Designation: A 618/A 618M – 04

Standard Specification for

Hot-Formed Welded and Seamless High-Strength Low-Alloy
Structural Tubing1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 618/A 618M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (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* G 101 Guide for Estimating the Atmospheric Corrosion

1.1 This specification covers grades of hot-formed welded Resistance of Low-Alloy Steels
and seamless high-strength low-alloy square, rectangular, 3. Ordering Information
round, or special shape structural tubing for welded, riveted, or
bolted construction of bridges and buildings and for general 3.1 Orders for material under this specification should
structural purposes. When the steel is used in welded construc- include the following as required to describe the material
tion, the welding procedure shall be suitable for the steel and adequately:
the intended service. 3.1.1 Quantity (feet, metres, or number of lengths),
1.2 Grade II has atmospheric corrosion resistance equiva- 3.1.2 Grade (Table 1 and Table 2),
lent to that of carbon steel with copper (0.20 minimum Cu) 3.1.3 Material (round, square, or rectangular tubing),
Grades Ia and Ib have atmospheric corrosion resistance sub- 3.1.4 Method of manufacture (seamless, buttwelded, or
stantially better than that of Grade II (Note 1). When properly hot-stretch-reduced electric-resistance welded),
exposed to the atmosphere, Grades Ia and Ib can be used bare 3.1.5 Size (outside diameter and nominal wall thickness for
(unpainted) for many applications. When enhanced corrosion round tubing and the outside dimensions and calculated nomi-
resistance is desired, Grade III, copper limits may be specified. nal wall thickness for square and rectangular tubing),
3.1.6 Length (specific or random, see 8.2),
NOTE 1—For methods of estimating the atmospheric corrosion resis- 3.1.7 End condition (see 9.2),
tance of low alloy steels see Guide G 101 or actual data.
3.1.8 Burr removal (see 9.2),
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units 3.1.9 Certification (see 12.1),
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the 3.1.10 Specification designation (A 618 or A 618M, includ-
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each ing yeardate),
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall 3.1.11 End use, and
be used independently of the other. Combining values from the 3.1.12 Special requirements.
two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.
4. Process
2. Referenced Documents 4.1 The steel shall be made by one or more of the following
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 processes: open-hearth, basic-oxygen, or electric-furnace.
A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing 4.2 Steel may be cast in ingots or may be strand cast. When
of Steel Products steels of different grades are sequentially strand cast, identifi-
A 700 Practices for Packaging, Marking, and Loading cation of the resultant transition material is required. The
Methods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipment producer shall remove the transition material by any estab-
A 751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for lished procedure that positively separates the grades.
Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
5. Manufacture
1
5.1 The tubing shall be made by the seamless, furnace-
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
buttwelded (continuous-welded), or hot-stretch-reduced
A01.09 on Carbon Steel Tubular Products. electric-resistance-welded process.
Current edition approved March 1, 2004. Published March 2004. Originally
approved in 1968. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as A 618–01.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.

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

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

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 A 618/A 618M – 04
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, %
Element Grade Ia Grade Ib Grade II Grade III
Heat Product Heat Product Heat Product Heat Product
Carbon, max 0.15 0.18 0.20 ... 0.22 0.26 0.23A 0.27A
Manganese 1.00 max 1.04 max 1.35 max 1.40 max 0.85–1.25 1.30 max 1.35 maxA 1.40 maxA
Phosphorus, max 0.15 0.16 0.025 0.035 0.025 0.035 0.025 0.035
Sulfur, max 0.025 0.045 0.025 0.035 0.025 0.035 0.025 0.035
Silicon, max ... ... ... ... 0.30 0.33 0.30 0.35
Copper, min 0.20 0.18 0.20B 0.18B 0.20 0.18 ... ...
Vanadium, min ... ... ... ... 0.02 0.01 0.02C 0.01
A
For each reduction of 0.01 % C below the specified carbon maximum, an increase of 0.05 % manganese above the specified maximum will be permitted up to 1.45 %
for the heat analysis and up to 1.50 % for the product analysis.
B
If chromium and silicon contents are each 0.50 % min, then the copper minimums do not apply.
C
For Grade III, columbium may be used in conformance with the following limits: 0.005 %, min (heat) and 0.004 %, min (product).

TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements which the welded tubing is manufactured. When product
Grades la, lb, and ll Grade lll analyses are made, two sample lengths from a lot of each 500
Walls 3⁄4 in. Walls over 3⁄4 lengths, or fraction thereof, shall be selected. The specimens
[19.0 mm] to 11⁄2 in. for chemical analysis shall be taken from the sample lengths in
and Under [19.0 to 38.0
mm], incl
accordance with the applicable procedures of Test Methods,
Practices, and Terminology A 751. The chemical composition
Tensile strength, min, ksi [MPa]A 70 [485] 67 [460] 65 [450]
Yield strength, min, ksi [MPa]A 50 [345] 46 [315] 50 [345] thus determined shall conform to the requirements specified in
Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, min, % 22 22 20 Table 1 for product analysis.
Elongation in 8 in. or 200 mm, min, % 19 18 18 6.3.2 In the event the chemical composition of one of the
A
For Grade II, when the material is normalized, the minimum yield strength and sample lengths does not conform to the requirements shown in
minimum tensile strength required shall be reduced by 5 ksi [35 MPa].
Table 1 for product analysis, an analysis of two additional
lengths selected from the same lot shall be made, each of which
6. Chemical Composition shall conform to the requirements shown in Table 1 for product
6.1 When subjected to the heat and product analysis, respec- analysis, or the lot is subject to rejection.
tively, the steel shall conform to the requirements prescribed in
Table 1. 7. Mechanical Requirements
6.1.1 For Grades Ia and Ib, the choice and use of alloying 7.1 Tensile Properties:
elements, combined with carbon, manganese, and sulfur within 7.1.1 The material, as represented by the test specimen,
the limits prescribed in Table 1 to give the mechanical shall conform to the requirements prescribed in Table 2.
properties prescribed in Table 2 and to provide the atmospheric 7.1.2 Elongation may be determined on a gage length of
corrosion resistance of 1.2, should be made by the manufac- either 2 in. [50 mm] or 8 in. [200 mm] at the manufacturer’s
turer and included and reported in the heat analysis for option.
information purposes only to identify the type of steel applied. 7.1.3 For material under 5⁄16 in. [8.0 mm] in thickness, a
For Grades Ia and Ib material, the atmospheric corrosion- deduction from the percentage elongation of 1.25 percentage
resistance index, calculated on the basis of the chemical points in 8 in. [200 mm] specified in Table 2 shall be made for
composition of the steel as described in Guide G 101, shall be each decrease of 1⁄32 in. [0.8 mm] of the specified thickness
6.0 or higher. under 5⁄16 in. [8.0 mm].
NOTE 2—The user is cautioned that the Guide G 101 predictive
7.2 Bend Test—The bend test specimen shall stand being
equation for calculation of an atmospheric corrosion–resistance index has bent cold through 180° without cracking on the outside of the
been verified only for the composition limits stated in that guide. bent portion, to an inside diameter which shall have a relation
to the thickness of the specimen as prescribed in Table 3.
6.1.2 When Grade III is required for enhanced corrosion
7.3 Number of Tests—Two tension and two bend tests, as
resistance, copper limits may be specified and the minimum
specified in 7.4.2, and 7.4.3, shall be made from tubing
content shall be 0.20 % by heat analysis and 0.18 % by product
representing each heat. However, if tubing from one heat
analysis.
differs in the ordered nominal wall thickness, one tension test
6.2 Heat Analysis—An analysis of each heat of open-hearth,
and one bend test shall be made from both the heaviest and
basic-oxygen, or electric-furnace steel shall be made by the
lightest wall thicknesses processed.
manufacturer. This analysis shall be made from a test ingot
taken during the pouring of the heat. The chemical composition
thus determined shall conform to the requirements specified in TABLE 3 Bend Test Requirements
Table 1 for heat analysis. Thickness of Material, in. [mm] Ratio of Bend Diameter to
Specimen Thickness
6.3 Product Analysis:
3⁄4 [19.0] and under 1
6.3.1 An analysis may be made by the purchaser from
Over 3⁄4 to 1 [19.0 to 25.0], incl 11⁄2
finished tubing manufactured in accordance with this specifi- Over 1 [25.0] 2
cation, or an analysis may be made from flat-rolled stock from

