ASTM A992 - Wide-Flange Beam Steel

Mechanical Properties

Yield Strength: 345 MPa (50 ksi) minimum

Tensile Strength: 450-650 MPa (65-95 ksi)

Yield-to-Tensile Ratio: ≤0.85 (controlled for seismic design)

Elongation: 18% minimum (in 200mm)

Key Features

• Specifically designed for W-shapes (wide-flange I-beams)
• Controlled chemistry - Reduced carbon for improved weldability
• Balanced strength-to-weight - Optimized for building construction
• Excellent weldability - Superior to A36 and A572
• Seismic performance - Controlled yield-to-tensile ratio

Applications

• High-rise building frames
• Commercial structures
• Multi-story buildings
• Seismic-resistant structures
• Industrial buildings
• Parking structures
• Institutional buildings

Chemical Composition (Maximum %)

Carbon (C): ≤0.23%

Manganese (Mn): ≤1.65%

Phosphorus (P): ≤0.04%

Sulfur (S): ≤0.05%

Silicon (Si): ≤0.40%

Copper (Cu): ≤0.60%

Carbon Equivalent (CE): ≤0.47% (for improved weldability)

Advantages Over Other Grades

• Superior weldability - Lower carbon content than A572
• Controlled properties - Narrow specification range for consistency
• Seismic design - Yield-to-tensile ratio controlled for ductility
• Cost-effective - Optimized for structural efficiency
• Wide availability - Standard grade for structural shapes

Processing Characteristics

Cutting: Excellent cutting characteristics with all methods. Laser and plasma cutting recommended for precision.

Forming: Limited forming typically required for W-shapes. Can be bent with appropriate equipment.

Welding: Excellent weldability with all common processes. Low carbon content reduces preheat requirements. Ideal for moment-resisting connections.

Machining: Good machinability for drilling bolt holes and connection preparation.

Typical W-Shape Sizes

A992 is available in standard W-shapes ranging from:

• W4 through W44 (depth in inches)
• Flange widths from 100mm to 400mm+
• Web thicknesses from 6mm to 50mm+

Comparison with Other Grades

vs. A572 Gr 50: A992 has controlled chemistry for better weldability and seismic performance. A572 is more versatile for plates and other shapes.

vs. A36: A992 offers ~40% higher yield strength with better weldability than A36.

vs. A913: A913 is similar but allows higher carbon equivalent for increased strength in heavy sections.

Best for: Wide-flange beam applications in buildings, especially high-rise construction and seismic zones where weldability and ductility are critical.

Design Considerations

Seismic Design: Controlled yield-to-tensile ratio makes A992 ideal for moment-resisting frames in seismic zones.

Connection Design: Excellent weldability allows for efficient welded connections without extensive preheat.

Fire Protection: Requires fireproofing for building applications per code requirements.

Corrosion Protection: Requires painting or coating for outdoor or corrosive environments.

Specifications & Standards

ASTM A992/A992M: Standard Specification for Structural Steel Shapes

Supplementary Requirements: S1 (Charpy V-notch impact testing available)

Related Standards: AISC 360 (Specification for Structural Steel Buildings)