While ASTM A36 defines the material requirements (chemical composition and mechanical properties), ASTM A6/A6M is the governing standard for general requirements for rolled structural steel bars, plates, shapes, and sheet piling. For A36 H-beams, ASTM A6 is equally critical because it specifies:
Dimensional Tolerances: Permissible variations in the H-beam's depth, flange width, flange thickness, web thickness, straightness (camber and sweep), and length.
Weight Tolerances: Allowable deviations from the theoretical weight per foot.
Quality Criteria: Standards for surface finish, allowable imperfections, and corrective dressing.
Marking and Loading: Requirements for material identification and bundling.
Testing Procedures: Rules for test specimen location, orientation, and frequency.
An A36 H-beam must conform to both standards: its chemistry and strength must meet A36, and its physical dimensions and quality must meet A6. A Mill Test Report will certify compliance with both specifications.