ASTM A588 Grade A vs ASTM A588 Grade B

Minimal Match — 35% match based on chemical composition and mechanical property overlap.

ASTM A588 Grade A (ASTM A588) and ASTM A588 Grade B (ASTM A588) are both steel grades. Both fall under the Structural Steel (Corten / Weathering) category. ASTM A588 Grade A is typically used for high-strength low-alloy structural steel with atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering steel); bridges, transmission/communication towers, gusset plates, exposed structural applications, while ASTM A588 Grade B is commonly used for high-strength low-alloy structural steel with atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering steel); bridges, transmission/communication towers, gusset plates, exposed structural applications. ASTM A588 Grade A is defined under ASTM International, originating from United States, while ASTM A588 Grade B is defined under ASTM International, originating from United States.

As per chemical composition, ASTM A588 Grade A vs ASTM A588 Grade B is a 83.4% match. As per mechanical properties, the match is 100%. Combined, this makes them a minimal match overall at 35%.

Frequently Compared With ASTM A588 Grade A:
ASTM A588 CSA G40.21 50W JIS G3114 SMA400 CSA G40.21 260WT CSA G40.21 350A EN 10025-5 S355J2W EN 10025-5 S355J2WP AS/NZS 3678 Grade 350WR EN 10025-5 S355J0WP CSA G40.21 480A ASTM A709 Grade HPS 70W EN 10025-5 S235J2W
Match Breakdown
CHEMISTRY MATCH
83.4%
MECHANICAL MATCH
100%
OVERALL
35%
Specifications
Property ASTM A588 Grade A ASTM A588 Grade B
Standard ASTM A588 ASTM A588
Category Structural Steel (Corten / Weathering) Structural Steel (Corten / Weathering)
C (%) <=0.19 <=0.20
Mn (%) 0.80-1.25 0.75-1.25
Si (%) 0.30-0.65 0.15-0.30
P (%) <=0.040 <=0.040
S (%) <=0.050 <=0.050
Cu (%) 0.25-0.40 0.20-0.40
Cr (%) 0.40-0.65 0.40-0.70
Ni (%) <=0.40 <=0.50
Mo (%) Not specified 0.02-0.10
Matched by chemical composition and mechanical properties, not a formal equivalence claim. Always verify against the applicable standard before substitution.
Mechanical Properties
Property ASTM A588 Grade A ASTM A588 Grade B
Tensile Strength 485 MPa min 485 MPa min
Yield Strength 345 MPa min 345 MPa min
Elongation 18% min 18% min
Hardness 140-190 HB 140-190 HB
Typical Applications
ASTM A588 Grade A
High-strength low-alloy structural steel with atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering steel); bridges, transmission/communication towers, gusset plates, exposed structural applications
ASTM A588 Grade B
High-strength low-alloy structural steel with atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering steel); bridges, transmission/communication towers, gusset plates, exposed structural applications
Key Differences
Can ASTM A588 Grade A Be Substituted With ASTM A588 Grade B?
ASTM A588 Grade A and ASTM A588 Grade B share some compositional similarity but differ enough that substitution should not be assumed. Review the differences above carefully, and consult the applicable standard or a metallurgist before using one in place of the other.
Forms & Sizes Available on M-EX
ASTM A588 Grade A
Plate → (2 listings)
Thickness: 10–10 mm (0.39–0.39 in)
Width: 1500–1500 mm (59.06–59.06 in)
Length: 2500–2700 mm (98.43–106.3 in)
ASTM A588 Grade B
Plate → (2 listings)
Thickness: 10–10 mm (0.39–0.39 in)
Width: 1500–1500 mm (59.06–59.06 in)
Length: 3100–3200 mm (122.05–125.98 in)
On M-EX Right Now
ASTM A588 Grade A
2 active listings and RFQs →
ASTM A588 Grade B
2 active listings and RFQs →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ASTM A588 Grade A and ASTM A588 Grade B?
ASTM A588 Grade B specifies Mo which is not specified for ASTM A588 Grade A.
Can ASTM A588 Grade A be substituted with ASTM A588 Grade B?
ASTM A588 Grade A and ASTM A588 Grade B share some compositional similarity but differ enough that substitution should not be assumed. Review the differences above carefully, and consult the applicable standard or a metallurgist before using one in place of the other.