1.1 This specification covers grades of hot-formed welded and seamless high-strength low-alloy square, rectangular, round, or special shape structural tubing for welded, riveted, or bolted construction of bridges and buildings and for general structural purposes. When the steel is used in welded construction, the welding procedure shall be suitable for the steel and the intended service.
1.2 Grade II has atmospheric corrosion resistance equivalent to that of carbon steel with copper (0.20 minimum Cu) Grades Ia and Ib have atmospheric corrosion resistance substantially better than that of Grade II (Note 1). When properly exposed to the atmosphere, Grades Ia and Ib can be used bare (unpainted) for many applications. When enhanced corrosion resistance is desired, Grade III, copper limits may be specified.
Note 1 – For methods of estimating the atmospheric corrosion resistance of low alloy steels see Guide G101 or actual data.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.