Welding A588 to A572

[curvbridger]

I have a structure in which weathering steel performance is not an issue, but I have some available A588, and some available A572.

What problems could arise from welding these materials together? What electrode should be used?

 

[metengr]

What are the specific grades of A 588 and A 572?

 

[curvbridger]

The yield point for both materials is 50 ksi. The A588 is a rolled beam, the A572 is structural plate. Does that help?

 

[metengr]

It helps some, but you don't provide enough information as to the application (low temperature service conditions) and weld joint detail. ASTM A 588 is considered a high stregnth low alloy steel that is supplied in Grade A or Grade B. From my reference material, it looks like a 70 Ksi min UTS (ultimate tensile strength) and 50 Ksi YS (yield strength) for both Grades.

The ASTM A 572 is high stregnth low alloy (HSLA) steel and also comes in various Grades based on yield strength. What you reported as 50 Ksi would fall under a Grade 50, with a min UTS of 65 Ksi.


Ok. If you need to perform a post weld heat treatment(PWHT) be aware that it may result in degraded toughness properties in the heat affected zone of the A 588 and A 572 base materials adjacent to the weld region (this would apply only to low temperature service).

What is the thickness of the rolled beam and weld joint configuration or detail? My suggestion is to use the SMAW process with an E 7018 H4 electrode for welding these materials. Watch you heat input and follow AWS D1.1 recommendations for suggested preheat.

 

[curvbridger]

The thickness of the flanges of the A588 is 1 3/4". The A588 material is Grade B. The A572 material is a similar thickness.

The structure is statically loaded and will be exposed to temperatures from +100degF to 0degF.

Weld are typically large fillets, but include full penetration groove welds (TC-U4c).

Is post-weld heat treatment necessary in this application? Is it recommended?

Thanks,

sns

 

[metengr]

No, stress relief (post weld heat treatment) should not be performed, otherwise impact toughness properties will degrade.

 

[HgTX]

It shouldn't be a problem. We routinely allow substitution of A 588 for A 572 Gr. 50 or 50S. You can use the same welding procedures you'd use for A 572, but if you want to be extra-careful, follow the requirements for ASTM A 709 Gr. 50W in Tables 4.1 and 4.2 of AWS D1.5 (don't worry about Table 4.3). Note also that A 572 Gr. 50 and A 588 are in the same group in AWS D1.1 Table 3.1.

Hg

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