ASTM A242 Properties⚙️ (Chem., Mech. & Rankings) rev. 2022

In this post I'll talk about and give details about ASTM A242. First let's describe it and then have a look at its material's properties.

What is ASTM A242?

ASTM A242 is a Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel

Category

Structural Steel

Scope

This specification covers high-strength low-alloy structural steel shapes, plates, and bars for welded, riveted, or bolted construction intended primarily for use as structural members where savings in weight (mass) or added durability are important.

Ok let's start with ASTM A242 chemical composition.

Chemical Composition

C max.

0.15

Mn max.

1.00

P max.

0.15

S max.

0.05

Cu min.

0.20

Learn more about chemical composition.

Now it's the mechanical properties turn:

Yield Strength

Plates less than 20mm thick

50 ksi (345 MPa) min

Learn more about what is yield strength.

Tensile Strength

Plates less than 20mm thick

70 ksi (480 MPa) min

Learn more about what is tensile strength.

Elongation (min.) 200 mm

0.18.

Learn more about what is elongation.

Reduction of Area (min. %)

Not Required.

Learn more about reduction of area.

Density

7800 - 8000 kg/m3 (around 7.9 g/cm3 or 0.285 lb/in3).

Learn more about density.

Elastic Modulus

190 GPa (27557 ksi) - 210GPa (30458 ksi).

Learn more about the Elastic Modulus.

Poisson's Ratio

0.27 – 0.30.

Learn more about the poisson ratio.

Allowable Stress

Depends on the project (And its factor of safety).

Learn more about the what is allowable stress.

My Material's Rank

While engineers will often look for the cheapest material they can use, I took a different approach to material's selection to help newbie students.

I ranked materials according to their yield strengths and ASTM A242 currently ranks 43 in my yield strength index. This means there are other 42 materials that are more resistant.

Note: I've analysed 134 materials in order to create an yield strength index. Check my astm material's comparison post for more details.

Details and PDF

Instructions:

1. Go to this page.
2. Type the name of the standard you are looking for in the search box. Tip: Don't forget to include "ASTM" as a keyword.
3. Read the details about the standard or download the PDF.

ASTM Classroom

Are you having trouble understanding the basics of ASTM?

What is the difference between Code, Standard & Specification?

This video will walk you through:

References

Citation

When you need to include a fact or piece of information in an assignment or essay you should also include where and how you found that piece of information.

That gives credibility to your paper and it is sometimes required in higher education.

To make your life (and citation) easier just copy & paste the information below into your assignment or essay:

Luz, Gelson. ASTM A242 Properties (Chem., Mech. & Rankings). Materials Blog. Gelsonluz.com. dd mmmm. yyyy. <URL>

Now replace dd, mmmm and yyyy with the day, month, and year you browsed this page. Also replace URL for the actual url of this page (The < and > stay, ok?). This citation format is based on MLA.

Other References

A 6/A 6M Specification for General Requirements for⁣
Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet⁣
Piling⁣
G 101 Guide for Estimating the Atmospheric Corrosion⁣
Resistance of Low-Alloy Steels⁣