible to a person with normal or corrected vision, shall be patched in
accordance with the patching manufacturer’s written recommendations.
8.2.2 The applied coating after curing shall not have more than an average of two holidays (pinholes not discernible to a person
with normal or corrected vision) per square foot [21 holidays per square metre] of the coated section, as determined by dividing
the total number of holidays for the individual section checked by its total outside surface area.
8.2.3 Holiday checks to determine acceptability shall be made only at the manufacturers plant with a 67.5-V67.5 V direct current,
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