What is ASTM A572 gr 50 high strength steel wide flange H beam?
ASTM A572 Grade 50 H Beam is a high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) structural steel widely used in construction, bridges, mechanical engineering, and heavy steel structures.
Compared with ASTM A36 carbon steel, A572 Grade 50 wide flange H beam provides higher strength, with a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi (345 MPa) and minimum tensile strength of 65 ksi (450 MPa), while A36 has a yield strength of approximately 36 ksi (250 MPa) and tensile strength of 58 ksi (400 MPa).
Usually supplied in the hot-rolled condition, ASTM A572 Grade 50 H Beams offers good weldability, formability, and toughness, making it suitable for bridges, steel frames, industrial buildings, lifting equipment, and heavy machinery structures.
However, its atmospheric corrosion resistance is similar to ordinary carbon steel and additional protection, such as galvanizing or coating, is required for corrosive environments. For better long-term corrosion resistance, ASTM A588 weathering steel can be considered.
As a professional manufacturer and global exporter of construction and structural steel products, GNEE has over 18 years of international export experience, serving customers in more than 80 countries across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South America, and Africa. Our manufacturing facilities strictly comply with the ISO 9001 quality management system and produce high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) wide flange H beams that fully meet ASTM, ASME, EN, JIS, and GB standards.
Each batch of ASTM A572 Grade 50 H beams is supplied with an EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate (MTC), detailing key mechanical properties including yield strength (≥50 ksi / 345 MPa), tensile strength, and chemical composition. Third-party inspections from SGS, BV, or TÜV can also be arranged according to customer requirements.
This ensures full material traceability and compliance with strict global engineering standards for heavy-duty structural projects such as skyscraper frames, bridge structures, and industrial facilities.
GNEE supplies hot-rolled ASTM A572 Grade 50 high-strength steel wide flange H beams, available in various surface conditions, including hot-rolled black surface, shot blasting, shop primer coating, and hot-dip galvanizing, as well as a complete range of light, medium, and heavy sections.
Designed with different flange and web thickness combinations, these beams provide a minimum yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) and a tensile strength ranging from 450 MPa to 600 MPa, while maintaining excellent ductility and weldability.
With their good strength-to-weight ratio, ASTM A572 Grade 50 H beams are ideal for demanding heavy structural applications, including high-rise building frames, highway and railway bridges, large industrial plants, heavy machinery foundations, offshore platforms, transmission towers, and structural reinforcement projects for large-scale constructions.
GNEE provides a comprehensive range of ASTM A572 Grade 50 wide flange H beams, covering light, medium, and heavy sections with various flange widths and web thicknesses.
All products are manufactured with strict dimensional control and comply with ASTM A6/A6M requirements for size, shape, and weight tolerances. We support customized cut-to-length solutions based on customers' structural drawings to minimize material waste and optimize project efficiency.
Equipped with advanced heavy steel fabrication facilities, GNEE provides one-stop processing services including CNC 3D drilling, precision sawing, beam coping, beveling, shot blasting to Sa 2.5 surface grade, and shop primer coating.
These value-added services help reduce on-site fabrication work, lower construction costs, and shorten the overall project delivery and installation schedule.
