Standard Speciﬁcation for Carbon Steel Tee Rails · 2.2 American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA) Manual for Railway Engineering: Speciﬁcations for

Designation: A 1 – 00

Standard Specification forCarbon Steel Tee Rails1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 1; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of originaladoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscriptepsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers carbon steel tee rails of nomi-nal weights of 60 lb/yd (29.8 kg/m) and over for use in railwaytrack, including export and industrial applications.

1.2 Supplementary requirements S1 and S2 shall apply onlywhen specified by the purchaser in the order.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas the standard. The values given in parentheses are forinformation only.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:A 29/A 29M Specification for Steel Bars, Carbon and Alloy,

Hot-Wrought and Cold-Finished, General Requirementsfor2

A 700 Practices for Packaging, Marking, and LoadingMethods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipment2

E 10 Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materi-als3

E 127 Practice for Fabricating and Checking AluminumAlloy Ultrasonic Standard Reference Blocks4

E 428 Practice for Fabrication and Control of Steel Refer-ence Blocks Used in Ultrasonic Inspection4

2.2 American Railway Engineering and Maintenance ofWay Association (AREMA) Manual for Railway Engineering:

Specifications for Steel Rails, Chapter 4, Part 25,6

3. Ordering Information

3.1 Orders for rails under this specification shall include thefollowing information:

3.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue.3.1.2 Type of rail desired.

3.1.3 Quantity (tons or pieces as appropriate).3.1.4 Full identification of section with dimensional draw-

ing, if required.3.1.5 Arrangement of drilled bolt holes, if any, with dimen-

sional drawing, if required.3.1.6 Quantity of right-hand and left-hand (Note 1) drilled

rails, drilled both-end rails, and undrilled (blank) rails desired.3.1.7 Supplementary requirements that shall apply (see S1

and S2).3.1.8 Disposition of various classifications of rails (see 8.3.6

and 8.3.7).

NOTE 1—The right-hand or left-hand end of the rail is determined byfacing the side of the rail on which the brand (raised characters) appears.

4. Materials and Manufacture

4.1 Rail Types—Rails shall be furnished as-rolled (standardand alloy), head hardened (on-line or off-line processes), orfully heat treated as agreed upon between the purchaser and themanufacturer.

4.2 Melting Practice—The steel shall be made by any of thefollowing processes: basic-oxygen or electric-furnace.

4.2.1 The steel shall be cast by a continuous process, inhot-topped ingots, or by other methods agreed upon betweenthe purchaser and the manufacturer.

4.3 Discard—Sufficient discard shall be taken from thebloom or ingot to ensure freedom from injurious segregationand pipe.

4.4 Hydrogen Elimination:4.4.1 Applicability:4.4.1.1 Rails 60 through 70 lb/yd (29.8 through 34.8 kg/m)

are not subject to treatment for hydrogen elimination.4.4.1.2 Rails over 70 through 84 lb/yd (over 34.8 through

41.7 kg/m) may be subjected to treatment for hydrogenelimination at the option of the manufacturer.

4.4.1.3 Rails over 84 lb/yd (41.7 kg/m) shall be processedby methods that prevent the formation of shatter cracks asagreed upon between the purchaser and the manufacturer.

4.4.2 Rail heats shall be tested for hydrogen content usingeither a sampling/analytical method or a direct measurementmethod of the liquid steel. The testing shall be performed eitherduring the continuous casting process or during ingot teeming.Hydrogen content shall be recorded and available for review or

1 This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of SubcommitteeA01.01 on Steel Rails and Accessories.

Current edition approved Sept. 10, 2000. Published November 2000. Originallypublished as A 1 – 01. Last previous edition A 1 – 92.

2 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.05.3 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.4 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03.5 Available from American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Assn.,

8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1125, Landover, MD 20785.6 Adapted from AREMA Specifications for Steel Rails (see 2.2).

1

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

reporting at the request of the purchaser. The producer shalldefine the method used to determine hydrogen content, whichof the following methods are used for hydrogen removal, andpresent evidence of applicable procedures used to control thefinal rail hydrogen:

4.4.2.1 Vacuum degassing.4.4.2.2 Bloom control cooling.4.4.2.3 Rail control cooling.4.4.3 Rail Control-Cooling Procedure (AREMA Specifica-

tions for Steel Rails)—Rails shall be control-cooled in accor-dance with the following procedure, except when producedfrom vacuum degassed steel or control-cooled blooms, inwhich case the rails may be air-cooled, and 4.4.3.1-4.4.3.5 arenot applicable.

4.4.3.1 All rails shall be cooled on the hot beds or runwaysuntil full transformation is accomplished and then chargedimmediately into the containers. In no case should the rail becharged at a temperature below 725°F (385°C).

4.4.3.2 The temperature of the rails before charging shall bedetermined with a reliable calibrated pyrometer at the top ofthe rail head at least 12 in. (305 mm) from the end.

4.4.3.3 The cover shall be placed on the container immedi-ately after completion of the charge and shall remain in placefor at least 10 h. After removal or raising of the lid of thecontainer, no rail shall be removed until the top layer of railshas fallen to 300°F (149°C) or lower.

4.4.3.4 The temperature between an outside rail and theadjacent rail in the bottom tier of the container at a point notless than 12 in. (305 mm) nor more than 36 in. (915 mm) fromthe rail end shall be recorded. This temperature shall be thecontrol for judging rate of cooling.

4.4.3.5 The container shall be so protected and insulatedthat the control temperature shall not drop below 300°F(149°C) in 7 h for rails 100 lb/yd (49.7 kg/m) in weight orheavier, from the time that the bottom tier is placed in thecontainer, and in 5 h for rails of less than 100 lb/yd in weight.If this cooling requirement is not met, the rails shall beconsidered control-cooled, provided that the temperature at alocation not less than 12 in. (305 mm) from the end of a rail atapproximately the center of the middle tier does not drop below300°F in less than 15 h.

5. Chemical Composition

5.1 The chemical composition of the standard, head hard-ened, and fully heat treated rail steel, determined as prescribedin 5.2.1, shall be within the limits shown in Table 1. Thechemical composition of alloy rail will be subject to agreementbetween the purchaser and the manufacturer.

5.1.1 When ladle tests are not available, finished materialrepresenting the heat may be product tested. The productanalysis allowance beyond the limits of the specified ladleanalysis shall be within the limits for product analyses speci-fied in Table 2.

5.2 Heat or Cast Analysis:5.2.1 Separate analysis shall be made from test samples

representing one of the first three and one of the last threeingots or continuously cast blooms preferably taken during thepouring of the heat. Determinations may be made chemicallyor spectrographically. Any portion of the heat meeting the

chemical analysis requirements of Table 1 may be applied. Theanalysis, most representative of the heat (clear of the transitionzone for continuous cast steel), shall be recorded as the officialanalysis, but the purchaser shall have access to all chemicalanalysis determinations. Additionally, any material meeting theproduct analysis limits shown in Table 2 may be applied aftertesting such material in accordance with Specification A 29/A 29M.

5.2.2 Upon request by the purchaser, samples shall befurnished to verify the analysis as determined in 5.2.1.

6. Interior Condition

6.1 For both ingot steel and continuously cast steel, betweenmacroetch testing shall be performed as agreed upon betweenthe purchaser and the manufacturer.

6.2 Macroetch Testing—Rail soundness shall be evaluatedby macroetching in a hot acid solution.

6.2.1 Sample Location and Frequency:6.2.1.1 Ingot Steel—A test piece representing the top end of

the top rail from one of the first three, middle three, and lastthree ingots of each heat shall be macroetched.

6.2.1.2 Continuous Cast Steel—A test piece shall be mac-roetched representing a rail from each strand from the begin-ning of each sequence and whenever a new ladle is begun,which is the point representative of the lowest level in thetundish (that is, the point of lowest ferrostatic pressure). Oneadditional sample from the end of each strand of the last heatin the sequence shall also be tested. A new tundish isconsidered to be the beginning of a new sequence.

6.2.2 If any test specimen does not conform to the accept-able macroetch pictorial standards agreed upon between thepurchaser and the manufacturer, further samples shall be takenfrom the same strand or ingot. For continuously cast steel, tworetests shall be taken one from each side of the original sample

TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements—Heat Analysis

Element

Nominal Weight, lb/yd (kg/m)

60 to 84(29.8 to41.7),incl

85 to 114(42.2 to56.6),incl

115(57.0)

and over

Carbon 0.55 to 0.68 0.70 to 0.80 0.74 to 0.84Manganese 0.60 to 0.90 0.70 to 1.00 0.80 to 1.10A

Phosphorus, max 0.040 0.035 0.035Sulfur, max 0.050 0.040 0.040Silicon 0.10 to 0.50 0.10 to 0.50 0.10 to 0.50

AThe upper manganese limit may be extended to 1.25 % by the manufacturer tomeet the Brinell hardness specification. When manganese exceeds 1.10 %, theresidual alloy contents will be held to 0.25 % maximum nickel; 0.25 % maximumchromium; 0.10 % maximum molybdenum; and 0.03 % maximum vanadium.

