1.1 This general requirements specification² covers a group of common requirements that, unless otherwise specified in the applicable product specification, apply to rolled structural steel bars, plates, shapes, and sheet piling covered by each of the following product specifications issued by ASTM:

1.2 Annex A1 lists permitted variations in dimensions and mass (Note 1) in SI units. The values listed are not exact conversions of the values in Tables 1 to 31 inclusive but are, instead, rounded or rationalized values. Conformance to Annex A1 is mandatory when the “M” specification designation is used.

1.3 Annex A2 lists the dimensions of some shape profiles.

1.4 Appendix X1 provides information on coil as a source of structural products.

1.5 Appendix X2 provides information on the variability of tensile properties in plates and structural shapes.

1.6 Appendix X3 provides information on weldability.

1.7 Appendix X4 provides information on cold bending of plates, including suggested minimum inside radii for cold bending.

1.8 This general requirements specification also covers a group of supplementary requirements that are applicable to several of the above product specifications as indicated therein. Such requirements are provided for use where additional testing or additional restrictions are required by the purchaser, and apply only where specified individually in the purchase order.

1.9 In case of any conflict in requirements, the requirements of the applicable product specification prevail over those of this general requirements specification.

1.10 Additional requirements that are specified in the purchase order and accepted by the supplier are permitted, provided that such requirements do not negate any of the requirements of this general requirements specification or the applicable product specification.

1.11 For purposes of determining conformance with this general requirements specification and the applicable product specification, values are to be rounded to the nearest unit in the right-hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting values in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.

1.12 The text of this general requirements specification contains notes or footnotes, or both, that provide explanatory material. Such notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, do not contain any mandatory requirements.

1.13 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system is to be used independently of the other, without combining values in any way.

1.14 This general requirements specification and the applicable product specification are expressed in both inch-pound units and SI units; however, unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specification designation (SI units), the structural product is furnished to inch-pound units.

1.15 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.