A36 &A283C

COMPARISON BETWEEN ASTM A 36

AND ASTM A 283 GRADE C

1. MATERIAL SCOPE (5.1)

ASTM A 283 Gr C consist of four grade of material (A,B,C, & D) of Carbon Steel Plate of Structural Quality
for General Application
ASTM A 36 covers Carbon Steel plate, shape, and bar of Structural Quality for use in riveted, bolted or welded
construction of bridges and building and for General Structural purpose
From material scope, both ASTM A 36 and ASTM A 283 are the Carbon Steel of Structural Quality for General
Application

2. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION (Thickness up to 19 mm)

Material Chemical Composition (%)

C Mn P S Si Cu
A 36 0,25 - 0,04 0,05 0,4 0,2
A283 Gr C 0,24 0,9 0,035 0,04 0,4 0,2

The chemical composition between ASTM A36 and ASTM A 283 Gr C differ only on Mn content,
The effect of Mn and other element to the weldability can be known by Carbon Equivalen (CE) calculation
(5.2)
The formula CE = C + Si/24 + Mn/6 + Ni/40 + Cr/5 + Mo/4 + V/4
where the element in % weigth

ASTM A 36
CE = 0.25 + 0.4 / 24
= 0.266 %

ASTM A 283 Gr C
CE = 0.24 + 0.4/24 + 0.9/6 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0
= 0.406 %

It seem that CE of A 283 Gr C is higher than ASTM A 36. Base on this A 283 Gr C is litte bit difficult to weld
compare to A 36.
Refering to ASME IX the weldability of material is classified in to P-Number. Both A 283 Gr C and A 36 is group
in to the same P number 1. It mean that once we make the WPS/PQR with A-36, it also valid for A 283 Gr C.(5.3)

3. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Material Yield Tensile Elongation Elongation

Strength Strength 8 inch 2 inch
ksi(Mpa) ksi(Mpa)

A 36 36(250) 58-80 20 23
(400-550)

A 283 30(205) 55-75 22 25

Gr C (380-515)

The mechanical propertiies between A 36 and A 283 Gr C are almost the same which mean the mechanical prop
range are not big different.

4. CONCLUSION

Base on the above explanation, it can consider that A 36 can be used to alternative substitution of A 283 Gr C.
In order to decide A 36 as substitution of A 283 Gr C further Engineering approval is required.

5. REFERENCE

5.1. ASTM A 36 & ASTM A 283 Gr C Vol. 01.04, Edition. 1998

5.2. Introduction to the Physical Metallurgy of Welding, Kenneth Easterling, Butterworth Heinemann, 1992
5.3. ASME IX Code : Welding and Brazing Qualification, Edition 1998

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