TABLE 2 Product Analysis Allowance Beyond Limits ofSpecified Chemical Analysis

Percent UnderMinimum Limit

Percent OverMaximum Limit

Carbon 0.04 0.04Manganese 0.06 0.06Phosphorus . . . 0.008Sulfur . . . 0.008Silicon 0.02 0.02A

A Continuously cast allowances shall be 0.05 % over maximum limit for silicon.

A 1

2

at positions decided by the manufacturer, and the materialbetween the two retest positions shall be rejected. For ingotsteel, testing shall progress down the ingot. If any retest fails,testing shall continue until acceptable internal quality isexhibited. All rails represented by failed tests shall be rejected.

7. Hardness Properties

7.1 Rails shall be produced as specified by the purchaserwithin the limits found in Table 3 and Table 4,

7.2 The Brinell hardness test shall be performed on a rail, apiece of rail at least 6 in. (152 mm) long cut from a rail of eachheat of steel or heat-treatment lot, or from a ground/milledtransverse sample cut from the 6-in. piece. The test shall bemade on the side or top of the rail head after decarburizedmaterial has been removed to permit an accurate determinationof hardness. Alternately, the test may be made on the preparedtransverse ground/milled sample 3⁄8in. from the top rail surface.

7.3 The test shall otherwise be conducted in accordancewith Test Method E 10.

7.4 If any test result fails to meet the specifications, twoadditional checks shall be made on the same piece. If bothchecks meet the specified hardness, the heat or heat treatmentlot meets the hardness requirement. If either of the additionalchecks fails, two additional rails in the heat or lot shall bechecked. Both of these checks must be satisfactory for the heator lot to be accepted. If any one of these two checks fails,individual rails may be tested for acceptance.

7.5 If the results for off-line head hardened rails and fullyheat treated rails fail to meet the requirements of 7.1, the railsmay be retreated at the option of the manufacturer, and suchrails shall be retested in accordance with 7.2 and 7.3.

8. Permissible Variations of Dimension, Weight, andOther Physical Attributes

8.1 Section:8.1.1 The section of the rail shall conform to the design

specified by the purchaser.8.1.2 A variation of 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) less or 0.040 in.

(1.02 mm) greater than the specified height will be permittedmeasured at least 1 in. (25.4 mm) from each end.

8.1.3 A variation of 0.030 in. (0.76 mm) less or 0.030 in.greater than the specified rail head width will be permittedmeasured at least 1 in. (25.4 mm) from each end.

8.1.4 A variation of 0.050 in. (1.27 mm) in the total width ofthe base will be permitted.

8.1.5 No variation will be allowed in dimensions affectingthe fit of the joint bars, except that the fishing templateapproved by the purchaser may stand out laterally not morethan 0.060 in. (1.5 mm) when measured within the 18-in.(460-mm) end locations.

8.1.6 A variation of 0.060 in. (1.5 mm) in the asymmetry ofthe head with respect to the base will be permitted.

8.1.7 A variation of 0.020 in. (0.51 mm) less or 0.040 in.(1.02 mm) greater than the specified thickness of web will bepermitted.

8.1.8 Verification of tolerances shall be made using appro-priate gages as agreed upon between the purchaser and themanufacturer.

8.2 Length:8.2.1 The standard length of rails shall be 39 ft (11.9 m) or

80 ft (24.4 m), or both, when measured at a temperature of60°F (15°C).

8.2.2 Up to 9 % for 39 ft rail or 15 % for 80 ft rail of theentire order will be accepted in lengths shorter than thestandard, varying by 1 ft (0.3 m) as follows: 79, 78, 77, 75, 70,65, 60, 39, 38, 37, 36, 33, 30, 27, and 25 ft.

8.2.3 A variation of 7⁄16 in. (11 mm) for 39-ft (11.9-m) railsor 7⁄8 in. (22 mm) for 80-ft rails (24.4-m) will be permitted.

8.2.4 Length variations other than those specified in 8.2.2and 8.2.3 may be established by agreement between thepurchaser and the manufacturer.

8.3 Drilling:8.3.1 Circular holes for joint bolts shall be drilled to

conform to the drawings and dimensions furnished by thepurchaser.

8.3.2 A variation of −0 and +1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) in the size ofthe bolt holes will be permitted.

8.3.3 A variation of 1⁄32 in. (0.8 mm) in the location of theholes will be permitted.

8.3.4 Fins and burrs at the edges of bolt holes shall beeliminated. The drilling process shall be controlled to preventmechanical or metallurgical damage to the rail.

8.3.5 When right-hand and left-hand drilling is specified, atleast the minimum quantity of each indicated by the purchaserwill be supplied. The excess on any one-end drilling will beapplied against the order.

8.3.6 Disposition of rails classified “A” and short rails, withrespect to application as right-hand drilled, left-hand drilled,and blank rails, if such categories are specified in the order,shall be established by agreement between the purchaser andthe manufacturer.

8.3.7 Disposition of short rails that accrue from left-handdrilled, right-hand drilled, and undrilled (blank) rail produc-tion, and which are acceptable in accordance with 8.2.2 shallbe established by agreement between the purchaser and themanufacturer.

TABLE 3 Hardness Requirements of Standard Carbon Rails

Nominal Weight, lb/yd (kg/m)60 to 84

(29.8 to 41.7),incl

85 to 114(42.2 to 56.6),

incl

115 (57.0)and over

Brinell Hardness, min 201 285 300

TABLE 4 Hardness Requirements of High-Strength Rails(See notes)

NOTE 1—Hardness specified in Table 4 pertain to the head area only.NOTE 2—A fully pearlitic microstructure shall be maintained in the

head.NOTE 3—If 410 HB is exceeded, the microstructure throughout the

head shall be examined at 1003 or higher for confirmation of a fullypearlitic microstructure in the head.

NOTE 4—No untempered martensite shall be present within the rail.

Nominal Weight, lb/yd (kg/m)60 to 84

(29.8 to 41.7),incl

85 to 114(42.2 to 56.6),

incl

115 (57.0)and over

Brinell Hardness 277 to 341 321, min 341, min

A 1

3

8.4 Finish:8.4.1 Rails shall be straightened cold in a press or roller

machine to remove twists, waves, and kinks, until they meetthe surface and line requirements specified in 8.4.2-8.4.8, asdetermined by visual inspection.

8.4.2 When placed head up on a horizontal support, railsthat have ends higher than the middle will be accepted, if theyhave a uniform surface upsweep, the maximum ordinate ofwhich does not exceed 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) in any 39 ft (11.9 m).

8.4.3 The uniform surface upsweep at the rail ends shall notexceed a maximum ordinate of 0.025 in. (0.64 mm) in 3 ft (0.9m) and the 0.025-in. maximum ordinate shall not occur at apoint closer than 18 in. (460 mm) from the rail end.

8.4.4 Surface downsweep and droop will not be acceptable.8.4.5 Deviations of the lateral (horizontal) line in either

direction at the rail ends shall not exceed a maximum mid-ordinate of 0.030 in. (0.07 mm) in 3 ft (0.9 m) using astraightedge and 0.023 in. (0.58 mm) maximum ordinate at apoint 9 in. (229 mm) from the rail end.

8.4.6 When required, proof of compliance with 8.4.2 shallbe determined by string (wire) lining, and a 3-ft (0.9-m)straightedge and taper gage shall be used to determine rail endsurface and line characteristics specified in 8.4.3, 8.4.4, and8.4.5. All ordinate determinations shall be made on the concaveside, between the rail surface and the straightedge or stringline.

8.4.7 Rails shall be hot-sawed, cold-sawed, milled, abrasivewheel cut, or ground to length, with a variation in endsquareness of not more than 1⁄32 in. (0.8 mm) allowed. Burrsshall be removed. The method of end finishing rails shall besuch that the rail end shall not be metallurigically or mechani-cally damaged.

8.4.8 If the rail shows evidence of twist while being laidhead up on the final inspection bed, it will be checked byinserting a taper or feeler gage between the base and the railskid nearest the end. If the gap exceeds 0.090 in. (2.29 mm),the rail will be rejected. Alternatively, a twist gage may beused, and, if the rail exceeds 1.5° in 39 ft (11.9 m), the rail willbe rejected. Rejected rails may be subject to straightening.

9. Rework

9.1 Rails presented for inspection that do not conform to therequirements of 8.4.1-8.4.8 may be reconditioned by the mill.

10. Classification of Rails

10.1 Rails that do not contain surface imperfections in suchnumber or of such character as will, in the judgment of thepurchaser, render them unfit for recognized uses, shall beaccepted.