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 A 618/A 618M – 04
7.4 Test Specimens: TABLE 4 Outside Dimension Tolerances for Square,
7.4.1 The test specimens required by this specification shall Rectangular, and Special Shape Structural Tubing
conform to those described in the latest issue of Test Methods Largest Outside Dimension Across Flats, Tolerance 6 in. [mm]
in. [mm]
and Definitions A 370.
21⁄2 [64] and under 0.020 [0.5]
7.4.2 The tension test specimen shall be taken longitudi- Over 21⁄2 to 31⁄2 [64 to 89], incl 0.025 [0.6]
nally from a section of the finished tubing, at a location at least Over 31⁄2 to 51⁄2 [89 to 140], incl 0.030 [0.8]
90° from the weld in the case of welded tubing, and shall not Over 51⁄2 [140] 1%
be flattened between gage marks. If desired, the tension test
may be made on the full section of the tubing; otherwise, a
longitudinal strip test specimen shall be used as prescribed in 8.2.2 Mass—The mass of structural tubing shall not be less
Test Methods and Definitions A 370, Annex A2. The specimens than the specified value by more than 3.5 %. The mass
shall have all burrs removed and shall not contain surface tolerance shall be determined from individual lengths or for
imperfections that would interfere with the proper determina- round tubing sizes 41⁄2 in. [114 mm] in outside diameter and
tion of the tensile properties of the metal. under and square and rectangular tubing having a periphery of
7.4.3 The bend test specimen shall be taken longitudinally 14 in. [356 mm] and under shall be determined from masses of
from the tubing, and shall represent the full wall thickness of the customary lifts produced by the mill. On round tubing sizes
material. The sides of the bend test specimen may have the over 41⁄2 in. [114 mm] in outside diameter and square and
corners rounded to a maximum radius of 1⁄16 in. [1.6 mm]. rectangular tubing having a periphery in excess of 14 in. [356
7.5 Test Methods: mm] the mass tolerance is applicable to the individual length.
7.5.1 The yield strength shall be determined in accordance 8.2.3 Length—Structural tubing is commonly produced in
with one of the alternatives described in Test Methods and random mill lengths of 16 to 22 ft [4.9 to 6.7 m] or 32 to 44 ft
Definitions A 370. [9.8 to 13.4 m], in multiple lengths, and in definite cut lengths
7.5.2 The bend test shall be made on square or rectangular (Section 3). When cut lengths are specified for structural
tubing manufactured in accordance with this specification. tubing, the length tolerances shall be in accordance with Table
7.6 Retests: 5.
7.6.1 If the results of the mechanical tests representing any 8.2.4 Straightness—The permissible variation for straight-
heat do not conform to a requirement, as specified in 7.1 and ness of structural tubing shall be 1⁄8 in. times the number of feet
7.2, retests may be made on additional tubing of double the of total length divided by 5 [2 mm times length in metres).
original number from the same heat, each of which shall 8.2.5 Squareness of Sides—For square or rectangular struc-
conform to the requirement specified, or the tubing represented tural tubing, adjacent sides may deviate from 90° by a
by the test is subject to rejection. tolerance of 62°, maximum.
7.6.2 In case of failure on retest to meet the requirements of 8.2.6 Radius of Corners—For square or rectangular struc-
7.1 and 7.2, the manufacturer may elect to retreat, rework, or tural tubing, the radius of any outside corner of the section
otherwise eliminate the condition responsible for failure to shall not exceed three times the specified wall thickness.
meet the specified requirements. Thereafter, the material re- 8.2.7 Twist:
maining from the respective heat originally represented may be 8.2.7.1 The tolerance for twist, or variation with respect to
tested, and shall comply with all requirements of this specifi- axial alignment of the section for square, rectangular, or special
cation. shape structural tubing, shall be as prescribed in Table 6.
8.2.7.2 Twist is measured by holding down one end of a
square or rectangular tube on a flat surface plate with the
8. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
bottom side of the tube parallel to the surface plate, and noting
8.1 The dimensions of square, rectangular, round, and the height that either corner at the opposite end of the bottom
special shape structural tubing to be ordered under this side of the tube extends above the surface plate. The difference
specification shall be subject to prior negotiation with the in the height of the corners shall not exceed the values in Table
manufacturer. The dimensions agreed upon shall be indicated 6.
in the purchase order.
8.2 Permissible Variations: 9. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
8.2.1 Outside Dimensions: 9.1 The structural tubing shall be free of defects and shall
8.2.1.1 For round tubing 2 in. [50 mm] and over in nominal have a commercially smooth finish.
diameter, the outside diameter shall not vary more than 61 % 9.1.1 Surface imperfections shall be classed as defects when
from the specified outside diameter. For sizes 11⁄2 in. [38 mm] their depth exceeds 15 % of the specified wall thickness and
and under, the outside diameter shall not vary more than 1⁄64 in. when the imperfections materially affected the appearance of
[0.4 mm] over and more than 1⁄32 in. [0.8 mm] under the
specified outside diameter. TABLE 5 Cut Length Tolerances for Structural Tubing
8.2.1.2 The specified dimensions, measured across the flats 22 ft [6.7 m] and Over 22 to 44 ft [6.7
at positions at least 2 in. [50 mm] from either end of square and Under to 13.4 m], incl
rectangular tubing and including an allowance for convexity Over Under Over Under
Length tolerance for specified 1⁄2 [13] 1⁄4 [6] 3⁄4 [19] 1⁄4 [6]
and concavity, shall not exceed the plus and minus tolerance cut lengths, in. [mm]
shown in Table 4.

