ASTM A 709/A709M : 2021

1.1This specification covers carbon and high-strength low-alloy steel structural shapes, plates, and bars, quenched and tempered alloy steel, and stainless steel for structural plates intended for use in bridges. Twelve grades are available in five yield strength levels as follows:

1.2Grade HPS 70W [HPS 485W] or HPS 100W [HPS 690W] shall not be substituted for Grades 36 [250], 50 [345], 50S [345S], 50W [345W], or HPS 50W [HPS 345W]. Grade 50W [345W], or HPS 50W [HPS 345W] shall not be substituted for Grades 36 [250], 50 [345] or 50S [345S] without agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.

1.3When 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.

1.4For structural products to be used as tension components requiring notch toughness testing, standardized requirements are provided in this standard, and they are based upon American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) requirements for both fracture critical and non-fracture critical members.

1.5Supplementary requirements are available but shall apply only if specified in the purchase order.

1.6The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. 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.

1.7For structural products produced from coil and furnished without heat treatment or with stress relieving only, the additional requirements, including additional testing requirements and the reporting of additional test results, of Specification A6/A6M apply.

1.8This 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.