ASTM A551/A551M-08(2023)

Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Tires for Railway and Rapid Transit Applications

ABSTRACT
This specification details the standard requirements for carbon steel tires for railway and rapid transit applications. The seven classes of steel tires covered here are: Class A-untreated driving tires for locomotives in passenger service; Class AHT-heat-treated driving tires for locomotives in passenger service; Class B-untreated driving tires for freight locomotives and tires for locomotive-truck, tender-truck, trailer and car wheels and miscellaneous service; Class BHT-heat-treated driving tires for freight locomotives and tires for trailer service; Class C-untreated tires for switching locomotives; Class CHT-heat-treated driving tires and switching locomotives and tires for locomotive-trucks, tender-trucks, trailer and car wheels, and miscellaneous service; and Class DHT-heat-treated driving tires for locomotives with light braking conditions, heavily loaded trailer tires, and rapid transit wheels where off-tread brakes are employed. Tires shall be tested and conform to required chemical composition and Brinell hardness values. Reheat treatment and retests may be done if any of the tires fail to meet the specified property values.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers seven classes of carbon steel tires for railway and rapid transit use.  
1.1.1 Class A—For untreated driving tires for locomotives in passenger service.  
1.1.2 Class AHT—For heat-treated driving tires for locomotives in passenger service.  
1.1.3 Class B—For untreated driving tires for freight locomotives and tires for locomotive-truck, tender-truck, trailer and car wheels, and miscellaneous service.  
1.1.4 Class BHT—For heat-treated driving tires for freight locomotives and tires for trailer wheels.  
1.1.5 Class C—For untreated tires for switching locomotives.  
1.1.6 Class CHT—For heat-treated driving tires and switching locomotives and tires for locomotive-trucks, tender-trucks, trailer and car wheels, and miscellaneous service.  
1.1.7 Class DHT—For heat-treated driving tires for locomotives with light braking conditions, heavily loaded trailer tires, and rapid transit wheels where off-tread brakes are employed.  
1.2 Supplementary requirements, including those in the general requirements of Specification A788/A788M, are provided for use when additional testing or inspection is desired. These shall apply only when specified individually by the purchaser in the order.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text and tables 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 nonconformance with the standard.  
1.4 Unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specification designation, the tires shall be furnished to the inch-pound units.  
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: 14-Mar-2023
• ICS: 45.040 - Materials and components for railway engineering
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.06 - Steel Forgings and Billets

Relations

• Refers: ASTM A370-24 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM A370-19 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-19 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-18b - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-18a - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-18 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM A370-17a - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-17a - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-17 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM A370-17 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-16a - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM A370-15 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-15 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-14a - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-14 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 15-May-2014

Overview

ASTM A551/A551M-08(2023) is the internationally recognized standard specification for carbon steel tires used in railway and rapid transit applications. Issued by ASTM International, this standard details the material, chemical composition, mechanical requirements, heat treatments, testing methods, and identification for carbon steel tires that are fitted on railway and transit vehicles. The specification ensures performance, safety, and interchangeability in rail industry products worldwide and supports railway system reliability through rigorous quality and manufacturing controls.

Key Topics

• Scope: Covers seven classes of carbon steel tires for various railway and rapid transit applications, including both untreated and heat-treated options for different locomotive and car wheel services.
• Classes of Tires:
  • Class A & AHT for untreated or heat-treated driving tires in passenger locomotive service.
  • Class B & BHT for untreated or heat-treated driving tires in freight locomotive service and various truck and car wheels.
  • Class C & CHT for untreated or heat-treated tires in switching locomotives and miscellaneous applications.
  • Class DHT for heat-treated tires in specific light braking and rapid transit conditions.
• Chemical and Mechanical Requirements: Specifies the permissible ranges for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and other alloying elements. Each class has defined limits for chemical composition and Brinell hardness, ensuring adequate strength and durability.
• Heat Treatment and Testing: Detailed procedures for quenching, tempering, and hardness testing are stipulated. Tires can be retreated and retested if initial results do not meet specifications.
• Dimensional Tolerances: Establishes permissible variations in tire dimensions, including flange height, thickness, and outside diameter, to ensure compatibility and safe installation.
• Marking and Certification: Requires clear identification of the manufacturer, product class, serial number, heat number, and manufacturing date stamped on each tire for traceability.
• Supplementary and Referenced Requirements: Additional requirements may apply as specified by the purchaser. The general requirements of ASTM A788/A788M are also incorporated.

Applications

ASTM A551/A551M-08(2023) is essential for organizations involved in the design, manufacture, procurement, and maintenance of railway and rapid transit vehicles. Key applications include:

• Passenger and Freight Locomotives: Ensures proper specification for both untreated and heat-treated tires, contributing to the longevity and safety of driving tires in rigorous passenger and freight operations.
• Rapid Transit Systems: Supports the performance requirements for heavily loaded trailer tires and wheels that rely on off-tread braking systems typical of modern transit operations.
• Switching Locomotives and Miscellaneous Rail Vehicles: Addresses the diverse needs of local and yard service locomotives, ensuring their tires meet demanding operational conditions.
• Quality Assurance and Procurement: Assists rail procurement specialists and manufacturers to specify and verify products conforming with high international standards for safety and durability.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures railway operators and suppliers meet industry and international requirements, reducing technical barriers to trade.