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 A 618/A 618M – 04
TABLE 6 Twist Tolerances for Square, Rectangular, or Special rejected and the manufacturer shall be notified. Disposition of
Shape Structural Tubing rejected tubing shall be a matter of agreement between the
Specified Dimension of Longest Maximum Twist Maximum Twist manufacturer and the purchaser.
Outside Side, in. [mm] per 3 ft of per Metre of
Length, in. Length, mm
11.2 Tubing found in fabrication or in installation to be
unsuitable for the intended use, under the scope and require-
11⁄2 [38] and under 0.050 1.4
Over 11⁄2 to 21⁄2 [38 to 64], incl 0.062 1.7 ments of this specification, may be set aside and the manufac-
Over 21⁄2 to 4 [64 to 102], incl 0.075 2.1 turer notified. Such tubing shall be subject to mutual investi-
Over 4 to 6 [102 to 152], incl 0.087 2.4
Over 6 to 8 [152 to 203], incl 0.100 2.8
gation as to the nature and severity of the deficiency and the
Over 8 [203] 0.112 3.1 forming or installation, or both, conditions involved. Disposi-
tion shall be a matter for agreement.

the structural member, or when their length (measured in a 12. Certification

transverse direction) and depth would materially reduce the 12.1 Upon request of the purchaser in the contract or order,
total cross-sectional area at any location. a manufacturer’s certification that the material was manufac-
9.1.2 Defects having a depth not in excess of 331⁄3 % of the tured and tested in accordance with this specification (includ-
wall thickness may be repaired by welding, subject to the ing year of issue) together with a report of the chemical and
following conditions: tensile tests shall be furnished.
9.1.2.1 The defect shall be completely removed by chipping
or grinding to sound metal. 13. Packaging, Package Marking, and Loading
9.1.2.2 The repair weld shall be made using suitable coated 13.1 Except as noted in 13.2, each length of structural
electrodes. tubing shall be legibly marked by rolling, die stamping, ink
9.1.2.3 The projecting weld metal shall be removed to printing, or paint stenciling to show the following information:
produce a workmanlike finish. manufacturer’s name, brand, or trademark; size and wall
9.2 The ends of structural tubing, unless otherwise speci- thickness; steel grade; and the specification number (year of
fied, shall be finished square cut, and the burr held to a issue not required).
minimum. The burr can be removed on the outside diameter, 13.2 For structural tubing 11⁄2 in. [38 mm] and under in
inside diameter, or both, as a supplementary requirement. nominal size or the greatest cross sectional dimension less than
When the burrs are to be removed, it shall be specified in the 2 in. [50 mm], the information listed in 10.1 may be marked on
purchase order. a tag securely attached to each bundle.
13.3 When specified in the order, contract, etc., packaging,
10. Inspection marking, and loading shall be in accordance with the proce-
10.1 All tubing shall be subject to an inspection at the place dures of Practices A 700.
of manufacture to assure conformance with the requirements of 13.4 Bar Coding—In addition to the requirements in 13.1,
this specification. 13.2, and 13.3, bar coding is acceptable as a supplemental
identification method. The purchaser may specify in the order
11. Rejection a specific bar coding system to be used.
11.1 Each length of tubing received from the manufacturer
may be inspected by the purchaser and, if it does not meet the 14. Keywords
requirements of this specification based on the inspection and 14.1 high-strength low-alloy steel; seamless steel tube; steel
test method as outlined in the specification, the length may be tube; structural steel tubing; welded steel tubing

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 A 618/A 618M – 04

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard that have been incorporated
since the last issue (A 618–01) that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Rationalized SI units have been added throughout the text

and tables to create a combined standard.

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