Structural Steel

Structural steel is steel manufactured to specified chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, and tolerances for use in load-bearing structures. Common structural steel products include beams, columns, channels, angles, plates, hollow structural sections, and trusses. Examples include H-beams, I-beams, and steel trusses. Not every steel product is structural steel—it must comply with the applicable material standard and engineering requirements for the intended structure.

Common ASTM structural steel specifications include ASTM A36 for general carbon structural steel, ASTM A572 Grades 42, 50, 55, 60, and 65 for high-strength low-alloy steel, and ASTM A992 for structural shapes such as wide-flange beams. Other important specifications include ASTM A500 for cold-formed hollow structural sections, ASTM A588 for weathering steel, and ASTM A709 for bridge construction. The correct grade depends on product form, yield strength, weldability, toughness, and service environment. Learn more in our ASTM A500 structural pipe guide.

There is no single worldwide standard for structural steel. In the United States, common material standards include ASTM A36, ASTM A572, ASTM A992, and ASTM A500, while ASTM A6/A6M specifies general dimensional and tolerance requirements for rolled structural products. AISC 360 is commonly used for structural steel building design. Other markets may use EN 10025 in Europe, JIS G3101 and JIS G3106 in Japan, or relevant GB/T standards in China. Purchase specifications should state the required standard, grade, dimensions, tolerances, testing, and mill test certificate. See our overview of structural pipe standards.

Yes. ASTM A36 is a widely used carbon structural steel specification covering structural shapes, plates, and bars for welded, bolted, or riveted construction. It has a typical minimum yield strength of 36 ksi, or approximately 250 MPa, and offers good weldability and fabrication performance. ASTM A36 steel is commonly used in buildings, bridges, platforms, brackets, base plates, and general engineering structures. View our ASTM A36 steel plate for more product information.

Neither material is better for every project. A steel structure generally offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio, longer unsupported spans, faster erection, easier prefabrication, and greater adaptability for future modifications. Reinforced concrete can provide excellent mass, stiffness, fire resistance, acoustic performance, and durability in certain environments. Steel may require additional corrosion and fire protection, while concrete is heavier and requires curing time. The best choice depends on structural loads, span, fire rating, environment, construction schedule, local costs, and lifecycle requirements. Composite steel-concrete construction is also common.