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Top 5 Types of Carbon Steel Plates Used in Construction Projects
303Learn about the most used carbon steel plates in construction: Q355, S355, A572, A709, Q460. Ideal for frames, bridges, towers, and industrial structures.
View detailsA36 vs A283 vs A572 vs A516 Steel Plate: Key Differences and Equivalents
Which Steel Plate Should You Choose for Your Project?
Steel buyers and engineers often face a critical decision: which steel grade best fits their application—structural, pressure vessel, or general fabrication? This guide provides a clear, at-a-glance comparison of the most common carbon steel plates—ASTM A36, A283, A572 Grade 50, and A516 Grade 70—helping buyers quickly understand differences such as A36 vs A572 or A516 vs A36.
Quick Navigation »
- Mechanical Properties Comparison
- Global Standard Equivalents
- Grade-Specific Details
- How to Choose
- FAQs
Mechanical Properties Comparison
Use this table for a quick side-by-side comparison of key grades. Values are typical minimums or ranges.
| Steel Grade | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A36 | ≥ 250 | 400–550 | ≥ 20 | General structural fabrication |
| ASTM A283 Gr. C | ≥ 205 | 380–510 | ≥ 22 | Low-carbon steel for non-critical structure |
| ASTM A516 Gr. 60 | ≥ 260 | 415–585 | ≥ 21 | Pressure vessels, tanks |
| ASTM A516 Gr. 70 | ≥ 260 | 485–620 | ≥ 21 | Pressure vessels, heat exchangers |
| ASTM A572 Gr. 50 | ≥ 345 | 450–620 | ≥ 18 | Bridges, cranes, construction |
| ASTM A572 Gr. 65 | ≥ 450 | 550–710 | ≥ 17 | Columns, industrial buildings |
Many engineers compare ASTM A36 vs A572 Grade 50 for structural projects, while A516 vs A36 is often discussed in pressure vessel vs. structural applications.
Global Standard Equivalents
⚠️ Important: The table below provides approximate equivalents for cross-reference. Always consult project specifications and contact our technical team for final material substitution approval.
| ASTM Standard | Grade | Approx. EN Equivalent | EN Standard Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A36 | – | S235JR | EN 10025-2 (Structural Steel) | Closest equivalent in mechanical strength |
| ASTM A283 | Grade C | S235JR or S275JR | EN 10025-2 | Depends on thickness and application context |
| ASTM A516 | Grade 60 | P265GH / P295GH | EN 10028-2 (Pressure Vessel) | Used in boilers and pressure vessels |
| Grade 70 | P355GH / 16Mo3 | EN 10028-2 | Often used for higher pressure/temperature | |
| ASTM A572 | Grade 50 | S355JR / S355NL | EN 10025-2 / -3 | High strength structural equivalent |
| Grade 65 | S460NL | EN 10025-3 | Heavy-duty structural applications |
Grade-Specific Details
ASTM A36 Steel Plate
- Key Properties: Excellent weldability and machinability. The most common general-purpose structural steel.
- Chemical Composition (Max %): C ≤ 0.26, Mn 0.60–0.90, P ≤ 0.04, S ≤ 0.05
- Typical Applications: Building frames, bridges, equipment bases, general fabrication.
- Equivalent Grades: EN S235JR, JIS SS400, GB Q235B
ASTM A283 Steel Plate (Grades A–D)
- Key Properties: Low-carbon steel plate with good formability, used for lower-strength applications.
- Chemical Composition (Max % – Grade C): C ≤ 0.24, Mn ≤ 0.90, P ≤ 0.035, S ≤ 0.040
- Typical Applications: General machinery parts, tanks, non-critical structural parts.
- Equivalent Grades: Similar to EN S235JR, JIS SS330.
ASTM A572 Steel Plate (Grades 42–65)
- Key Properties: High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) steel. Offers higher strength-to-weight ratio than A36.
