Resource For Compatibility Of Different Alloys/Grades in Welded Joints

[jasoncwells]

Can one of you folks please recommend a spec that discusses the compatibility of different alloys/grades of steel in a weld joint?

I am not doing anything exotic. It occurs to me though that there can be pitfalls when joints have differing alloys. I'd like to do my homework. I don't spec welds very frequently. After 20 years, I don't think I've ever spec'ed differing grades so I'm cautious. My specific question is welding an A36 plate to an A500 square tube. Neither ASTM A36, nor ASTM A500 specs answer my questions on compatibility.

Thanks,
Jason

 

I would not classify this combination as a dissimilar weld. ASTM A36 and ASTM A500 are both weldable carbon steels, and are perfectly compatible. The individual material specifications do not address this question, but the various AWS D1.x construction codes do.



"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but they are not entitled to their own facts."

 

[weldstan]

As per ironic metallurgist, both materials are low carbon steels and can be welded just as you would weld A-36 to itself or A-500 to itself under the requirements of the mandated construction codes.