A283 vs A36 in Tanks

[monirri]

Hi.
I´ve already looked for the response to this somewhat naive question in the forum.

Speaking to the residente engineer, we realized that we don´t know why we use ASTM A283 Gr C plate instead of, say, A36, for Aboveground Storage Tanks for oil. We never use other than A283. If weldability, composition and structural properties are the same or close, why we always use A283 Gr C?

Thanks

 

[IFRs]

The inertia of rest perhaps.

 

[fegenbush]

Dave, I couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[JStephen]

The primary motivation to use A36 is ready availability.

One reason to use material with lower yield strength would be easier forming. Keeping in mind that under the OLD API-650 standards, there wasn't any benefit from using higher-strength materials.

Mills change, production methods change, the tank standards change. Once upon a time, A573-70 was a fairly common material for us, but it's been years since we used it at all.