Grade Guide: A36 Steel

Category: Steel, Video
Posted: November 14, 2017

Steel is one of the most common metals used for structural

applications. It is strong, tough, ductile, formable and weldable. As there
are many different types of steel available, each with unique chemical
and mechanical properties, it is important to know some of the key
attributes of A36 steel.

Chemical Composition
A36 is a low carbon steel. Low carbon steels are classified by having
less than 0.3% carbon by weight. This allows A36 steel to be easily
machined, welded, and formed, making it extremely useful as a general-
purpose steel. The low carbon also prevents heat treatment from having
much of an effect on A36 steel. A36 steel usually has small amounts of
other alloying elements as well, including manganese, sulfur,
phosphorus, and silicon. These alloying elements are added to give A36
steel its desired chemical and mechanical properties. Since A36 does
not contain large amounts of nickel or chromium, it does not have
excellent corrosion resistance.

Designation
Unlike most AISI grades such as 1018, 1141, or 4140, American Society
for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A36 steel is not designated by
chemical composition. Instead, A36 is designated by mechanical
properties. This means that while most grades must have added alloys
that fit between certain percentages, A36 must meet specific
mechanical standards. For example, steel bars and plates must have a
minimum yield strength of 36,000 pounds per square inch. While there
are some chemical composition requirements that A36 steel must
adhere to, the most important characteristic is the yield strength
requirement.

Other Mechanical Properties

A36 steel can have ultimate tensile strengths from 58,000 to 79,800 psi.
The exact ultimate tensile strength is determined by a variety of factors
such as chemical composition and forming method. A36 is
relatively ductile and can elongate to around 20% of its original length
when tensile testing. Its ductility and strength also give it excellent
impact strength at room temperature.

Mechanical Properties Imperial Metric

Ultimate Tensile Strength 58,000 – 79,800 psi 400 – 550 MPa
Yield Tensile Strength 36,300 psi 250 MPa
Elongation at Break (in 200 mm) 20.0% 20.0%
Elongation at Break (in 50 mm) 23.0% 23.0%
Modulus of Elasticity 29,000 ksi 200 GPa
Bulk Modulus (Typical for steel) 20,300 ksi 140 GPa
Poissons Ratio 0.260 0.260
Shear Modulus 11,500 ksi 79.3 GPa

How A36 is Made

A36 is made in a fashion similar to most carbon steels. First, iron ore
and coal are combined in a furnace. Impurities are burned away and
alloying elements are added to the molten steel. Once the chemical
composition of the A36 steel is achieved, it is solidified in into a
rectangular ingot. A36 steel is normally hot rolled. This means that it is
formed to its final dimensions in using rollers while the ingot is at an
elevated temperature.

Common Uses of A36

A36 steel is used in many different industries for a variety of
applications because of its relatively low cost. Also, as mentioned, the
mechanical properties make it particularly suited for structural
applications. Many bridges are constructed with A36 steel. Likewise,
buildings are frequently created with A36 steel because of its high
strength and toughness. A36 steel is also used for components in the
automotive, construction, heavy equipment, and oil and gas industries.