11. Inspection

11.1 The manufacturer shall afford the purchaser’s inspectorall reasonable facilities necessary to satisfy him that thematerial is being produced and furnished in accordance withthis specification. Mill inspection by the purchaser shall notinterfere unnecessarily with the manufacturer’s operations. Alltests and inspections shall be made at the place of manufacture,unless otherwise agreed upon.

12. Rejection and Rehearing

12.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements ofthis specification may be rejected. Rejections shall be reportedto the manufacturer or supplier promptly and in writing. In caseof dissatisfaction with the test results, the manufacturer orsupplier may make claim for a rehearing.

13. Certification

13.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, amanufacturer’s certification shall be furnished to the purchaserthat the material was produced and tested in accordance withthis specification and has been found to meet the requirements.

13.2 When specified in the purchase order or contract, areport of the chemical and mechanical test results shall befurnished.

13.3 A material Test Report, Certificate of Inspection, orsimilar document printed from or used in electronic from anelectronic data interchange (EDI) transmission shall be re-garded as having the same validity as a counterpart printed inthe certifier’s facility. The content of the EDI transmitteddocument must meet the requirements of the invoked ASTMstandard(s) and conform to any existing EDI agreement be-tween the purchaser and the supplier.

13.4 Notwithstanding the absence of a signature, the orga-nization submitting either a printed document (Material TestReport, Certificate of Inspection or similar document), or anEDI transmission is responsible for the content of the report.

14. Product Marking

14.1 Branding and Stamping:14.1.1 Branding shall be rolled in raised characters at least

twice on the side of the web of each rail a minimum of every16 ft (4.9 m) in accordance with the following requirements:

14.1.1.1 The data and order of arrangement of the brandingshall be as shown in Table 5.

14.1.2 The heat number, rail letter, ingot number or strandand bloom, and method of hydrogen elimination (if not shownin brand) shall be hot-stamped into the web of each rail aminimum of 3 times per rail on the side opposite the brand.

14.1.2.1 The stamping data shall be as shown in Table 6.14.1.2.2 The top rail from each open top ingot shall nor-

mally be hot-stamped “A” and succeeding ones “B,”“ C,” “D,”“E,” and so forth, consecutively; however, if the top discard isgreater than normal, the rail lettering shall conform to theamount of discard, the top rail becoming “B,” or othersucceeding letter to suit the condition.

14.1.2.3 The top rail from each hot top ingot shall normallybe hot-stamped “B” and succeeding ones “C,” “D,”“ E,” and so

TABLE 5 Branding Data

NOTE 1—The design of letters and numerals shall be optional with themanufacturer.

Weight Section

Method of Hy-drogen Elimina-

tion (if Indi-cated in Brand)

Mill Brand Year RolledMonthRolled

136 RE CC MFG 1980 111

A 1

4

forth, consecutively, when agreed upon between the purchaserand the manufacturer.

14.1.2.4 Ingots shall be numbered in order cast.14.1.2.5 Only the “A,” “B,” and“ C” rails are required to be

lettered when the nominal weight per yard is less than 85 lb(42.2 kg/m).

14.1.2.6 The hot-stamping symbols pertaining to hydrogenelimination may be “CC” control cooling of rails, “BC” controlcooling of blooms, or “VT” vacuum-treated.

14.1.2.7 Rail from continuous cast blooms shall be identi-fied by a designation for heat number, strand number, andbloom number (Note 2). The rail shall be identified by analphabetical designation beginning with “P” and succeedingones “R,” “S,”“ T,” and so forth, consecutively, or any otheridentification of the position of the rail within the cast as agreedupon between the purchaser and the manufacturer.

NOTE 2—Strand and bloom numbers may be joined at the manufactur-er’s option.

14.1.2.8 The 5⁄8-in. (16-mm) stamped characters shall have aflat face (0.040 to 0.060 in. wide) (1.02 to 1.52 mm) withbevels on each side so as not to produce metallurgical stressrisers. The letters and numbers shall be on a 10° angle fromvertical and shall have rounded corners. The stamping shall bebetween 0.020 in. (0.51 mm) and 0.060 in. (152 mm) in depthalong the center of the web.

14.2 Classification Marking:14.2.1 “A” rails shall be paint-marked yellow.14.2.2 Rails less than 80 ft (24.4 m) or 39 ft (11.9 m) long

shall be paint-marked green.

14.2.3 Paint markings will appear on the top of the head ofone end only, at least 3 ft (0.9 m) from the end.

14.2.4 All short-length rails produced shall have the lengthidentified on the top of the head approximately 1 ft from eachend.

14.2.5 High-strength rails shall be marked by either a metalplate permanently attached to the neutral axis, hot-stamped,metallized spray-stenciled, or in the brand that gives themanufacturer, type, or method of treatment, or combinationthereof. Head-hardened and fully heat-treated rails shall bepaint-marked orange and alloy rail shall be paint-markedaluminum.

14.3 Bar Coding—The automotive Industry Action Group(AIAG) Bar Code Standard for Primary Metals for SteelProducts may be considered as an auxiliary method of identi-fication. Use of this method shall be by agreement between thepurchaser and the supplier.

15. Acceptance

15.1 In order to be accepted, the rails offered shall fulfill allof the requirements of this specification.

15.2 The number of “A” rails applied on the purchaser’sorder will not exceed the percentage of “A” rails obtained bythe manufacturer’s normal ingot practice.

16. Loading

16.1 Rails shall be handled carefully to avoid damage andshall be loaded in separate cars according to classification, withthe branding on all rails facing the same direction, except whenthe number of rails in a shipment is insufficient to permitseparate loading.

17. U.S. Government Procurement

17.1 When specified in the contract or purchase order,material shall be prepared for shipment and storage in accor-dance with the requirements of Practices A 700.

18. Keywords

18.1 rails; railway applications; steel rails

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

One or more of the following supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified by thepurchaser in the inquiry, contract, or order.

S1. End Hardening

S1.1 The drilled ends may be specified to be end-hardened.When so specified, end-hardening and chamfering shall be inaccordance with S1.1.1 through S1.1.7.

S1.1.1 End-hardened rails may be hot-stamped with theletters “CH” in the web of the rail ahead of the heat number.

S1.1.2 Water shall not be used as a quenching mediumexcept in an oil-water or polymer-water emulsion processapproved by the purchaser.

S1.1.3 Longitudinal and transverse sections showing thetypical distribution of the hardness pattern produced by anyproposed process shall, upon request of the purchaser, besubmitted to the purchaser for approval before production onthe contract is started.

S1.1.4 The heat-affected zone, defined as the region inwhich hardness is above that of the parent metal, shall coverthe full width of the rail head and extend longitudinally aminimum of 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) from the end of the rail. The

TABLE 6 Stamping Data

NOTE 1—The height of letters and numerals shall be 5⁄8 in. (16 mm).

Heat Number Rail LetterIngot or Strand

and BloomNumber

Method of Hydro-gen Elimination (if

Indicated in Stamp-ing)

287615 ABCDEFGH/PRST

17 BC

A 1

5

effective hardness zone 1⁄2in. (13 mm) from the end of the railshall be at least 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) deep.

S1.1.5 The hardness measured at a spot on the centerline ofthe head 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 in. (6 to 13 mm) from the end of the rail shallshow a Brinell hardness number range from 341 to 401 whenthe decarburized surface has been removed. A report ofhardness determination representing the product shall be givento the purchaser or his representative.

S1.1.6 The manufacturer reserves the right to retreat anyrails that fail to meet the required Brinell hardness numberrange.

S1.1.7 Chamfering rail ends shall be done to avoid theformation of grinding cracks.

S2. Ultrasonic Testing

S2.1 The rail may be specified to be ultrasonically tested forinternal imperfections by the purchaser or manufacturer, sub-ject to the provisions of S2.2 or S2.3.

S2.2 Full length of the rail may be tested using in-lineultrasonic testing equipment provided by the manufacturerexcept, if agreed between the purchaser and the manufacturer,rails may be tested in accordance with S2.3.

S2.2.1 The rail shall be free from rough surfaces, loosescale, or foreign matter that would interfere with the ultrasonicdetection of defects. Testing shall be done when the railtemperature is below 150°F.

S2.2.2 The calibration test rail shall be a full-section rail ofthe same section as that being tested. The test rail shall be longenough to allow calibration at the same rate of speed as theproduction rail.

S2.2.3 The size, shape, location, and orientation of calibra-tion references to be placed in the test rail shall be agreed uponbetween the purchaser and the manufacturer. At least onereference shall be put into the test rail to represent each searchunit in the system.

S2.2.3.1 Recommend the following calibration references:head—3⁄32-in. (2.38-mm) flat bottom hole; web—1⁄8-in. (3.18-mm) flat bottom hole; base—1⁄16-in. (1.59-mm) deep by 1⁄4-in.(6.35-mm) long slot.

S2.2.3.2 Any indication equal to or greater than the agreedupon references when scanning the rail at the production speedshall be cause for initial rejection. A record shall be made ofeach suspect rail. This record shall be available to the purchas-er’s inspector.

