A572 Grade 50 vs A992 — Compared
Both yield at 50 ksi. A992 adds a 65 ksi cap on Fy and a Fy/Fu ≤ 0.85 limit, which is why it is the W-shape material of choice for seismic systems.
Side by side
| ASTM A572 Gr 50 | ASTM A992 | |
|---|---|---|
| Specification | ASTM A572 / A572M | ASTM A992 / A992M |
| Title | High-Strength Low-Alloy Columbium-Vanadium Structural Steel | Structural Steel Shapes |
| Yield strength Fy (ksi) | 50 | 50 |
| Tensile strength Fu (ksi) | 65 | 65 |
| Fy/Fu ratio | grade-dependent | ≤ 0.85 |
| Applicable members | W, M, S, HP, C, MC, L, WT, MT, ST, plates, bars | W (preferred), WT (preferred), HP, L, C, MC, M, S, MT, ST |
| Weathering | None. See A588 for weathering High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA). | None. |
| Welding | Weldable; heavier sections and higher grades may warrant preheat and procedure review. | Designed for weldability; capped carbon equivalent supports common processes. |
| Typical applications | HP bearing piles, high-strength plate girders, gusset and connection plates, transmission structures. | Building framing beams and columns, the standard for W-shape construction. |
| Availability | Grade 50 widely available. Grade 60/65 limited; confirm shape group and thickness before specifying. | Excellent, most economical W-shape spec. Domestic and import stock. |
Material constants
- Modulus of elasticity E: 29,000 ksi
- Shear modulus G: 11,200 ksi
- Density: 490 lb/ft³ (0.284 lb/in³)
- Poisson's ratio: 0.30
- Thermal expansion: 6.5 × 10⁻⁶ in/in/°F
These are the same for every structural steel grade. Strength changes with the specification; stiffness does not.
Related
- ASTM A572 Grade 50 Reference
strengths, applicable members and uses for ASTM A572 Grade 50
- ASTM A992 / A992M Reference
strengths, applicable members and uses for ASTM A992 / A992M
- ASTM Structural Steel Grades Reference
chemistry, tolerances and the full specification for every grade
- Steel Shape Properties Table
search and compare W, HP, S, M, C, MC, L, WT, HSS and pipe sections
The full specification
Chemistry, tolerances, coatings, galvanizing, weldability, availability and substitutions for every spec: ASTM 101 (STL+).