ASTM A2-02(2020)

Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Girder Rails of Plain, Grooved, and Guard Types

ABSTRACT
This specification deals with carbon steel girder rails of plain, grooved, and guard types. Materials considered in this specification are grouped into three classes (Class A, B, and C) based on type, weight and chemistry (carbon, manganese, phosphorus, and silicon compositions). Steel samples shall be melt processed by either open-hearth, basic-oxygen, or electric furnace, and may be cast by a continuous process or in ingots. Material specimens shall undergo product analysis and tests, and shall conform to required chemical and physical attributes such as chemical composition, Brinell hardness, weight, length, sectioning, end finishing, drilling and punching specifications. Rails shall be finished by cold straightening in a press or roller machine to remove twists, waves and kinks. Final products shall be marked either by brand and stamp, paint, or bar code.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers carbon steel girder rails2 of three classes based on type or type and weight, and chemistry defined as follows and in Table 1.  
1.1.1 Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, girder-guard rails shall be Class A.  
1.1.2 Plain and grooved-girder rails under 135 lb/yd (67.1 kg/m) in weight shall be specified by the purchaser as either Class A or Class B.  
1.1.3 Plain and grooved-girder rails of 135 lb/yd in weight and heavier shall be Class C, unless otherwise specified.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 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-2020
• ICS: 77.140.70 - Steel profiles
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.01 - Steel Rails and Accessories

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A2-02(2014) - Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Girder Rails of Plain, Grooved, and Guard Types
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM A700-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM A700-14 - Standard Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM E10-14 - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E10-12 - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2012
• Refers: ASTM E10-10 - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM E10-08 - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM E10-07a - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007
• Refers: ASTM E10-07 - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2007
• Refers: ASTM E10-07e1 - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2007
• Refers: ASTM A700-05 - Standard Practices for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment (Withdrawn 2014)
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2005
• Refers: ASTM E10-00a - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2001
• Refers: ASTM E10-00 - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2001
• Refers: ASTM E10-01e1 - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2001
• Refers: ASTM A700-99e1 - Standard Practices for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipment
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999

Overview

ASTM A2-02(2020) is the internationally recognized standard specification for carbon steel girder rails of plain, grooved, and guard types, developed by ASTM International. This standard defines the chemical and physical requirements, manufacturing methods, dimensional tolerances, and test procedures for girder rails used primarily in railway and transit applications. ASTM A2-02(2020) provides foundational guidance for stakeholders to ensure consistent quality, safety, and interoperability when producing or procuring carbon steel rails.

Key Topics

• Classification: Rails are categorized into three classes (A, B, and C) based on type, weight, and chemical composition.

  • Class A: Default for girder-guard rails unless otherwise specified.
  • Class A or B: For plain and grooved rails under 135 lb/yd (67.1 kg/m), as specified by the purchaser.
  • Class C: For plain and grooved rails 135 lb/yd and heavier, unless otherwise specified.

• Chemical Composition: Sets precise limits for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, and silicon content, as well as allowable variations for product analysis.

• Physical Properties: Includes requirements for Brinell hardness, weight, length, dimensional tolerances, sectioning, and end finishing.

• Manufacturing & Testing:

  • Carbon steel must be made via open-hearth, basic-oxygen, or electric furnace processes, and cast either continuously or in ingots.
  • Finished rails are subject to chemical analysis, mechanical tests, and must be cold straightened to remove distortions.
  • Product marking through branding, stamping, paint, or bar code is required for traceability.

• Ordering & Certification: Purchasers must specify section dimensions, weight, class, and any special requirements such as bolt holes. Certification and test reports can be requested to validate compliance.

Applications

ASTM A2-02(2020) is essential for:

• Railway and Transit Infrastructure: Specifies requirements for carbon steel girder rails used in tramways, light rail, and other urban transit systems, where precise groove and guard profiles are needed.

• Infrastructure Upgrades & Maintenance: Ensures compatibility and safety in track refurbishment projects by standardizing the quality and dimensions of rails.

• Manufacturers & Fabricators: Provides clear guidelines for steel mills and fabricators to produce and certify rails that meet industry and regulatory standards.

• Procurement & Quality Assurance: Enables buyers, engineers, and inspectors to verify that delivered rails meet performance, dimensional, and safety criteria, supporting lifecycle reliability of railway infrastructure.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality and interoperability in steel rail applications, the following standards are frequently referenced with ASTM A2-02(2020):

• ASTM A700: Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment - ensures rails are protected and properly marked during transport.
• ASTM E10: Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials - establishes the procedure for determining rail hardness.
• Other Rail-Specific Standards: May be supplemented by national or international specifications governing railway track components, installation procedures, and operational safety.

Practical Value

ASTM A2-02(2020) helps secure consistent quality and performance for carbon steel girder rails used in modern transport networks. By standardizing chemical and mechanical properties, as well as dimensional tolerances, this specification enhances the safety, reliability, and longevity of rail-based transportation systems. The inclusion of specific marking and certification requirements further supports traceability and quality assurance throughout the rail supply chain.

Keywords: ASTM A2-02, carbon steel girder rails, railway rails, grooved rails, guard rails, rail manufacturing, rail specifications, Brinell hardness, railways infrastructure, ASTM International.