S2.2.4 The calibration rail shall be run through the ultra-sonic testing equipment at the start of each 8-h shift or asagreed upon between the purchaser and the manufacturer forshifts that exceed 8 h in duration, and additionally at anysection change or at any indication of equipment malfunction.

A record shall be maintained by the manufacturer of each timethe calibration test rail is run through the test system. Thisrecord shall be available to the purchaser’s inspector.

S2.2.5 In the event of a calibration failure, all rails pro-cessed since the last successful calibration shall be retested.

S2.2.6 The suspect rail may be retested using manualnon-destructive testing techniques before final rejection. Thetesting criteria of the manual nondestructive retesting shall bein accordance with S 2.2.3. The method of inspection shall beagreed upon between the purchaser and the manufacturer.

S2.2.7 Rejected rails shall be cut back to sound metal asindicated by the ultrasonic testing subject to the length restric-tions in 8.2. The cut shall be a minimum of 12 in. (304.8 mm)from any indication.

S2.3 Manual Ultrasonic Test of Web at the Rail Ends forWeld Plant Application:

S2.3.1 Manual end testing shall be performed using stan-dard ultrasonic testing equipment acceptable to the purchaserand the manufacturer.

S2.3.2 The search unit shall be a standard dual-elementcrystal or similar transducer acceptable to the purchaser and themanufacturer.

S2.3.3 The calibration test block shall be of the followingcharacteristics: Material 4340 AISI Steel/Nickel plated, manu-factured in accordance with Practices E 127 and E 428. As analternate, reference standards may be fabricated from a sectionof rail as agreed upon between the purchaser and the manu-facturer.

S2.3.4 Dimensions of the calibration test block and calibra-tion references shall be agreed upon between the purchaser andthe manufacturer. (For calibration reference, the recommendedthickness of the block should approximate the thickness of therail web.)

S2.3.5 Calibration of the instrument shall be performedbefore the commencement of testing, every 100 rail endsthereafter, and after any test delay exceeding 30 min.

S2.3.6 When the search unit is coupled to the calibration testblock, the indication height from the calibration reference shallserve as a reference level for the test. (Recommended referencelevels should appear from 40 to 80 % of the maximum heighton the cathode ray tube graticule.)

S2.3.7 Couplant shall be distributed over the entire web areaat least 12 in. from the end of the rail and the search unit movedover the entire area in vertical or horizontal sweeps, or both.

S2.3.8 An indication equal to or exceeding the referencelevel shall be cause for rejection.

S2.3.9 Rejected rails may be cut back to sound metal asindicated by the ultrasonic testing, subject to the lengthrestrictions in 8.2.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentionedin this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the riskof infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years andif not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standardsand should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of theresponsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you shouldmake your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

A 1

6

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the aboveaddress or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website(www.astm.org).

A 1

7


Standard Specification forCarbon Steel Girder Rails of Plain, Grooved, and Guard Types1



1. Scope*

1.1 This specification covers carbon steel girder rails2 ofthree classes based on type or type and weight, and chemistrydefined 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 (67.1kg/m) in weight shall be specified by the purchaser as eitherClass A or Class B.

1.1.3 Plain and grooved-girder rails of 135 lb/yd in weightand heavier shall be Class C, unless otherwise specified.

1.2 The values states in inch-pound units are to be regardedas the standard. The values given in parentheses are forinformation only.


2.1 ASTM Standards:A 700 Practices for Packaging, Marking, and Loading

Methods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipments 3

E 10 Test Method for Brinell hardness of Metallic Materi-als4

3. Classification of Rails

3.1 No. 1 Rails—Rails that are free of injurious imperfec-tions and flaws of all kinds.

3.2 No. 2 Rails—Rails that contain surface imperfections insuch number or of such character that shall not, in the judgmentof the inspector, render them unfit for recognized uses.


4.1 Orders for girder rails under this specification shallinclude the following information as appropriate:

4.1.1 ASTM designation and date of issue,

4.1.2 Quantity (tons or pieces as appropriate),4.1.3 Complete identification of section with dimensional

drawing if required,4.1.4 Arrangement of bolt holes, bond holes, and tie rod

holes with dimensional drawings, if required,4.1.5 Class (in accordance with 1.1 and Table 1), and4.1.6 Certification and Test Report (see 12.1).

5. Manufacture

5.1 Melting Practice—The steel shall be made by any of thefollowing processes: open-hearth, basic-oxygen, or electric-furnace.

5.1.1 The steel may be cast by a continuous process, or iningots.

5.2 Discard—Sufficient discard shall be made to securefreedom from injurious segregation and piping.

6. Chemical Composition

6.1 Heat or Cast Analysis—An analysis for each heat orcast of steel shall be made by the manufacturer to determine thepercentage of the elements specified in Table 1. The analysisshall be made from a test sample representing the heat or castand shall conform to the requirements in Table 1.

6.2 Upon request by the purchaser, similar samples shall beprovided to verify the heat or cast analysis as determined in6.1.

6.3 Product Analysis—When ladle tests are not available,finished material representing the heat may be product tested.The product analysis allowance beyond the limits of thespecified ladle analysis shall be within the limits for productanalyses specified in Table 2.

7. Hardness Properties

7.1 Test Specimens:7.1.1 Three representative sections of rail from each heat

shall be selected as test specimens.

1 This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of SubcommitteeA01.01 on Steel Rails and Accessories.

Current edition approved November 10, 2002. Published December 2002.Originally approved in 1912. Last previous edition approved in 1990 as A 31 – 90(1997).

2 Design details for carbon steel girder rails are indicated in the girder railcatalogs of individual manufacturers.

3 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.05.4 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.

TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements, %

Class A Class B Class C

Carbon 0.60–0.75 0.70–0.85 0.75–0.90Manganese 0.60–0.90 0.60–0.90 0.60–0.90Phosphorus, max 0.04 0.04 0.04Silicon 0.10–0.40 0.10–0.40 0.10–0.40

1

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.


7.1.2 Excess scale and decarburization shall be removedfrom the test area of the head or web of the selected specimens.

7.2 Procedure:7.2.1 1 The test shall be conducted in accordance with Test

Method E 10.7.3 Requirements:7.3.1 Class A rail shall have a Brinell hardness of 248 to

293, and Classes B and C shall have hardnesses of 269 to 321.7.4 Retests—If the average depth of the impressions ob-

tained on the head of the three specimens from any heat failsto conform to the requirements specified in 7.3, the manufac-turer may at his option retest the specimens, or each rail fromthat heat. Rails represented by retests which conform to therequirements of 7.3 shall be accepted.

8. Permissible Variations of Dimension, Weight, andOther Physical Attributes

8.1 Section:8.1.1 The section of the rail shall conform to the design

specified by the purchaser.8.1.2 A variation of 1⁄64 in. (0.4 mm) less or 1⁄32 in. (0.8 mm)

greater than the specified height will be permitted.8.1.3 A variation of 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) from the specified

overall width of the head and tram will be permitted, but anyvariation that would affect the gage line more than 1⁄32 in. (0.8mm) will not be permitted.

8.1.4 The overall width of the base shall not vary under thatspecified more than 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) for widths less than 61⁄2 in.(165 mm), 3⁄16 in. (4.8 mm) for a width of 61⁄2 in., and 1⁄4 in.(6.35 mm) for a width of 7 in. (178 mm).

8.1.5 No variation will be permitted in dimensions affectingthe fit of the joint bars, except that the fishing templateapproved by the purchaser may stand out laterally not morethan 3⁄32 in. (2.4 mm).

8.1.6 The base of the rail shall be at right angles to the web,and the convexity shall not exceed 1⁄32 in. (0.8 mm).

8.1.7 When necessary, because of the type of track construc-tion, and notice to that effect has been given to the manufac-turer, the position of the gage line with respect to the outer edgeof the base shall not vary more than 3⁄64 in. (1.2 mm).

8.2 Weight—The weight of the rails per yard as calculated,shall be maintained as nearly as possible after conforming tothe requirements specified in 8.1.

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 of60°F (15°C).

8.3.2 All standard 39-ft lengths may be specified; or

8.3.3 Standard 39-ft lengths with up to 11 % of the entireorder 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

8.3.4 Length variations other than those described in 8.3.3may be established by agreement between the purchaser andmanufacturer.

8.3.5 A variation of 7⁄16 in. (11 mm) from the specifiedlength of individual rails will be permitted.

8.4 End Finish:8.4.1 Rails shall be milled, abrasive wheel cut, or ground to

length, with a variation in end squareness of not more than 1⁄32in. (0.8 mm) allowed.

