A500 Steel Pipe Grade B | A500 Steel Pipe Grade C

A500 steel pipe is a cold rolled steel used for load bearing applications. Kloeckner Metals is proud to supply A500 steel pipe grades B and C nationwide across our network of 40+ branches.

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General Info About A500

A500 steel pipe grades B and C are commonly used in structural applications. These grades of steel pipe are specifically designed for mechanical and structural purposes and are widely used in the construction industry. Here’s a breakdown of their ideal applications:

  1. Grade B: A500 grade B steel pipe is primarily used for general structural purposes, such as columns, beams, and other load-bearing applications. It has a minimum yield strength of 46,000 psi (or 315 MPa) and a minimum tensile strength of 58,000 psi (or 400 MPa). Grade B pipes are suitable for welded, riveted, or bolted construction.
  2. Grade C: A500 grade C steel pipe is commonly used for structural applications requiring higher strength. It has a minimum yield strength of 50,000 psi (or 345 MPa) and a minimum tensile strength of 62,000 psi (or 427 MPa). Grade C pipes are often used in applications where greater strength is needed, such as building frames, bridge components, and heavy machinery supports.

Both grades B and C of A500 steel pipes have similar chemical composition and are manufactured using electric resistance welding (ERW) or seamless processes. They are available in various sizes and thicknesses to suit different structural requirements.

It’s worth noting that consulting the specific project’s engineering requirements and local building codes is essential to ensure the appropriate grade of steel pipe is selected for the intended application.

 

More Details About A500

  • Advantages/Disadvantages

    A500 steel pipe offers several advantages over other pipe grades like A36 and A53. Here are some of the key advantages:

    1. Structural Strength: A500 steel pipe grades B and C are specifically designed for structural applications, providing high strength and load-bearing capacity. Compared to A36 and A53, which are more commonly used for general-purpose applications, A500 steel pipes offer superior structural strength and are better suited for heavy-duty construction projects.
    2. Dimensional Accuracy: A500 steel pipe grades B and C have tighter dimensional tolerances compared to A36 and A53. This means that A500 pipes are manufactured with precise outside diameters and wall thicknesses, ensuring better consistency and accuracy in structural applications. The tighter tolerances facilitate better fit and alignment during construction.
    3. Uniformity: A500 steel pipes are manufactured to strict standards, ensuring consistent mechanical properties throughout the pipe. This uniformity in material quality and strength is important for structural applications, as it allows for predictable performance and reliable structural integrity.
    4. Weldability: A500 steel pipes exhibit excellent weldability, making them well-suited for fabrication and construction purposes. They can be easily welded using common welding techniques, such as arc welding or MIG welding. This attribute simplifies the assembly process and allows for efficient construction.
    5. Availability: A500 steel pipes are readily available in a variety of sizes, grades, and lengths. They are commonly stocked by steel service centers, making them easily accessible for construction projects. This availability ensures quick and convenient sourcing, reducing lead times and project delays.

    It’s important to note that the suitability of a particular pipe grade depends on the specific requirements of the project. Factors such as the intended application, structural design, environmental conditions, and local building codes should be considered when selecting the appropriate pipe grade. Consulting with a steel service center is recommended to ensure the right choice for your specific project.

  • Industries

    Of all the grades of steel, A500 is one of the most aesthetically pleasing. Its appearance makes A500 steel a great choice for architectural accent work. Industries that employ steel tubing and piping for structural support may use A500 steel. Construction, agriculture, and transportation are three major industries that use this grade. Nonresidential structural support, tillage and farm equipment, guard rails, and trailer hitches all rely on A500’s excellent torsion resistance, compression qualities, and high strength-to-weight ratio.

  • Applications

    A500 steel pipe and tube can be used for structural supports, communication towers, highway signs, and oil field services. Typically, A500 provides better support when you need a round profile than A53 does.