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:A2 −02 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Carbon Steel Girder Rails of Plain, Grooved, and Guard
Types
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA2; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
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. Classification of Rails
3.1 No. 1 Rails—Rails that are free of injurious imperfec-
1.1 This specification covers carbon steel girder rails of
tions and flaws of all kinds.
three classes based on type or type and weight, and chemistry
defined as follows and in Table 1.
3.2 No. 2 Rails—Rails that contain surface imperfections in
1.1.1 Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, girder- suchnumberorofsuchcharacterthatshallnot,inthejudgment
of the inspector, render them unfit for recognized uses.
guard rails shall be Class A.
1.1.2 Plain and grooved-girder rails under 135 lb/yd (67.1
4. Ordering Information
kg/m) in weight shall be specified by the purchaser as either
Class A or Class B. 4.1 Orders for girder rails under this specification shall
include the following information as appropriate:
1.1.3 Plain and grooved-girder rails of 135 lb/yd in weight
4.1.1 ASTM designation and date of issue;
and heavier shall be Class C, unless otherwise specified.
4.1.2 Quantity (tons or pieces as appropriate);
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4.1.3 Complete identification of section with dimensional
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
drawing if required;
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4.1.4 Arrangement of bolt holes, bond holes, and tie rod
and are not considered standard.
holes with dimensional drawings, if required;
4.1.5 Class (in accordance with 1.1 and Table 1); and
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1.6 Certification and Test Report (see 12.1).
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Manufacture
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 MeltingPractice—The steel shall be made by any of the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
following processes: open-hearth, basic-oxygen, or electric-
furnace.
2. Referenced Documents
5.1.1 The steel may be cast by a continuous process or in
3 ingots.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A700 Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods 5.2 Discard—Sufficient discard shall be made to secure
for Steel Products for Shipment freedom from injurious segregation and piping.
E10 Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
6. Chemical Composition
6.1 HeatorCastAnalysis—Ananalysisforeachheatorcast
of steel shall be made by the manufacturer to determine the
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
percentage of the elements specified in Table 1. The analysis
A01.01 on Steel Rails and Accessories.
shall be made from a test sample representing the heat or cast
Current edition approved March 1, 2020. Published March 2020. Originally
and shall conform to the requirements in Table 1.
approved in 1912. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as A2 – 02 (2014). DOI:
10.1520/A0002-02R20.
6.2 Upon request by the purchaser, similar samples shall be
Design details for carbon steel girder rails are indicated in the girder rail
provided to verify the heat or cast analysis as determined in
catalogs of individual manufacturers.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 6.1.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.3 Product Analysis—When ladle tests are not available,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. finished material representing the heat may be product tested.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A2−02 (2020)
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements, %
8.1.5 No variation will be permitted in dimensions affecting
Class A Class B Class C the fit of the joint bars, except that the fishing template
Carbon 0.60–0.75 0.70–0.85 0.75–0.90 approved by the purchaser may stand out laterally not more
Manganese 0.60–0.90 0.60–0.90 0.60–0.90 3
than ⁄32 in. (2.4 mm).
Phosphorus, max 0.04 0.04 0.04
8.1.6 The base of the rail shall be at right angles to the web,
Silicon 0.10–0.40 0.10–0.40 0.10–0.40
and the convexity shall not exceed ⁄32 in. (0.8 mm).
8.1.7 When necessary, because of the type of track
TABLE 2 Product Analysis—Allowance Beyond Limits of
construction, and notice to that effect has been given to the
Specified Chemical Analysis
manufacturer, the position of the gage line with respect to the
Allowance Under Minumum Allowance Over Maximum 3
outer edge of the base shall not vary more than ⁄64 in. (1.2
Limit, % Limit, %
mm).
Carbon 0.04 0.04
Manganese 0.06 0.06
8.2 Weight—The weight of the rails per yard as calculated,
Phosphorus . . . 0.008
A shall be maintained as nearly as possible after conforming to
Silicon 0.02 0.02
the requirements specified in 8.1.
A
Continuously cast allowances shall be 0.05 % over maximum for silicon.
8.3 Length:
8.3.1 Unless otherwise specified, the standard length of rail
shall be 39 ft (11.9 m) where measured at a temperature of
60°F (15°C).
The product analysis allowance beyond the limits of the
8.3.2 All standard 39-ft lengths may be specified; or
specified ladle analysis shall be within the limits for product
8.3.3 Standard 39-ft lengths with up to 11 % of the entire
analyses specified in Table 2.
order in lengths shorter than standard, varying by 1 ft (0.3 m)
from 38 to 24 ft (11.6 to 7.3 m) may be specified; or
7. Hardness Properties
8.3.4 Length variations other than those described in 8.3.3
7.1 Test Specimens:
may be established by agreement between the purchaser and
7.1.1 Three representative sections of rail from each heat
manufacturer.
shall be selected as test specimens.
8.3.5 A variation of ⁄16 in. (11 mm) from the specified
7.1.2 Excess scale and decarburization shall be removed
length of individual rails will be permitted.
from the test area of the head or web of the selected specimens.
8.4 End Finish:
7.2 Procedure:
8.4.1 Rails shall be milled, abrasive wheel cut, or ground to
7.2.1 The test shall be conducted in accordance with Test
length, with a variation in end squareness of not more than ⁄32
Method E10.
in. (0.8 mm) allowed.
7.3 Requirements:
8.4.2 Harmful burrs on the ends shall be removed.
7.3.1 Class A rail shall have a Brinell hardness of 248 to
8.5 Drilling:
293, and Classes B and C shall have hardnesses of 269 to 321.
8.5.1 Circular holes for joint bar bolts, bonds, and tie rods
7.4 Retests—If the average depth of the impressions ob-
shall be drilled to conform to the drawings and dimensions
tained
...