ASTM A514 Alloy Steel in Construction and Heavy Machinery

 

ASTM A514 is a high-yield-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate designed for structural and heavy-duty applications, offering exceptional toughness, weldability, and resistance to wear and impact. Under the ASTM A514/A514M standard, it is widely used in construction for bridges and buildings, and in heavy machinery for cranes, earthmoving equipment, and transport trailers, where its high strength reduces weight while maintaining durability. As a leading manufacturer and exporter, Gangsteel provides premium ASTM A514/A514M steel plate in various grades, such as astm a514 grade b and astm a514 grade q, optimized for construction and heavy machinery applications worldwide.

 

What is ASTM A514 Alloy Steel?

ASTM A514 alloy steel is available in multiple grades, each tailored for specific uses in construction and heavy machinery, with minimum yield strengths of 100 ksi (690 MPa) for most thicknesses. Its quenched and tempered condition enhances machinability and formability, making it suitable for welded structures and high-load components. In construction, it supports lighter designs for bridges and buildings; in heavy machinery, it withstands abrasive conditions in equipment like excavators and cranes. Gangsteel's ASTM A514/A514M steel plate is produced in thicknesses up to 8" for select grades, ensuring versatility for large-scale projects.

The following table summarizes key ASTM A514 grades and their applications in construction and heavy machinery:

Grade

Typical Thickness Range

Applications in Construction and Heavy Machinery

astm a514 grade a

Up to 1-1/4"

Lightweight structural supports and machinery frames

astm a514 grade b

3/16" – 1-1/4"

Bridge girders, crane booms, and digging equipment

astm a514 grade c

Varies (inquire)

Customized welded assemblies in construction

astm a514 grade e

3/16" – 6"

Transport trailers, crane booms, and aerial platforms

astm a514 grade f

3/16" – 2-1/2"

Abrasion-resistant parts in heavy machinery

astm a514 grade h

3/16" – 2"

Earthmoving equipment and hauling devices

astm a514 grade j

Varies (inquire)

Specialized machinery and structural frameworks

astm a514 grade k

Varies (inquire)

Formable components in construction equipment

astm a514 grade m

Varies (inquire)

Heavy-load infrastructure and machinery supports

astm a514 grade p

Inquire

Corrosion-resistant elements in outdoor machinery

astm a514 grade q

3/16" – 8"

Thick-plate applications in mining and aggregates

astm a514 grade r

Varies (inquire)

Heat-resistant parts in heavy equipment

astm a514 grade s

3/16" – 2-1/2"

Structural steel in cranes and large machines

astm a514 grade t

Varies (inquire)

Maximum strength in tempered machinery components

 

Chemical Composition of ASTM A514 Alloy Steel

The chemical composition varies by grade to optimize for construction and machinery uses, with elements like chromium and molybdenum enhancing durability. Below is a table for select grades (in weight %, heat analysis):

Element

astm a514 grade b

astm a514 grade e

astm a514 grade h

astm a514 grade q

C

0.12-0.21

0.12-0.20

0.12-0.21

0.14-0.21

Mn

0.70-1.00

0.40-0.70

0.95-1.30

0.95-1.30

P (max)

0.035

0.035

0.035

0.035

S (max)

0.035

0.035

0.035

0.035

Si

0.20-0.35

0.20-0.40

0.20-0.35

0.15-0.35

Ni

-

-

0.30-0.70

1.20-1.50

Cr

0.40-0.65

1.40-2.00

0.40-0.65

1.00-1.50

Mo

0.15-0.25

0.40-0.60

0.20-0.30

0.40-0.60

V

0.03-0.08

-

0.03-0.08

0.03-0.08

Ti

0.01-0.03

0.01-0.10

-

-

B

0.0005-0.005

0.001-0.005

0.0005-0.005

0.001-0.005

 

Mechanical Properties of ASTM A514 Alloy Steel

ASTM A514's mechanical properties support its use in construction and machinery, with high tensile strength for load-bearing. The table below shows typical values:

Thickness Range

Minimum Yield Strength (ksi/MPa)

Tensile Strength (ksi/MPa)

Minimum Elongation in 8" (%)

Brinell Hardness (HBW)

≤ 3/4"

100 / 690

110-130 / 760-895

18

235-293

>3/4" to 2.5"

100 / 690

110-130 / 760-895

18

235-293

>2.5" to 6"

90 / 620

100-130 / 690-895

16

235-293

>6" (select)

90 / 620

100-130 / 690-895

16

235-293

 

Heat Treatment of ASTM A514 Alloy Steel

Quenching and tempering are essential, involving heating to 1650°F (900°C), rapid cooling, and tempering at 1100-1300°F (600-700°C) for balanced properties. Gangsteel's process optimizes for construction and machinery durability.

 

Applications in Construction and Heavy Machinery

In construction, A514 is used for bridges, high-rise buildings, and welded structures. In heavy machinery, it features in cranes, excavators, trailers, and mining tools for wear resistance. Grades like astm a514 grade s suit large machines. Gangsteel's plates ensure reliable performance.

 

FAQ

  • What are common uses of ASTM A514 in construction?Bridge girders, building frames, and structural supports for high-strength needs.
  • How is ASTM A514 applied in heavy machinery?In cranes, excavators, trailers, and mining equipment for load-bearing and wear resistance.
  • What makes ASTM A514 suitable for these applications?Its high yield strength (100 ksi) and weldability allow lighter, durable designs.
  • Which grades are best for heavy machinery?Grades like E, H, and Q for impact and abrasion resistance.
  • Where can I obtain ASTM A514 for projects?Gangsteel manufactures and exports it; inquire about ASTM A514/A514M steel plate.

 

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