Specirication Of ASTM A572 Grade 50 Wide Flange Steel H Beam
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material |
ASTM A572 Grade 50 Wide Flange Steel H Beam |
| Standard | ASTM A572 / A572M |
| Product Form | Wide Flange H Beam, W Beam, Structural Steel Beam |
| Manufacturing Process | Hot Rolled |
| Surface Condition | Hot Rolled Black Surface, Shot Blasted, Shop Primer Coated, Hot-Dip Galvanized |
| Section Range | Light, Medium and Heavy Wide Flange H Beam Sections |
| Flange Height (H) | Approx. 100 mm – 1000 mm (Customized sizes available) |
| Flange Width (B) | Approx. 100 mm – 400 mm (Customized sizes available) |
| Web Thickness | Approx. 5 mm – 40 mm |
| Flange Thickness | Approx. 6 mm – 60 mm |
| Length | 6 m, 9 m, 12 m, 15 m, or Customized Lengths |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 50 ksi (345 MPa) |
| Tensile Strength | 65–90 ksi (450–620 MPa) |
| Elongation | ≥ 18% |
| Chemical Composition | Controlled carbon content with microalloying elements such as Vanadium (V) and Niobium (Nb) |
| Tolerance Standard | ASTM A6 / A6M |
| Application | High-rise Buildings, Bridges, Industrial Plants, Heavy Machinery Structures, Offshore Platforms, Transmission Towers, Structural Reinforcement |
| Value Added Services | Cutting, Drilling, CNC Machining, Coping, Beveling, Welding, Shot Blasting, Painting, Galvanizing, Custom Fabrication |
| Packing | Standard Export Seaworthy Package, Bundled with Steel Straps, or as Required |
| MTC | Mill Test Certificate Available According to EN 10204 3.1 |
| Third-Party Inspection | SGS, BV, TÜV or Other Inspection Agencies Available Upon Request |
Chemical Composition of ASTM A572 Grade 50 Wide Flange Steel H Beam
| Element | Chemical Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.23 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.35 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.40 |
| Vanadium (V) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Niobium (Nb) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.04 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.012 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.60 (when specified) |
Physical and Mechanical Properties of A572 Gr 50 Wide Flange Steel H Beam
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Grade | ASTM A572 Grade 50 |
| Steel Type | High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Structural Steel |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 GPa (29,000 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 345 MPa (50 ksi) |
| Tensile Strength | 450–620 MPa (65–90 ksi) |
| Elongation | ≥ 18% (in 200 mm gauge length) |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.30 |
| Shear Modulus | 77 GPa (11,200 ksi) |
| Hardness (Typical) | Approx. 140–190 HB |
| Melting Point | Approx. 1,425–1,540°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | Approx. 45–60 W/(m·K) |
| Specific Heat Capacity | Approx. 486 J/(kg·K) |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | Approx. 12 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
ASTM A572 Grade 50 Wide Flange H Beam Dimensions
| Designation | Depth (H) mm | Width (B) mm | Web Thickness (t₁) mm | Flange Thickness (t₂) mm | Weight (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light ASTM A572 Gr50 W Beams | |||||
| W4×13 | 102 | 102 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 19 |
| W6×15 | 152 | 102 | 5.8 | 6.6 | 22 |
| W6×20 | 157 | 134 | 6.6 | 8.1 | 30 |
| W8×18 | 203 | 102 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 27 |
| W8×24 | 207 | 133 | 6.4 | 8.5 | 36 |
| W10×22 | 254 | 102 | 5.8 | 6.9 | 33 |
| W10×33 | 258 | 146 | 6.1 | 9.1 | 49 |
| Medium ASTM A572 Gr50 W Beams | |||||
| W12×26 | 310 | 102 | 6.6 | 8.8 | 39 |
| W12×40 | 303 | 165 | 7.5 | 10.9 | 60 |
| W14×30 | 349 | 127 | 5.8 | 8.5 | 45 |
| W14×43 | 353 | 171 | 6.9 | 9.7 | 64 |
| W16×40 | 400 | 165 | 7.0 | 10.2 | 60 |
| W16×50 | 406 | 178 | 7.7 | 12.6 | 74 |
| W18×46 | 457 | 152 | 7.6 | 11.4 | 68 |
| W18×60 | 457 | 190 | 8.5 | 13.3 | 89 |
| W21×50 | 533 | 165 | 7.6 | 10.2 | 74 |
| W21×62 | 537 | 210 | 8.9 | 13.2 | 92 |
|
Heavy ASTM A572 Gr50 W Beams |
|||||
| W24×55 | 610 | 178 | 7.6 | 10.9 | 82 |
| W24×76 | 612 | 229 | 9.7 | 14.5 | 113 |
| W27×94 | 686 | 254 | 11.2 | 16.0 | 140 |
| W30×99 | 759 | 265 | 11.2 | 15.6 | 148 |
| W36×135 | 915 | 305 | 13.0 | 19.0 | 201 |
ASTM A572 Grade 50 Wide Flange W Beam Tolerance Table
| Item | Parameter | Permissible Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Tolerance | Theoretical Weight | ±2.5% |
| Individual Piece Weight | Not more than 2.5% under theoretical weight | |
| Depth (d) Tolerance | Nominal Depth ≤ 300 mm | ±1.5 mm |