8.4.2 Harmful burrs on the ends shall be removed.8.5 Drilling:8.5.1 Circular holes for joint bar bolts, bonds, and tie rods

shall be drilled to conform to the drawings and dimensionsfurnished by the purchaser and within the following permis-sible variations:

8.5.2 The diameter of bolt holes shall not vary more than 1⁄16in. (1.6 mm) over and 0 in. under that specified. The diameterof bond holes shall not be over the size specified, but may be1⁄32 in. (0.8 mm) under. The diameter of the tie rod holes shallnot be less than that specified but may be 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) over.

8.5.3 The location of bolt and bond holes shall not varymore than 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm), either longitudinally or verticallyfrom that specified. The location of the tie rod holes shall notvary more than 1⁄4 in. (6.35 mm) vertically and not more than1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) longitudinally from that specified.

8.5.4 Bond holes shall be truly cylindrical and not conical.8.5.5 Harmful fins and burrs at the edges of holes shall be

removed.8.6 Punching—Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser,

the tie rod holes in Class A rails may be punched, and, when somade, they shall be free of burrs, fins, etc. Punched tie rodholes shall not be less in diameter than specified, but may benot more than 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) over size.

9. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance

9.1 Rails shall be straightened cold in a press or rollermachine to remove twists, waves, and kinks.

9.2 Deviations in the vertical and horizontal alignmentthroughout the length of the rail shall be uniform. Sharpdeviations in either direction shall not be acceptable.

9.3 Straightness shall be assessed by visual inspection.

10. Inspection

10.1 The manufacturer shall afford the purchaser’s inspectorall reasonable facilities necessary to satisfy him that thematerial is being produced and furnished in accordance withthis specification. Mill inspection by the purchaser shall notinterfere unnecessarily with the manufacturer’s operations. Alltests and inspections shall be made at the place of manufacture,unless otherwise agreed to.


11.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements ofthis specification may be rejected. Rejections shall be reportedto the manufacturer or supplier promptly and in writing. In case

TABLE 2 Product Analysis—Allowance Beyond Limits ofSpecified Chemical Analysis

Allowance Under MinumumLimit, %

Allowance Over MaximumLimit, %

Carbon 0.04 0.04Manganese 0.06 0.06Phosphorus . . . 0.008Silicon 0.02 0.02A

AContinuously cast allowances shall be 0.05 % over maximum for silicon.

A 2 – 02

2

of dissatisfaction with the test results, the manufacturer orsupplier may make claim for a rehearing.

12. Certification



12.3 A Material Test Report, Certificate of Inspection, orsimilar document printed from or used in electronic form fromand electronic data interchange (EDI) transmission shall beregarded as having the same validity as a counterpart printed inthe certifier’s facility. The content of the EDI transmitteddocument must meet the requirements of the invoked ASTMstandard(s) and conform to any existing EDI agreement be-tween the purchaser and the supplier.

12.4 Notwithstanding the absence of a signature, the orga-nization submitting either a printed document (Material TestReport, Certificate of Inspection or similar document) or andEDI transmission is responsible for the content of the report.

13. Acceptance

13.1 In order to be accepted, the rails offered shall fulfill allthe requirements of this specification.

13.2 No. 2 rails to the extent of 10 % of the whole order willbe accepted.

14. Product Marking

14.1 Branding and Stamping:

14.1.1 The name or brand of the manufacturer, the year andmonth of manufacture, the weight of the rail, and the sectionnumber, shall be legibly rolled in raised letters and figures onthe web.

14.1.2 The heat number shall be legibly stamped on eachrail where it will not be covered subsequently by the joint bars.

14.2 Paint Marking:14.2.1 No. 2 rails shall be paint-marked white.14.2.2 No. 1 rails less than 39 ft (11.9 m) long shall be

paint-marked green.14.2.3 Paint-marking shall be located on the top of the head

at one end only, at least 3 ft (0.9 m) from the end.14.3 Bar Coding:14.3.1 The automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) Bar

Code Standard for Primary Metals for Steel Products may beconsidered as a possible auxiliary method of identification. Useof this method shall be by agreement between purchaser andsupplier.

15. Loading

15.1 Rails shall be handled carefully to avoid damage.15.2 Rails shall be placed together according to class in

loading.15.3 Rails shall be paired as to length before shipment.



17. Keywords

17.1 girder rails; rails; railway applications; steel rails

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

(1) Military standard references deleted in Section 2.(2) Edited footnotes on page 1.(3) Changed hardness spec. to an ASTM specification inSection 7.

(4) Added EDI language in Section 12.(5) Added bar coding language in Section 14.(6) Deleted reference to military standard deleted in Section16.




A 2 – 02

3


Standard Specification forSteel Joint Bars, Low, Medium, and High Carbon (Non-Heat-Treated)1



1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers steel joint bars for connectingsteel rails in mine, industrial, and standard railroad track.

1.2 Three grades of joint bars are defined for applicationswhere non-heat treated bars are suitable:

1.2.1 Grade 1, low-carbon, primarily for industrial and mineuse.

1.2.2 Grade 2, medium-carbon, primarily for industrial andmine use.

1.2.3 Grade 3, high-carbon, for general use in standardrailroad track. They may be used in the production of insulatedtrack joints.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas the standard. The values given in parentheses are forinformation only.


2.1 ASTM Standards:A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing

of Steel Products2

A 700 Practices for Packaging, Marking, and LoadingMethods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipment3


3.1 Orders for joint bars under this specification shallinclude the following information as appropriate:

3.1.1 Quantity—number of pairs of bars,3.1.2 Type—design or type bar along with section designa-

tion and weight of rails being joined,

3.1.3 Grade—in accordance with 1.2 and Table 1 and Table2,

3.1.4 Dimension—overall length,3.1.5 Punching—type (elliptical, oval, round, or combina-

tions), size, number, location, spacing, and elevation ofpunched holes, with dimensional drawing if necessary,

3.1.6 Special Requirements—notching, shearing, bundling,etc., including details, and

3.1.7 Certification and Test Report Requirements—(Section11).

4. Manufacture

4.1 The steel shall be made by one or both of the followingprocesses: basic-oxygen or electric-furnace.

4.1.1 The steel may be cast by a continuous process, or iningots.

4.2 Grade 2, medium-carbon, joint bars may be punched,slotted, and shaped in the case of special designs, either hot orcold. Joint bars that are punched, slotted, or shaped cold shallbe subsequently annealed.

4.3 Grade 3, high-carbon, joint bars shall be uniformlyheated for punching, slotting, and shaping.

5. Chemical Requirements

5.1 The steel shall conform to the requirements as tochemical composition prescribed in Table 1.

5.2 Heat or Cast Analysis—An analysis of each heat or castshall be made by the manufacturer to determine the percent-ages of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur. Theanalysis shall be made from a test sample taken preferablyduring the pouring of the heat or cast. The chemical composi-tion thus determined shall conform to the requirement in Table1. Manganese and sulfur determinations are for informationonly.

5.3 Product Analysis—When ladle tests are not available,finished material representing the heat may be product tested.The product analysis allowance beyond the limits of the

1 This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,Stainless Steel and Related Alloys, and is the direct responsibility of SubcommitteeA01.01 on Steel Rails and Accessories.

Current edition approved April 10, 2001. Published May 2001. Originallypublished as A3 – 1901. Last previous edition A3 – 87 (1995).

2 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.03.3 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.05.

1


specified ladle analysis shall be within the limits for productanalyses specified in Table 2.

5.3.1 An analysis may be made by the purchaser from asample taken from a finished joint bar representing each heat orcast. The chemical composition thus determined shall conformto the requirements in Table 1.

6. Tensile Requirements

6.1 Properties—The material as represented by a tensiontest specimen shall conform to the tensile properties prescribedin Table 3.

6.2 Test Specimen—The tension test specimen shall betaken from the middle of the head at the center of a finishedjoint bar. The specimen shall be machined to the form anddimensions for a standard round tension test specimen with2-in. or (50- mm) gage length, as described in Test Methodsand Definitions A 370.

6.3 Number of Tests—One tension test shall be made fromeach heat or cast of steel.

6.4 Retests—If the results of the tension test fail to meet therequirements specified, a retest shall be permitted on tworandom specimens from the lot. Both shall conform to therequirements specified in Table 3.

6.4.1 If any test specimen fails because of mechanicalreasons such as failure of testing equipment or improperspecimen preparation, it may be discarded and another speci-men taken.

7. Dimensions and Permissible Variations

7.1 The joint bars shall be true to template, and shallaccurately fit the rails for which they are intended.

7.2 The joint bars shall be either sheared or sawed to length,punched to the dimensions specified by the purchaser andalignment adjusted, all subject to the permissible variationsprescribed in 7.3, 7.4, and Table 4.

7.3 Any variation from a straight line in a vertical planeshall be such as will make the bars high in the center.

7.4 For girder rail applications only, any variation from astraight line in a horizontal plane shall be such as will make thebars convex towards the web of the rail.

