Grade A36
Carbon and structural steel · ASTM A36 / UNS K02600, UNS K02600, EN 1.0038
ASTM A36 Structural Carbon Steel, structural carbon steel.
Data sheet
| Designations | ASTM A36 / UNS K02600 · UNS K02600 · EN 1.0038 (S235JR) |
|---|---|
| Standards | ASTM A36, ASTM A36M, ASME SA36 |
Metallurgy
Reference data for ASTM A36 Structural Carbon Steel, against ASTM A36, ASTM A36M, ASME SA36.
Elemental composition
S235JR to 1.0038
- Carbon 0,23%0,20–0,26%
- Other additions 1,22%Mn, Si, Cu, P, S
- Iron 98,55%Balance
Proportions use the normalised midpoint of each specified range. The midpoint is a derived figure, not something the standard states: read the table for what is actually specified.
Performance profile
Comparative scores out of ten, for weighing one grade against another
These are relative ratings, not measured properties, and they carry no units. Use them to narrow a shortlist, then work from the specified values.
Composition as specified
| Element | Specified | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Fe | Balance | 98,55% |
| Carbon C | 0,20–0,26% | 0,23% |
| Manganese Mn | 0,60–1,00% | 0,80% |
| Silicon Si | 0,15–0,40% | 0,28% |
| Copper Cu | max 0,20%cap | 0,10% |
| Phosphorus P | max 0,040%cap | 0,020% |
| Sulphur S | max 0,050%cap | 0,025% |
A cap is a ceiling, not a quantity: a heat may contain far less. The nominal column is the midpoint of each range, used for the chart's proportions only.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength, ultimate | 400 MPa58 ksi |
| Yield strength, 0,2% offset | 250 MPa36,3 ksi |
| Elongation at break | 23% |
| Hardness | 133 HBW / 74 HRB |
| Modulus of elasticity | 200 GPa29 Mpsi |
| Density | 7,85 g/cm³0,28 lb/in³ |
| Thermal conductivity | 51,9 W/(m·K)360 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) |
| Thermal expansion | 12 µm/(m·K)6,7 µin/(in·°F) |
Test condition not yet confirmed. These figures are typical values for the grade; the condition a bar was supplied in changes them materially, so ask us for the mill certificate before designing to a number.
Pitting resistance
Pitting resistance describes the passive chromium oxide film on a stainless steel. A36 has no such film, so a PREN score does not apply to it. It relies on a coating, plating or galvanising for corrosion protection instead.
Corrosion and fabrication
Chloride and marine service
Readily rusts and forms iron oxide scales (rust); requires protective barrier coatings (galvanizing, epoxy, painting).
Acidic and chemical media
Attacked rapidly by dilute inorganic acids and acidic precipitation.
Sensitisation and thermal behaviour
Not applicable (ferritic-pearlitic structural steel without passive chromium oxide film).
Welding
Outstanding; standard structural steel welded with E7018, GMAW, or FCAW without preheat for sections < 25mm.
Machining and cold forming
Machinability index 72% relative to AISI 1212. High formability; standard choice for bending, punching, shearing, and roll forming.
Where it is used
- Building columns, I-beams, wide flange sections, and trusses
- Highway bridge girders and crossbeams
- Heavy machinery baseplates, gussets, and equipment frames
- Storage silos, railcars, and general welded civil structures
Civil Infrastructure · Construction · Heavy Equipment · Transportation
Performance scores in full
The same six scores the profile plots, as numbers.
| Property | A36 |
|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 2 / 10 |
| Weldability | 9.5 / 10 |
| High-temperature resistance | 4 / 10 |
| Tensile strength | 4.5 / 10 |
| Cold formability | 8 / 10 |
| Machinability | 7.2 / 10 |
This page is guidance for selecting a grade, not a specification. Design to the governing standard and the mill certificate for the heat you are supplied.
The specifications and data on this site are provided for general information only. Verify any real-world project with a qualified metallurgist before relying on these figures. We take no responsibility for the use and application of this information.