| Nominal Depth > 300 mm to ≤ 600 mm | ±3.0 mm | |
| Nominal Depth > 600 mm | ±4.0 mm | |
| Flange Width (b) Tolerance | Nominal Width ≤ 150 mm | ±2.0 mm |
| Nominal Width > 150 mm to ≤ 300 mm | ±3.0 mm | |
| Nominal Width > 300 mm | ±5.0 mm | |
| Web Thickness Tolerance | Web Thickness ≤ 10 mm | -0.25 mm |
| Web Thickness > 10 mm to ≤ 20 mm | -0.30 mm | |
| Web Thickness > 20 mm | -0.50 mm | |
| Flange Thickness Tolerance | Flange Thickness ≤ 10 mm | -0.25 mm |
| Flange Thickness > 10 mm to ≤ 20 mm | -0.30 mm | |
| Flange Thickness > 20 mm | -0.50 mm | |
| Length Tolerance | Ordered Length ≤ 6 m | +50 mm / -0 mm |
| Ordered Length > 6 m to ≤ 12 m | +75 mm / -0 mm | |
| Ordered Length > 12 m | +100 mm / -0 mm | |
| Straightness Tolerance | Camber | ≤ 1/8 inch × length |
| Sweep | ≤ 1/8 inch × length | |
| End Squareness | End Out-of-Square | ≤ 1.6 mm |
| End Cutting Tolerance | End Deviation | According to ASTM A6/A6M |
| Surface Quality | Surface Condition | Free from defects affecting structural performance |
| Mill Scale | Allowed for hot rolled condition | |
| Dimensional Inspection | Section Shape, Size & Weight | According to ASTM A6/A6M |
| Inspection Standard | Material Inspection | ASTM A572/A572M + ASTM A6/A6M |
| Certification | Mill Test Certificate | EN 10204 3.1 Available |
Application case of ASTM A572 Grade 50 Wide Flange W Beam
GNEE successfully delivered 223 tons of ASTM A572 Grade 50 Wide Flange W Beams to a long-term partner in Vietnam. The shipment included high-specification sections such as 488×300×11×18 mm and heavy-duty 800×300×14×26 mm beams, meeting strict requirements for load capacity, weldability, and structural stability.
With a minimum yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi), ASTM A572 Grade 50 provides excellent strength-to-weight performance. The 800×300×14×26 mm heavy sections, featuring 26 mm flange thickness and 14 mm web thickness, deliver high section modulus and resistance against heavy axial loads and bending moments, making them ideal for main supporting columns.
The 488×300×11×18 mm beams achieve an optimal balance between strength and weight, helping reduce structural steel consumption by approximately 15%–25% and lowering material procurement costs by over 15% compared with conventional designs.
All ASTM A572 Grade 50 Wide Flange W Beams were manufactured according to ASTM A6/A6M dimensional tolerances, precisely cut to project-required lengths, and supplied with EN 10204 3.1 MTC certificates containing complete mechanical properties and chemical analysis. The shipment was safely delivered to the Vietnam project site by sea.
We serve clients in over 80 countries worldwide, strictly complying with ASTM and EN standards. Every batch comes with a 3.1 MTC, with SGS or BV third-party inspections fully supported. Whether you require lightweight secondary beams or extra-heavy main columns, we deliver perfection.
DM us or send your drawings now to get your custom project solution and price list instantly!
Contact now to get the ASTM A572 Grade 50 Wide Flange W Beam Quote
Quality Control (QC) for ASTM A572 GR50 H Beams
- Chemical Composition Analysis
- Dimensional & Tolerances Inspection
- Mechanical & Impact Testing
- Ultrasonic & Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Export Packaging and Logistics Security
For heavy structural steel like ASTM A572 GR50 H-beams, we utilize an industrial bare-stacking method coupled with a custom timber bracing solution that is fully optimized for container maritime safety.
As shown in the photos, custom heavy-duty anti-tipping timber frames are tailored to lock the columns firmly in place. This effectively prevents any shifting or lateral movement of large-size H-beams (such as the 800×300 series) amidst rough ocean waves, while perfectly leaving optimal clearance inside the container for safe and seamless handling operations.
FAQ Of ASTM A572 GR50 H Beams
What is Difference Between the ASTM A572 Grade 50 and ASTM A36?
A572 GR50 is a High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) steel, while A36 is a standard carbon steel. Due to the micro-alloying elements (Vanadium/Niobium), GR50 offers ~38% higher yield strength than A36 (50 ksi vs. 36 ksi). This allows engineers to design lighter sections, reducing total steel weight by 15%–25% for the same load requirements.
Is ASTM A572 Grade 50 H Beams easy to weld?
With a strictly controlled chemical composition and a low Carbon Equivalent Value (CEV), it exhibits good weldability using standard commercial welding methods (like SMAW, GMAW, or SAW) without the strict need for intensive preheating on standard thickness sections.