8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance

8.1 The joint bars shall be straight, subject to the variationsprescribed in 7.3, 7.4, and Table 4.

8.2 The general appearance with respect to soundness andsurface finish shall be consistent with good commercial prac-tice as determined by visual inspection.

9. Inspection

9.1 The manufacturer shall afford the purchaser’s inspectorall reasonable facilities necessary to satisfy that the material isbeing produced and furnished in accordance with this specifi-cation. Mill inspection by the purchaser shall not interfereunnecessarily with the manufacturer’s operations. All tests andinspections shall be made at the place of manufacture, unlessotherwise agreed upon.


10.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements ofthis specification may be rejected. Rejections shall be reportedto the manufacturer or supplier promptly and in writing. In caseof dissatisfaction with the test results, the manufacturer orsupplier may make claim for a rehearing.

11. Certification and Test Report



11.3 A Material Test Report, Certificate of Inspection, orsimilar document printed from or used in electronic form froman electronic data interchange (EDI) transmission shall beregarded as having the same validity as a counterpart printed inthe certifier’s facility. The content of the EDI transmitteddocument must meet the requirements of the invoked ASTMstandard(s) and conform to any existing EDI agreement be-tween the purchaser and the supplier.

11.4 Notwithstanding the absence of a signature, the orga-nization submitting either a printed document (Material TestReport, Certificate of Inspection or similar document) or anEDI transmission is responsible for the content of the report.

12. Product Marking

12.1 The name or brand of the manufacturer and the year ofmanufacture shall be rolled in raised letters and figures on theside of the rolled bars, and a portion of this marking shallappear on each finished joint bar.

TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements

Elements Composition, %

Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3

Carbon, min ... 0.30 0.45Phosphorus, max 0.05 0.05 0.04

TABLE 2 Product Analysis

Allowance Beyond Limits of Specified ChemicalAnalysis

Percent undermin limit

Percent overmax limit

Carbon 0.04 0.04Phosphorus . . . 0.008

TABLE 3 Tensile Requirements

Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3

ksi MPa ksi MPa ksi MPa

Tensile strength,min

55 380 68 470 85 585

Elongation in 2 in.or 50 mm, min

22 20 15

A 3 – 01

2

12.2 In addition to the markings in 12.1, the followingmarkings shall appear on Grade 3, high-carbon joint bars:

12.2.1 The section designation shall be included with therolled raised characters.

12.2.2 A serial number representing the heat or cast shall behot-stamped on the outside of the web of each bar, near oneend.

12.3 Bar Coding:12.3.1 The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) Bar

Code Standard for Primary Metals for Steel Products may beconsidered as a possible auxiliary method of identification. Useof this method shall be by agreement between purchaser andsupplier.



14. Keywords

14.1 rail; railway applications; steel joint bars

TABLE 4 Permissible Variations in Dimensions

Specified size of holes 61⁄32 in. (0.8 mm)Specified location of holes 61⁄16 in. (1.6 mm)Specified length of bar 61⁄8 in. (3.2 mm)

Maximum camber in either plane—tee rail applications (see 7.3)Grades 1, 2 Grade 3

24-in. (610-mm) bars36-in. (914-mm) bars

1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm)1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm)

1⁄32 in. (0.8 mm)1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm)

Maximum vertical camber-girder rail applications (see 7.3) (Grades 1 and 2 only)24-in. (610-mm) bars36-in. (914-mm) bars

3⁄64 in. (1.2 mm)3⁄32 in. (2.4 mm)

Maximum horizontal camber-girder rail applications (see 7.4) (Grades 1 and 2 only)24-in. (610-mm) bars36-in. (914-mm) bars

1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm)1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm)




A 3 – 01

3

Designation: A 6/A 6M – 04a

Standard Specification forGeneral Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars,Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 6/A 6M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.


1. Scope*

1.1 This general requirements specification2 covers a groupof common requirements that, unless otherwise specified in theapplicable product specification, apply to rolled structural steelbars, plates, shapes, and sheet piling covered by each of thefollowing product specifications issued by ASTM:

ASTMDesignation3 Title of Specification

A 36/A 36M Carbon Structural SteelA 131/A 131M Structural Steel for ShipsA 242/A 242M High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural SteelA 283/A 283M Low and Intermediate Tensile Strength Carbon Steel PlatesA 328/A 328M Steel Sheet PilingA 514/A 514M High-Yield Strength, Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel

Plate Suitable for WeldingA 529/A 529M High-Strength Carbon-Manganese Steel of Structural Qual-

ityA 572/A 572M High-Strength Low-Alloy Columbium-Vanadium SteelA 573/A 573M Structural Carbon Steel Plates of Improved ToughnessA 588/A 588M High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel with 50 ksi (345

MPa) Minimum Yield Point to 4 in. [100 mm] ThickA 633/A 633M Normalized High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel PlatesA 656/A 656M Hot-Rolled Structural Steel, High-Strength Low-Alloy Plate

with Improved FormabilityA 678/A 678M Quenched-and-Tempered Carbon and High-Strength Low-

Alloy Structural Steel PlatesA 690/A 690M High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel H-Piles and Sheet Piling for

Use in Marine EnvironmentsA 709/A 709M Carbon and High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel

Shapes, Plates, and Bars and Quenched-and-TemperedAlloy Structural Steel Plates for Bridges

A 710/A 710M Age-Hardening Low-Carbon Nickel-Copper-Chromium-Mo-lybdenum-Columbium Alloy Structural Steel Plates

A 769/A 769M Carbon and High-Strength Electric Resistance Welded SteelStructural Shapes

A 786/A 786M Rolled Steel Floor PlatesA 808/A 808M High-Strength Low-Alloy Carbon, Manganese, Columbium,

Vanadium Steel of Structural Quality with Improved NotchToughness

A 827/A 827M Plates, Carbon Steel, for Forging and Similar ApplicationsA 829/A 829M Plates, Alloy Steel, Structural Quality

A 830/A 830M Plates, Carbon Steel, Structural Quality, Furnished toChemical Composition Requirements

A 852/A 852M Quenched and Tempered Low-Alloy Structural Steel Platewith 70 ksi [485 Mpa] Minimum Yield Strength to 4 in.[100 mm] Thick

A 857/A 857M Steel Sheet Piling, Cold Formed, Light GageA 871/A 871M High-Strength Low Alloy Structural Steel Plate with Atmo-

spheric Corrosion ResistanceA 913/A 913M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Shapes of

Structural Quality, Produced by Quenching and Self-Tempering Process (QST)

A 945/A 945M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural SteelPlate with Low Carbon and Restricted Sulfur for ImprovedWeldability, Formability, and Toughness

A 992/A 992M Specification for Steel for Structural Shapes for Use inBuilding Framing

1.2 Annex A1 lists permitted variations in dimensions andmass (Note 1) in SI units. The values listed are not exactconversions of the values in Tables 1 to 31 inclusive but are,instead, rounded or rationalized values. Conformance to AnnexA1 is mandatory when the “M” specification designation isused.

NOTE 1—The term “weight” is used when inch-pound units are thestandard; however, under SI, the preferred term is “mass.”

1.3 Annex A2 lists the dimensions of some shape profiles.1.4 Appendix X1 provides information on coil as a source

of structural products.1.5 Appendix X2 provides information on the variability of

tensile properties in plates and structural shapes.1.6 Appendix X3 provides information on weldability.1.7 Appendix X4 provides information on cold bending of

plates, including suggested minimum inside radii for coldbending.

1.8 This general requirements specification also covers agroup of supplementary requirements that are applicable toseveral of the above product specifications as indicated therein.Such requirements are provided for use where additionaltesting or additional restrictions are required by the purchaser,and apply only where specified individually in the purchaseorder.

1.9 In case of any conflict in requirements, the requirementsof the applicable product specification prevail over those of thisgeneral requirements specification.

1 This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of SubcommitteeA01.02 on Structural Steel for Bridges, Buildings, Rolling Stock, and Ships.

Current edition approved March 1, 2004. Published April 2004. Originallyapproved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as A 6/A 6M – 04.

2 For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specifi-cation SA-6/SA-6M in Section II of that Code.

1

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.


1.10 Additional requirements that are specified in the pur-chase order and accepted by the supplier are permitted,provided that such requirements do not negate any of therequirements of this general requirements specification or theapplicable product specification.

1.11 For purposes of determining conformance with thisgeneral requirements specification and the applicable productspecification, values are to be rounded to the nearest unit in theright-hand place of figures used in expressing the limitingvalues in accordance with the rounding method of PracticeE 29.

1.12 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI unitsare to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, theSI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in eachsystem are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system is tobe used independently of the other, without combining valuesin any way.

1.13 This general requirements specification and the appli-cable product specification are expressed in both inch-poundunits and SI units; however, unless the order specifies theapplicable “M” specification designation (SI units), the struc-tural product is furnished to inch-pound units.

1.14 The text of this general requirements specificationcontains notes and/or footnotes that provide explanatory ma-terial. Such notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables andfigures, do not contain any mandatory requirements.


