ASTM A36 is a common, low-carbon structural steel plate known for its good strength, weldability, and affordability. It has a minimum yield strength of 36 ksi, a tensile strength of 58-80 ksi, and is widely used in structural applications like buildings and bridges, as well as in construction equipment and machinery.
The machinability, strength and durability of A36 make it ideal for applications that require materials that are relatively light, but strong and durable enough to withstand high stress. These properties are crucial in materials used to construct infrastructure like buildings and bridges, where structural damage and failure could have devastating impacts.
A36 Equivalent Plate Grades
A36 steel is produced to meet standards set by ASTM, whose material standards are widely accepted in projects across the globe. However, some countries may require that structural projects which meets standards set by a different regulatory body. For example, structural projects that require plate falling under EN standards may use S275 in place of A36, as it is generally considered equivalent.
While not exactly equivalent to A36, other structural grades of mild and HSLA steel may also be suitable for use in infrastructure projects, as these grades often have properties similar to A36
Applications & Industries
A36 steel plate is typically used in structural applications due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and formability, as these properties make it easy to shape A36 into to a variety of structural pieces that can withstand great forces. Some of the common infrastructure applications for A36 include bridge and building construction.
While most commonly used in the infrastructure sector, A36 steel plate's versatility makes it ideal for use in applications for other industries as well, including:
Construction
Oil and gas
Industrial manufacturing (heavy A36 steel plate)
Road plate
Material Properties
| Yield Point (ksi) | Tensile Strength (ksi) | Min. 8" Elongation % | |
| A36 | 36 | 58-80 | 20 |
Chemical Composition
| Up to 3/4" Thick | |
| Carbon max | 0.25% |
| Phosphorus max | 0.030% |
| Sulfur max | 0.030% |
| Silicon | 0.40% max |
| Copper min | 0.20% |
| Over 3/4" to 1 1/2" Thick | |
| Carbon max | 0.25% |
| Manganese | 0.80-1.20% |
| Phosphorus max | 0.030% |
| Sulfur max | 0.030% |
| Silicon | 0.40% max |
| Copper min | 0.20% |
| Over 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" Thick | |
| Carbon max | 0.26% |
| Manganese | 0.80-1.20% |
| Phosphorus max | 0.030% |
| Sulfur max | 0.030% |
| Silicon | 0.15-0.40% |
| Copper min | 0.20% |
| Over 2 1/2" to 4" Thick | |
| Carbon max | 0.27% |
| Manganese | 0.85-1.20% |
| Phosphorus max | 0.030% |
| Sulfur max | 0.030% |
| Silicon | 0.15-0.40% |
| Copper min | 0.20% |
| Over 4" Thick | |
| Carbon max | 0.29% |
| Manganese | 0.85-1.20% |
| Phosphorus max | 0.030% |
| Sulfur max | 0.030% |
| Silicon | 0.15-0.40% |
| Copper min | 0.20% |