- Chemical Composition (Max % – Grade 50): C ≤ 0.23, Mn ≤ 1.35, P ≤ 0.035, S ≤ 0.040
- Typical Applications: Bridges, crane booms, transmission towers, high-rise buildings.
- Equivalent Grades: Gr.50 ≈ EN S355JR, Gr.65 ≈ EN S460NL.
ASTM A516 Steel Plate (Grades 55–70)
- Key Properties: Pressure vessel quality (PVQ) carbon steel. Notch toughness is a key property.
- Chemical Composition (Max % – Grade 70): C ≤ 0.30, Mn 0.79–1.30, P ≤ 0.035, S ≤ 0.035
- Typical Applications: Boilers, pressure vessels, storage tanks for fuels and chemicals.
- Equivalent Grades: Gr.70 ≈ EN P355GH, JIS SB410.
How to Choose the Right Steel Plate Grade?
When selecting a grade, consider:
- Required Strength & Application: Structural (A36, A572) vs. Pressure Vessel (A516).
- Weldability & Fabrication Needs: A36 is easiest; A516 requires specific procedures.
- Regulatory Compliance: Must meet project specs (ASTM, EN, etc.).
- Operating Environment: Temperature, stress, and exposure conditions.
Simple Guidance:
- For boilers, tanks, and pressurized systems: Specify A516 Gr. 60/70.572 or S355. On the other hand, pressure vessel manufacturers typically select A516 or A387 alloy steel plates.
- For general construction & frames: Start with A36.
- For higher strength without alloy prices: Choose A572 Gr. 50/55.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Grade Equivalents
Q: What is the EN equivalent of A36 steel?
The closest EN equivalent to ASTM A36 is S235JR under EN 10025-2. Both offer similar yield strength (~250 MPa) and are commonly used in general structural applications. Sometimes engineers also ask about A36 steel equivalent in JIS or GB standards, which are SS400 and Q235B respectively.
Q: Is A572 Grade 50 the same as S355JR?
ASTM A572 Gr.50 is often considered equivalent to S355JR in EN standards, with comparable yield strength (~345 MPa). However, detailed mechanical and chemical requirements may differ slightly. Always confirm with project specifications.
Q: Can I use P355GH instead of A516 Gr.70?
Yes, P355GH (EN 10028-2) is widely accepted as the EN equivalent of A516 Grade 70, especially for pressure vessel applications. Both have similar tensile strength and notch toughness.
Q: What is the difference between A516 Gr.70 and A572 Gr.50?
A516 Gr.70 is a pressure vessel steel, while A572 Gr.50 is a high-strength structural steel. They are not interchangeable. Use A516 for boilers and tanks; use A572 for bridges, frames, or cranes.
Q: Is A283 Gr. C similar to A36?
Yes, A283 Grade C and A36 are both mild carbon steels used for general structural purposes. A36 has slightly higher strength and is more commonly used in modern construction projects.
Q: What is the equivalent of A572 Grade 65 in EN standard?
ASTM A572 Gr.65 roughly corresponds to S460NL in EN 10025-3, which offers similar high yield strength for demanding structural use like towers and bridges.
Q: Can A283 Gr.C replace A36 in construction?
In some non-critical applications, A283 Gr.C may be used as a low-cost alternative to A36. However, its lower strength may not meet modern structural requirements. Always check engineering standards.
Q: Is ASTM A569 the same as A36?
A: No. A569 vs A36 is a common query. A569 is a hot-rolled carbon steel sheet, while A36 is a structural steel plate. They differ in mechanical properties and intended applications.
Q: What is the difference between S355JR and S355NL?
Both belong to the EN 10025 series, but S355NL is a normalized steel with better low-temperature toughness than S355JR. For cold climate or critical applications, S355NL is preferred.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between common grades like ASTM A36, ASTM A283, ASTM A572 Grade 50, and ASTM A516 Grade 70—and knowing when to choose between A36 vs A572 or A516 vs A36—is key to optimizing your project’s cost, performance, and compliance.
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