ASTM Intl. Group creating standard for steel structural tubes

ASTM Intl.’s committee on steel, stainless steel, and related alloys is creating a specification for a new kind of high-grade, lightweight steel tube used in construction of bridges and buildings.

Specifically, the standard is for cold-formed, welded, high-strength carbon steel or low-alloy steel hollow structural sections (HSS). These can be used for welded, riveted, or bolted construction.

HSS includes higher grades of steel that are lighter in weight, stronger, and more durable, according to ASTM Intl. member Julie Childress, marketing manager at Bull Moose Industries.

This standard (WK41589) provides technical information and tolerance requirements for these newer grades of steel. This standard contains Grade 70, Grade 80, Grade 90, Grade 100, and Grade 110—yield strengths that are not found in any current ASTM standard for HSS.