2.1 ASTM Standards: 3

A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testingof Steel Products

A 673/A 673M Specification for Sampling Procedure forImpact Testing of Structural Steel

A 700 Practices for Packaging, Marking, and LoadingMethods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipment

A 751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology forChemical Analysis of Steel Products

A 829 Specification for Plates, Alloy Steel, Structural Qual-ity

E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data toDetermine Conformance with Specifications

E 112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain SizeE 208 Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to

Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of FerriticSteels

2.2 American Welding Society Standards:A5.1 Mild Steel Covered Arc-Welding Electrodes4

A5.5 Low-Alloy Steel Covered Arc-Welding Electrodes4

2.3 U.S. Military Standards:

MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage5

MIL-STD-163 Steel Mill Products Preparation for Ship-ment and Storage5

2.4 U.S. Federal Standard:Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipments (Civil Agencies)5

2.5 AIAG Standard:B-1 Bar Code Symbology Standard6

3. Terminology

3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 Plates (other than floor plates)—Flat, hot-rolled steel,

ordered to thickness or weight [mass] and typically width andlength, commonly classified as follows:

3.1.1.1 When Ordered to Thickness:(1) Over 8 in. [200 mm] in width and 0.230 in. or over

[over 6 mm] in thickness.(2) Over 48 in. [1200 mm] in width and 0.180 in. or over

[over 4.5 mm] in thickness.3.1.1.2 When Ordered to Weight [Mass]:

(1) Over 8 in. [200 mm] in width and 9.392 lb/ft2 [47.10kg/m2] or heavier.

(2) Over 48 in. [1200 mm] in width and 7.350 lb/ft2 [35.32kg/m2] or heavier.

3.1.1.3 Discussion—Steel products are available in variousthickness, width, and length combinations depending uponequipment and processing capabilities of various manufactur-ers and processors. Historic limitations of a product based upondimensions (thickness, width, and length) do not take intoaccount current production and processing capabilities. Toqualify any product to a particular product specification re-quires all appropriate and necessary tests be performed and thatthe results meet the limits prescribed in that product specifi-cation. If the necessary tests required by a product specificationcannot be conducted, the product cannot be qualified to thatspecification. This general requirement standard contains per-mitted variations for the commonly available sizes. Permittedvariations for other sizes are subject to agreement between thecustomer and the manufacturer or processor, whichever isapplicable.

3.1.1.4 Slabs, sheet bars, and skelp, though frequentlyfalling in the foregoing size ranges, are not classed as plates.

3.1.1.5 Coils are excluded from qualification to the appli-cable product specification until they are decoiled, leveled orstraightened, formed (if applicable), cut to length, and, ifrequired, properly tested by the processor in accordance withASTM specification requirements (see Sections 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 18, and 19 and the applicable product specification).

3.1.2 Shapes (Flanged Sections):3.1.2.1 structural-size shapes—rolled flanged sections hav-

ing at least one dimension of the cross section 3 in. [75 mm] orgreater.

3 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, orcontact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.

4 Available from the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LaJeune Rd., Miami,FL 33135.

5 Available from the procuring activity or as directed by the contracting office orfrom the Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700 RobbinsAve., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094 Attn: NPODS.

6 Available from the Automotive Industry Action Group, 26200 Lahser Road,Suite 200, Southfield, MI 48034.

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3.1.2.2 bar-size shapes—rolled flanged sections having amaximum dimension of the cross section less than 3 in. [75mm].

3.1.2.3 “W” shapes—doubly-symmetric, wide-flangeshapes with inside flange surfaces that are substantially paral-lel.

3.1.2.4 “HP” shapes—are wide-flange shapes generallyused as bearing piles whose flanges and webs are of the samenominal thickness and whose depth and width are essentiallythe same.

3.1.2.5 “S” shapes—doubly-symmetric beam shapes withinside flange surfaces that have a slope of approximately 162⁄3%.

3.1.2.6 “M” shapes—doubly-symmetric shapes that cannotbe classified as “W,” “ S,” or “HP” shapes.

3.1.2.7 “C” shapes—channels with inside flange surfacesthat have a slope of approximately 162⁄3 %.

3.1.2.8 “MC” shapes—channels that cannot be classified as“C” shapes.

3.1.2.9 “L” shapes—shapes having equal-leg and unequal-leg angles.

3.1.3 sheet piling—rolled steel sections that are capable ofbeing interlocked, forming a continuous wall when individualpieces are driven side by side.

3.1.4 bars—rounds, squares, and hexagons, of all sizes; flats13⁄64 in. (0.203 in.) and over [over 5 mm] in specified thickness,not over 6 in. [150 mm] in specified width; and flats 0.230 in.and over [over 6 mm] in specified thickness, over 6 to 8 in.[150 to 200 mm] inclusive, in specified width.

3.1.5 exclusive—when used in relation to ranges, as forranges of thickness in the tables of permissible variations indimensions, is intended to exclude only the greater value of therange. Thus, a range from 60 to 72 in. [1500 to 1800 mm]exclusive includes 60 in. [1500 mm], but does not include 72in. [1800 mm].

3.1.6 rimmed steel—steel containing sufficient oxygen togive a continuous evolution of carbon monoxide during sol-dification, resulting in a case or rim of metal virtually free ofvoids.

3.1.7 semi-killed steel—incompletely deoxidized steel con-taining sufficient oxygen to form enough carbon monoxideduring solidification to offset solidification shrinkage.

3.1.8 capped steel—rimmed steel in which the rimmingaction is limited by an early capping operation. Capping iscarried out mechanically by using a heavy metal cap on abottle-top mold or chemically by an addition of aluminum orferrosilicon to the top of the molten steel in an open-top mold.

3.1.9 killed steel—steel deoxidized, either by addition ofstrong deoxidizing agents or by vacuum treatment, to reducethe oxygen content to such a level that no reaction occursbetween carbon and oxygen during solidification.

3.1.10 mill edge—the normal edge produced by rollingbetween horizontal finishing rolls. A mill edge does notconform to any definite contour. Mill edge plates have two milledges and two trimmed edges.

3.1.11 universal mill edge—the normal edge produced byrolling between horizontal and vertical finishing rolls. Univer-

sal mill plates, sometimes designated UM Plates, have twouniversal mill edges and two trimmed edges.

3.1.12 sheared edge—the normal edge produced by shear-ing. Sheared edge plates are trimmed on all edges.

3.1.13 gas cut edge—the edge produced by gas flamecutting.

3.1.14 special cut edge—usually the edge produced by gasflame cutting involving special practices such as pre-heating orpost-heating, or both, in order to minimize stresses, avoidthermal cracking and reduce the hardness of the gas cut edge.In special instances, special cut edge is used to designate anedge produced by machining.

3.1.15 sketch—when used to describe a form of plate,denotes a plate other than rectangular, circular, or semi-circular. Sketch plates may be furnished to a radius or with fouror more straight sides.

3.1.16 normalizing—a heat treating process in which a steelplate is reheated to a uniform temperature above the uppercritical temperature and then cooled in air to below thetransformation range.

3.1.17 plate-as-rolled—when used in relation to the loca-tion and number of tests, the term refers to the unit plate rolledfrom a slab or directly from an ingot. It does not refer to thecondition of the plate.

3.1.18 fine grain practice—a steelmaking practice that isintended to produce a killed steel that is capable of meeting therequirements for fine austenitic grain size.

3.1.18.1 Discussion—It normally involves the addition ofone or more austenitic grain refining elements in amounts thathave been established by the steel producer as being sufficient.Austenitic grain refining elements include, but are not limitedto, aluminum, columbium, titanium, and vanadium.

3.1.19 structural product—a hot-rolled steel plate, shape,sheet piling, or bar.

3.1.20 coil—hot-rolled steel in coiled form that is intendedto be processed into a finished structural product.

3.1.21 manufacturer—the organization that directly con-trols the conversion of steel ingots, slabs, blooms, or billets, byhot-rolling, into an as-rolled structural product or into coil; andfor structural products produced from as-rolled structuralproducts, the organization that directly controls, or is respon-sible for, the operations involved in finishing the structuralproduct.

3.1.21.1 Discussion—Such finishing operations include lev-eling or straightening, hot forming or cold forming (if appli-cable), welding (if applicable), cutting to length, testing,inspection, conditioning, heat treatment (if applicable), pack-aging, marking, loading for shipment, and certification.

3.1.22 processor—the organization that directly controls, oris responsible for, the operations involved in the processing ofcoil into a finished structural product. Such processing opera-tions include decoiling, leveling or straightening, hot-formingor cold-forming (if applicable), welding (if applicable), cuttingto length, testing, inspection, conditioning, heat treatment (ifapplicable), packaging, marking, loading for shipment, andcertification.

