Structural steel · ASTM A992
ASTM A992 (W-shapes)
Also known as: A992, W-shape steel
Overview
Preferred US wide-flange (W-shape) structural steel with controlled yield and tensile ranges for building frames.
Typical supply: Wide-flange beams and columns
Mechanical Properties
Young's modulus E200 GPa
Shear modulus G76.9 GPa
Yield / proof Re345 MPa
Ultimate Rm450 MPa
Poisson's ratio ν0.3
Shear strength270 MPa
Bearing strength690 MPa
Thermal Properties
Thermal expansion α12 µm/(m·K)
For temperature derating, open Temperature Properties.
Physical Properties
Density ρ8e+3 kg/m³
Specific strength Sy/ρ4.39e+4 Pa·m³/kg
Specific stiffness E/ρ2.55e+7 Pa·m³/kg
Typical supply: Wide-flange beams and columns
Density 7850 kg/m³. Preferred for wide-flange beams and columns.
Applications
- Building frames (W-shapes)
- Moment-resisting frames
- Column and beam stock in AISC designs
Advantages
- Highest strength-to-weight among common US W-shape grades
- Most common stock for wide-flange beams and columns
- Excellent weldability for building frames
- Controlled yield/tensile range aids AISC design reliability
Limitations
- Primarily a shapes grade — plate work often uses A36/A572
- Requires coating for exposed architecture
- Availability focused on W-shapes vs all product forms
Standards
- ASTM A992/A992M — Structural steel shapes
- AISC 360 — Specification for Structural Steel Buildings
Equivalent Materials
Electrical Properties
Resistivity1.700e-7 Ω·m
Chemical Composition
| Element | Min wt% | Max wt% | Typical wt% |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | — | 0.23 | — |
| Mn | 0.5 | 1.6 | — |
| P | — | 0.035 | — |
| S | — | 0.045 | — |
| Si | 0.15 | 0.4 | — |
| V | — | 0.15 | — |
| Nb | — | 0.05 | — |
| Cu | — | 0.6 | — |
Typical / limit values for reference selection only — verify against mill certs for certified work.
Machinability
Similar to A572; drilling and coping common in fab shops.
Cost
Standard pricing for US W-shapes; little premium vs A572 Gr.50.
Corrosion
Requires coating system for exposed architecture.
- Indoor dryfair
- Painted outdoorfair
For allowance / life screening, open Corrosion Allowance.