What Is ASTM A500 Rectangular Tube?

Date:2025-08-05Tags:Rectangular Tubes, ASTM A500

As an indispensable structural material in modern construction and machinery manufacturing, ASTM A500 rectangular tubing holds a significant position in the global engineering and construction market with its superior mechanical properties, diverse specifications and dimensions, and wide range of applications. This article comprehensively introduces the technical standards, production processes, material properties, specifications, and key application scenarios for ASTM A500 rectangular tubing, helping engineering designers, procurement experts, and construction managers gain a deeper understanding of the advantages and key considerations for selecting this important structural material.


What Is ASTM A500 Rectangular Tube?

ASTM A500 is a specification developed by ASTM International. It covers cold-formed welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing. The rectangular variant is designed for use in construction, bridges, machinery, and other load-bearing structures.These tubes are formed from steel coils and shaped without heat. A rectangular shape provides excellent resistance to bending and torsion, making it suitable for multiple structural tasks.


Grades and Mechanical Properties

ASTM A500 includes several grades: A, B, C, and D. Each grade has different strength requirements.
Grade B and Grade C are the most common in rectangular tubes.
Grade B offers a minimum yield strength of 46,000 psi.
Grade C provides a higher yield strength of 50,000 psi.
These grades ensure that the tubing can support loads, withstand pressure, and resist deformation during use.
The consistent mechanical performance of ASTM A500 rectangular tubes makes them ideal for both static and dynamic structures.


Tensile Properties of ASTM A500 Rectangular Tubes

ASTM A500 Rectangular Tube
Minimum stretch(Mpa) 310 400 427 400
Yield Strength (Mpa) 269 317 345 250
Minimum elongation per 50.8mm, %D 25A
13B 21C
23B


Applications of ASTM A500 Rectangular Tube

Thanks to its strength, formability, and versatility, ASTM A500 rectangular tubing is used across many sectors:

1. Construction Industry
It is commonly found in commercial buildings, warehouses, and residential structures. Its hollow shape reduces weight while maintaining structural performance.

2. Infrastructure Projects
Rectangular tubes are used in bridges, signposts, guardrails, and urban railings. Their reliability under dynamic stress is key to safety.

3. Equipment Framing
The tubes are ideal for creating frames in manufacturing equipment, farming machinery, and transportation systems.

4. Furniture and Design
Modern furniture makers use ASTM A500 tubes for aesthetic and practical reasons. Clean lines and strength make them a good choice for industrial designs.


Rectangular Tube


ASTM A500 vs. Other Structural Tubing Standards

ASTM A500 is often compared with:
ASTM A513: Used for mechanical tubing, not structural.
ASTM A36: Standard for structural shapes like I-beams, not tubing.
EN 10210: European standard for hot-formed structural tubes.
ASTM A500 remains the preferred choice in North America for welded and seamless structural tubing.


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