  • Chemical Composition

    A500 steel’s chemical composition depends on its grade. Grade C’s maximum carbon inclusion tops out at 0.23% while grades A, B, and D can go up to 0.26%. The maximum levels of manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur stay the same across all grades. The minimum copper content of 0.20% is optional. The major difference among the grades is that grade D must be heat treated while the other grades can be cold rolled.

  • Machining

    Easy to machine and fabricate, A500 grade steel can be bent into nearly any shape without crimping. It will maintain its strength without cracking.

  • Welding

    A500 can be cold-formed welded. Welders who are certified D1.3 by the American Welding Society must follow AISI S100 standards to cold-form weld A500 steel.

    This steel grade can also be formed by all standard, conventional welding methods. Generally, pre-heat and post-heat treatment is advisable.

  • Heat Treatment

    Forge at 2350 to 1800 F, do hot work at 900 to 200 F, and temper at 600 to 1100 F. Heating A500 grade steel to 1500 – 1600 F and water quenching will harden the metal.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between a steel pipe and a steel tube?

    ANSWER:

    Measured by wall thickness and outside diameter, a tube’s hollow section can be square, round, rectangular, or oval. By contrast, a pipe is a hollow cylinder that meets nominal pipe size.

  • What is the difference between A500 Grade C and A500 Grade B?

    ANSWER:

    The main difference between A500 grade B and grade C steel pipes lies in their mechanical properties, specifically their minimum yield strength and minimum tensile strength. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

    1. Minimum Yield Strength:
      • A500 Grade B: The minimum yield strength of A500 grade B steel pipe is 46,000 psi (or 315 MPa).
      • A500 Grade C: The minimum yield strength of A500 grade C steel pipe is 50,000 psi (or 345 MPa).
    2. Minimum Tensile Strength:
      • A500 Grade B: The minimum tensile strength of A500 grade B steel pipe is 58,000 psi (or 400 MPa).
      • A500 Grade C: The minimum tensile strength of A500 grade C steel pipe is 62,000 psi (or 427 MPa).

    In terms of strength, grade C has slightly higher minimum yield strength and minimum tensile strength compared to grade B. This higher strength makes grade C pipes more suitable for applications that require greater load-bearing capacity and structural integrity.

    It’s important to note that both grades B and C of A500 steel pipes have similar chemical composition and are manufactured using electric resistance welding (ERW) or seamless processes. They are commonly used in structural applications and comply with specific dimensional tolerances and other standards to ensure their suitability for construction purposes.

    When selecting between grade B and grade C for a particular application, it’s crucial to consider the project’s engineering requirements, including the anticipated loads, structural design, and any applicable building codes, to ensure the appropriate grade is chosen.

  • What is the difference between A500 pipe and A500 tube?

    ANSWER:

    A500 tube is stronger than A500 pipe and is more useful for applications that require durability.

  • What does it mean that A500 steel is available uncoated?

    ANSWER:

    Uncoated steel does not have a polymer or laminate coating. It is, however, coated with metal such as tin or chromium oxide. Coated steel corrodes less easily, and uncoated steel is easier to keep sharp.

  • What does it mean that A500 is available welded and galvanized?

    ANSWER:

    Welded steel has melted and solidified through a high-heat operation. Galvanized steel has had zinc applied as a corrosion-resistant coating.

  • What formats is A500 available in?

    ANSWER:

    Kloeckner sells A500 tubes and pipes in various lengths, sizes, and wall thicknesses.

  • When would you use A500 as pipe and when as tube?

    ANSWER:

    Generally, pipes work best for larger applications and tubes for smaller ones.

Services provided to A500 Steel Pipe Grade B | A500 Steel Pipe Grade C products

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Special Equipment servicing A500 Steel Pipe Grade B | A500 Steel Pipe Grade C

Branches featuring A500 Steel Pipe Grade B | A500 Steel Pipe Grade C products

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Industries served by A500 Steel Pipe Grade B | A500 Steel Pipe Grade C

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