Related Standards

• ASTM A370: Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• ASTM A788/A788M: General Requirements for Steel Forgings
• AAR M-107/M-208: Association of American Railroads standard for carbon steel wheels

By adhering to ASTM A551/A551M-08(2023), organizations involved in rail transport safeguard quality, promote international interoperability, and maintain compliance with globally recognized standards for carbon steel railway tires. This standard is a key reference for safe and reliable rail system operation.

Keywords: carbon steel tires, railway tires, rapid transit tires, ASTM A551, heat-treated tires, locomotive tires, rail car wheels, rail applications, steel 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: A551/A551M − 08 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Carbon Steel Tires for Railway and Rapid Transit
Applications
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A551/A551M; 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 1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This specification covers seven classes of carbon steel
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
tires for railway and rapid transit use.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1.1 Class A—For untreated driving tires for locomotives
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
in passenger service.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1.2 Class AHT—For heat-treated driving tires for locomo-
tives in passenger service.
2. Referenced Documents
1.1.3 Class B—For untreated driving tires for freight loco-
motives and tires for locomotive-truck, tender-truck, trailer and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
car wheels, and miscellaneous service.
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
1.1.4 Class BHT—For heat-treated driving tires for freight
of Steel Products
locomotives and tires for trailer wheels.
A788/A788M Specification for Steel Forgings, General Re-
1.1.5 Class C—For untreated tires for switching locomo-
quirements
tives.
2.2 AAR Standard:
1.1.6 Class CHT—For heat-treated driving tires and switch-
AAR M-107/M-208 Wheels, Carbon Steel
ing locomotives and tires for locomotive-trucks, tender-trucks,
trailer and car wheels, and miscellaneous service.
3. Ordering Information and General Requirements
1.1.7 Class DHT—For heat-treated driving tires for locomo-
3.1 Material supplied to this specification shall conform to
tives with light braking conditions, heavily loaded trailer tires,
the requirements of Specification A788/A788M, which out-
and rapid transit wheels where off-tread brakes are employed.
lines ordering information, manufacturing requirements, test-
1.2 Supplementary requirements, including those in the
ing and retesting methods and procedures, marking,
general requirements of Specification A788/A788M, are pro-
certification, product analysis variations, and additional supple-
vided for use when additional testing or inspection is desired.
mentary requirements.
These shall apply only when specified individually by the
3.1.1 If the requirements of this specification are in conflict
purchaser in the order.
with those of Specification A788/A788M, then the require-
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
ments of this specification shall prevail.
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text and
3.2 In addition to the ordering requirements from Specifi-
tables the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in
cation A788/A788M, the following details should be supplied:
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore each
3.2.1 Full identification of tread and flange contour with
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
dimensional drawings as required,
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
3.2.2 Inside diameter to be rough machined or finished,
with the standard.
3.2.3 Intended service, and
1.4 Unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specifica-
3.2.4 Chemical composition requirements, if different from
tion designation, the tires shall be furnished to the inch-pound
those given in Table 1.
units.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
A01.06 on Steel Forgings and Billets. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved March 15, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1965 to replace Specifications A26 and A329. Last previous edition the ASTM website.
approved in 2018 as A551/A551M – 08 (2018). DOI: 10.1520/A0551_A0551M- Available from Association of American Railroads (AAR), 425 Third St., SW,
08R23. Washington, DC 20024, http://www.aar.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A551/A551M − 08 (2023)
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Element wt % Classes A and AHT Classes B and BHT Classes C, CHT, and DHT
Carbon 0.50–0.65 0.60–0.75 0.70–0.85
Manganese 0.60–0.90 0.60–0.90 0.60–0.90
Phosphorous, max 0.030 0.030 0.030
Sulfur 0.005–0.040 0.005–0.040 0.005–0.040
Silicon 0.15–1.00 0.15–1.00 0.15–1.00
A
Nickel, max 0.25 0.25 0.25
A
Chromium, max 0.25 0.25 0.25
A
Molybdenum, max 0.10 0.10 0.10
A
Vanadium, max 0.040 0.040 0.040
Copper, max 0.35 0.35 0.35
Aluminum, max 0.060 0.060 0.060
Titanium, max 0.03 0.03 0.03
B
Columbium, max (Niobium) 0.05 0.05 0.05
A
The manufacturer may exceed the noted maximum limits for nickel, chromium, molybdenum, or vanadium provided that the following relationship (AAR M-107/M-208)
is met:
930 2 570 × %C 2 80 × %Mn 2 20 × %Si 2 50 × %Cr 2 30 × %Ni 2 20 × % Mo1%V .390
f g f g f g f g f g f s dg
B
Columbium (Cb) and Niobium (Nb) are alternate names for Element 41 in the Periodic Table of the Elements.
4. Chemical Requirements lot for inspection. Those meeting the hardness requirements of
6.1.1 shall be accepted.
4.1 Chemical Composition—The steel shall conform to the
6.1.3 Where batch heat-treating furnaces are used, should
requirements for chemical composition specified in Table 1,
any of the tires fail to meet the requirements of 6.1.1, the
unless otherwise required by the purchaser (see 3.2.4).
manufacturer may offer all of the tires in the heat treatment lot
4.1.1 The purchaser may use the product analysis provisions
for individual hardness measurement. Those meeting the hard-
of Specification A788/A788M for tires produced to the requ
...