What is ASTM A572 steel?
ASTM A572 is the standard high-strength low-alloy columbium-vanadium structural steel specification used across the Americas. A572 Gr 50 is the workhorse grade with a minimum yield strength of 345 MPa, combining higher strength-to-weight than A36 with full weldability; A572 Gr 65 raises the minimum yield to 450 MPa for longer spans and lighter structures. Both grades dominate structural columns, bridges, transmission towers and construction machinery in the US, Latin America and Gulf markets, and "ASTM A572 Gr 50" is one of the most searched steel plate terms in the Americas.
A572 Gr 50 vs Gr 65
| Grade | Min yield strength | Min tensile strength | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| A572 Gr 50 | 345 MPa (50 ksi) | 450 MPa | Buildings, bridges, general structural — the default HSLA grade |
| A572 Gr 65 | 450 MPa (65 ksi) | 550 MPa | Long-span bridges, heavy columns, weight-critical structures |
Chemical composition (ASTM A572, max %)
| Grade | C max | Mn max | P max | S max | Si | Cb (Nb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gr 50 (thicker plates) | 0.23 | 1.35 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.15–0.40 | 0.01–0.05 |
| Gr 65 | 0.23 | 1.65 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.15–0.40 | 0.005–0.05 |
Real mill data — A572GR65 Baosteel MTC
Actual ladle analysis and mechanical results from a recent Baosteel shipment of A572GR65, certificate number as issued:
| Certificate | Size (mm) | C % | Si % | Mn % | P % | S % | Nb % | Ti % | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | EL % | Impact −30 °C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A572GR65 · BGSAI2601160677100 | 6.00 × 1500 × 3000 | 0.08 | 0.03 | 1.31 | 0.011 | 0.002 | 0.018 | 0.004 | 559 | 628 | 27 | 139 J avg |
Download the watermarked sample: Sample MTC (A572GR65 6 mm). Note the measured yield of 559 MPa and the average 139 J at −30 °C — far above the specification minimums. A572 Gr 50 MTC available on request. Original EN 10204 3.1 certificates accompany every shipment.
Global equivalent grades
| Standard | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A572 (USA) | Gr 50 / Gr 65 | This product |
| EN 10025-2 (Europe) | S355JR / S355J2 for Gr 50 | Closest EN grade — see our S355 page |
| EN 10025-6 (Europe) | S460QL class for Gr 65 | Quenched-tempered 460 MPa class |
| GB/T 1591 (China) | Q355B / Q355D for Gr 50; Q460 for Gr 65 | Chinese equivalents — 09G2S / Q355D |
| GOST 19281 (CIS) | 09Г2С for Gr 50 | Russian grade, same strength class |
Stock, certificates and delivery
A572GR65 plates are available ex-stock at our Shanghai warehouse in the certificate size (6 mm × 1500 mm × 3000 mm); A572 Gr 50 and other thicknesses cut to order. Every shipment includes the original Baosteel mill test certificate to EN 10204 3.1 with heat number, chemistry and mechanical results. EXW, FOB Shanghai, CFR and CIF terms available; shipments leave within 7 days of payment.
