Steel Tube Specifications: Side-by-Side Reference Table

March, 2025

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Understanding the specifications for Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) is essential for selecting the appropriate standard for your project. This table provides a straightforward comparison of key ASTM/CSA standards for steel tubes, highlighting the differences between various HSS standards and non-HSS tube standards to help users identify the right specification for their needs.

HSS Standards

  • ASTM A500 – Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel Structural Tubing in Rounds and Shapes
  • ASTM A1085 – Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded Carbon Steel Hollow Structural Sections (HSS)
  • ASTM A1065 – Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded Carbon Steel Hollow Structural Sections (HSS)
  • ASTM A847 – Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel Tubing with Improved Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance (Weathering Steel)
  • CSA G40.21 – General Requirements for Rolled or Welded Structural Quality Steel (for HSS) – A Canadian Standard
Hollow Structural Section Technical Specifications Table
Hollow Structural Section Technical Specifications Table

Non-HSS Standards

  • ASTM A513 – Standard Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Carbon and Alloy Steel Mechanical Tubing
  • ASTM A53 – Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless
  • ASTM A252 – Standard Specification for Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe Piles

This table offers a clear comparison of dimensional properties, material strengths, and tolerances, making it easier to determine the appropriate specification for a given application.

Non-Hollow Structural Section Technical Specifications Table
Non-Hollow Structural Section Technical Specifications Table

Table Notes

  1. A dash (“–”) indicates that the specification does not have a requirement for this item.
  2. OD = Outer Diameter
    tnom = specified nominal thickness
    w = width of large flat
    wL/wS = ratio of large flat width to small flat width
  3. For availability of specific sizes of ASTM A500, ASTM A1085, ASTM A1065 and ASTM A513, see: STI HSS Capability Tool
  4. Material not included in the scope of AISC 360-22 Specification Table A3.1. Refer to Sections A3.1a and A3.1b, or applicable design standard, for design guidance.
  5. Per AISC 360-22, Section B4.2, a factor is required to be multiplied by the nominal HSS thickness to determine the design thickness for engineering calculations.
  6. Seamless only applies to round sections
  7. Produced Regularly: Indicates standard sizes are typically available Produced on Demand: Indicates tube is made to order based on customer needs
  8. Preferred grade for structural applications
  9. Most common grade
  10. Thickness options vary based on Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) designation and ASTM A53 Table X2.2
  11. Corner radius varies between 0.128 in and 1.5 in based on thickness
  12. HSS with CVN tests can be ordered using the grade designation WT (weldable notch-tough steel) and indicating a Category (which indicates a test energy and temperature)
  13. Improved atmospheric corrosion resistance for CSA G40.21 is available by using the below designations. For example, 50AT in lieu of 50W.
    A = Atmospheric corrosion-resistant weldable steel
    AT = Atmospheric corrosion-resistant weldable notch-tough steel
  14. Test specimen yield strength cannot exceed 70 ksi

References

  1. STI Article: Understanding HSS Material Specifications: Which ASTM Should I Specify for HSS?
  2. STI HSS Design Manual Volume 1: Section Properties & Design Information includes tables listing section properties for HSS square, rectangular, and round sections.
  3. STI Tolerance Guide and Video summarizes tolerances allowed by ASTM A500 HSS.
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