3.1.22.1 Discussion—The processing operations need notbe done by the organization that did the hot rolling of the coil.

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If only one organization is involved in the hot rolling andprocessing operations, that organization is termed the manu-facturer for the hot rolling operation and the processor for theprocessing operations. If more than one organization is in-volved in the hot rolling and processing operations, theorganization that did the hot rolling is termed the manufacturerand an organization that does one or more processing opera-tions is termed a processor.


4.1 Information items to be considered, if appropriate, forinclusion in purchase orders are as follows:

4.1.1 ASTM product specification designation (see 1.1) andyear-date,

4.1.2 Name of structural product (plate, shape, bar, or sheetpiling),

4.1.3 Shape designation, or size and thickness or diameter,4.1.4 Grade, class, and type designation, if applicable,4.1.5 Condition (see Section 6), if other than as-rolled,4.1.6 Quantity (weight [mass] or number of pieces),4.1.7 Length,4.1.8 Exclusion of either structural product produced from

coil or structural product produced from an as-rolled structuralproduct (see 5.3 and Appendix X1), if applicable,

4.1.9 Heat treatment requirements (see 6.2 and 6.3), if any,4.1.10 Testing for fine austenitic grain size (see 8.3.2),4.1.11 Mechanical property test report requirements (see

Section 14), if any,4.1.12 Special packaging, marking, and loading for ship-

ment requirements (see Section 19), if any,4.1.13 Supplementary requirements, if any, including any

additional requirements called for in the supplementary re-quirements,

4.1.14 End use, if there are any end-use-specific require-ments (see 18.1, 11.3.4, Table 22 or Table A1.22, and Table 24or Table A1.24)

4.1.15 Special requirements (see 1.10), if any, and4.1.16 Repair welding requirements (see 9.5), if any.

5. Materials and Manufacture

5.1 The steel shall be made in an open-hearth, basic-oxygen,or electric-arc furnace, possibly followed by additionl refiningin a ladle metallurgy furnace (LMF), or secondary melting byvacuum-arc remelting (VAR) or electroslag remelting (ESR).

5.2 The steel shall be strand cast or cast in stationary molds.5.2.1 Strand Cast:5.2.1.1 When heats of the same nominal chemical compo-

sition are consecutively strand cast at one time, the heatnumber assigned to the cast product need not be changed untilall of the steel in the cast product is from the following heat.

5.2.1.2 When two consecutively strand cast heats havedifferent nominal chemical composition ranges, the manufac-turer shall remove the transition material by an establishedprocedure that positively separates the grades.

5.3 Structural products shall be produced from an as-rolledstructural product or from coil.

5.4 Where part of a heat is rolled into an as-rolled structuralproduct and the balance of the heat is rolled into coil, each partshall be tested separately.

5.5 Structural products produced from coil shall not containsplice welds, unless previously approved by the purchaser.

6. Heat Treatment

6.1 Where th structural product is required to be heattreated, such heat treatment shall be performed by the manu-facturer, the processor, or the fabricator, unless otherwisespecified in the applicable product specification.

NOTE 2—When no heat treatment is required, the manufacturer orprocessor has the option of heat treating the structural product bynormalizing, stress relieving, or normalizing then stress relieving to meetthe applicable product specification.

6.2 Where the heat treatment is to be performed by otherthan the manufacturer, the order shall so state.

6.2.1 Where the heat treatment is to be performed by otherthan the manufacturer, the structural products shall be acceptedon the basis of tests made on test specimens taken from fullthickness test coupons heat treated in accordance with therequirements specified in the applicable product specificationor in the purchase order. If the heat-treatment temperatures arenot specified, the manufacturer or processor shall heat treat thetest coupons under conditions he considers appropriate, pro-vided that the purchaser is informed of the procedure followedin heat treating the test coupons.

6.3 Where the heat treatment is to be performed by themanufacturer or the processor, the structural product shall beheat treated as specified in the applicable product specification,or as specified in the purchase order, provided that the heattreatment specified by the purchaser is not in conflict with therequirements of the applicable product specification.

6.4 Where normalizing is to be performed by the fabricator,the structural product shall be either normalized or heateduniformly for hot forming, provided that the temperature towhich the structural product is heated for hot forming does notsignificantly exceed the normalizing temperature.

6.5 The use of cooling rates that are faster than thoseobtained by cooling in air to improve the toughness shall besubject to approval by the purchaser, and structural products sotreated shall be tempered subsequently in the range from 1100to 1300 °F [595 to 705 °C].

7. Chemical Analysis

7.1 Heat Analysis:7.1.1 Sampling for chemical analysis and methods of analy-

sis shall be in accordance with Test Methods, Practices, andTerminolgy A 751.

7.1.2 For each heat, the heat analysis shall include determi-nation of the content of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur,silicon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, copper, vanadium,columbium; any other element that is specified or restricted bythe applicable product specification for the applicable grade,class, and type; and any austenitic grain refining elementwhose content is to be used in place of austenitic grain sizetesting of the heat (see 8.3.2).

7.1.3 Except as allowed by 7.1.4 for primary heats, heatanalyses shall conform to the heat analysis requirements of theapplicable product specification for the applicable grade, class,and type.

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7.1.4 Where vacuum-arc remelting or electroslag remeltingis used, a remelted heat is defined as all ingots remelted froma single primary heat. If the heat analysis of the primary heatconforms to the heat analysis requirements of the applicableproduct specification for the applicable grade, class, and type,the heat analysis for the remelted heat shall be determined fromone test sample taken from one remelted ingot, or the productof one remelted ingot, from the primary heat. If the heatanalysis of the primary heat does not conform to the heatanalysis requirements of the applicable product specificationfor the applicable grade, type, and class, the heat analysis forthe remelted heat shall be determined from one test sampletaken from each remelted ingot, or the product of eachremelted ingot, from the primary heat.

7.2 Product Analysis—For each heat, the purchaser shallhave the option of analyzing representative samples taken fromthe finished structural product. Sampling for chemical analysisand methods of analysis shall be in accordance with TestMethods, Practices, and Terminology A 751. The productanalyses so determined shall conform to the heat analysisrequirements of the applicable product specification for theapplicable grade, class, and type, subject to the permittedvariations in product analysis given in Table A. If a range isspecified, the determinations of any element in a heat shall notvary both above and below the specified range. Rimmed orcapped steel is characterized by a lack of homogeneity in itscomposition, especially for the elements carbon, phosphorus,and sulfur. Therefore, the limitations for these elements shallnot be applicable unless misapplication is clearly indicated.

7.3 Referee Analysis—For referee purposes, Test Methods,Practices, and Terminology A 751 shall be used.

7.4 Grade Substitution—Alloy steel grades that meet thechemical requirements of Table 1 of Specification A 829 shallnot be substituted for carbon steel grades.

8. Metallurgical Structure

8.1 Where austenitic grain size testing is required, suchtesting shall be in accordance with Test Methods E 112 and atleast 70 % of the grains in the area examined shall meet thespecified grain size requirement.

8.2 Coarse Austenitic Grain Size—Where coarse austeniticgrain size is specified, one austenitic grain size test per heatshall be made and the austenitic grain size number so deter-mined shall be in the range of 1 to 5, inclusive.

8.3 Fine Austenitic Grain Size:8.3.1 Where fine austenitic grain size is specified, except as

allowed in 8.3.2, one austenitic grain size test per heat shall bemade and the austenitic grain size number so determined shallbe 5 or higher.

NOTE 3—Such austenitic grain size numbers may be achieved withlower contents of austenitic grain refining elemenst than 8.3.2 requires foraustenitic grain size testing to be waived.

8.3.2 Unless testing for fine austenitic grain size is specifiedin the purchase order, an austenitic grain size test need not bemade for any heat that has, by heat analysis, one or more of thefollowing:

8.3.2.1 A total aluminum content of 0.020 % or more.8.3.2.2 An acid soluble aluminum content of 0.015 % or

more.8.3.2.3 A content for an austenitic grain refining element

that exceeds the minimum value agreed to by the purchaser asbeing sufficient for austenitic grain size testing to be waived, or

8.3.2.4 Contents for the combination of two or more auste-nitic grain refining elements that exceed the applicable mini-mum values agreed to by the purchaser as being sufficient foraustenitic grain size testing to be waived.

9. Quality

9.1 General—Structural products shall be free of injuriousdefects and shall have a workmanlike finish.

NOTE 4—Unless otherwise specified, structural products are normallyfurnished in the as-rolled condition and are subjected to visual inspectionby the manufacturer or processor. Non-injurious surface or internalimperfections, or both, may be present in the structural product asdelivered and the structural product may require conditioning by thepurchaser to improve its appearance or in preparation for welding, coating,or other further operations.

More restrictive requirements may be specified by invoking supplemen-tary requirements or by agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.

Structural products that exhibit injurious defects during subsequentfabrication are deemed not to comply with the applicable productspecification. (See 17.2.) Fabricators should be aware that cracks mayinitiate upon bending a sheared or burned edge during the