UNS K02600 (A36) Carbon Steel: Composition, Properties, and Uses

Have you ever wondered what makes a type of steel so versatile that it’s used in construction, manufacturing, and beyond? UNS K02600, also known as A36 carbon steel, is one such material. This steel’s unique chemical composition, featuring elements like carbon, manganese, and iron, significantly impacts its mechanical properties. With notable yield and tensile strengths, it’s a go – to for many applications. In this technical deep – dive, we’ll explore its composition, properties, and uses. So, what makes A36 stand out among other structural steels? Let’s find out.

Overview of UNS K02600 / ASTM A36 Carbon Steel Standard

UNS K02600, or ASTM A36, is a well-known standard for carbon steel. This steel grade is extensively utilized in construction and manufacturing due to its balanced composition, mechanical properties, and versatility. It is classified as a low-carbon steel, which contributes to its high weldability and machinability, making it a preferred choice for structural applications.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of ASTM A36 is carefully regulated to achieve a desirable balance of strength, ductility, and weldability. The primary elements in its composition include:

• Carbon (C): Up to 0.26–0.29%
• Manganese (Mn): Approximately 0.75–1.03%
• Silicon (Si): Around 0.28–0.40%
• Phosphorus (P): Maximum 0.04%
• Sulfur (S): Maximum 0.05%
• Copper (Cu): Up to 0.20%
• Iron (Fe): Comprises the remaining balance, typically over 98%

These elements are carefully balanced to provide the required mechanical properties while keeping the material cost-effective for large-scale production.

Mechanical Properties

ASTM A36 steel is known for its excellent mechanical properties, which include:

• Yield Strength: Minimum 36,259 psi (250 MPa) for sections under 8 inches
• Ultimate Tensile Strength: Typically between 58–80 ksi (400–550 MPa)
• Elongation: Approximately 22%, indicating good ductility
• Hardness: Brinell hardness around 140, Rockwell B77 approximately 67–83
• Modulus of Elasticity: Approximately 29,000 ksi (200 GPa)

These characteristics make A36 steel ideal for various structural and engineering uses.

Key Features

A36 steel’s low carbon content improves its weldability and machinability. This characteristic reduces the risk of weld cracking and allows for efficient cutting and forming operations.

Weldability and Fabrication

A36 steel is compatible with common welding processes such as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW/MIG), and oxyacetylene welding. Its ability to be hot rolled and cold drawn into various forms, including plates, bars, and structural shapes, further supports its widespread use in construction and manufacturing.

Applications

A36 steel is commonly used in:

• Construction: Structural beams, columns, and reinforcements in buildings and bridges
• Industrial Manufacturing: Parts and components in machinery and equipment
• Automotive Industry: Manufacturing of frames, chassis, and other structural parts
• General Fabrication: Guardrails, pipes, and consumer appliances

Limitations

Despite its many advantages, A36 steel does have some limitations. It has poor corrosion resistance due to the absence of chromium and nickel, which limits its use in harsh or marine environments without additional protective measures. Additionally, its strength-to-weight ratio is lower compared to higher-carbon or alloyed steels, which can restrict its applications in scenarios requiring very high strength or lightweight materials.

Detailed Chemical Composition and Its Impact on Properties

Carbon Content

Carbon primarily controls the strength and hardness of UNS K02600 (ASTM A36) carbon steel. The low carbon content, typically between 0.25% and 0.29%, ensures good ductility and weldability. This low carbon content prevents brittleness and cracking during welding, balancing strength and formability.

Manganese

Manganese, at 0.80% – 1.03%, boosts tensile strength and toughness, and acts as a deoxidizer to remove impurities during production. This dual role enhances the overall quality and performance of the steel, making it more durable and reliable for various applications.

Silicon

Silicon, with a content of 0.28% – 0.40%, contributes to increased strength and hardness. It also improves the steel’s resistance to wear and deformation under load, while aiding in the deoxidation process during steelmaking.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus, limited to ≤ 0.04%, improves the machinability of the steel. However, if its content is too high, it can reduce the toughness of the material. Therefore, its level is strictly controlled to maintain structural reliability and impact resistance.

Sulfur

Sulfur, kept below 0.05%, improves machinability, but too much can reduce toughness and flexibility, causing brittleness. Thus, it is kept at a low level to maintain the steel’s structural integrity.

Copper

Copper, present at ≤ 0.20%, enhances the corrosion resistance of the steel, especially against rust and weathering. This makes the steel more durable in outdoor environments, although it still requires protective coatings in harsh conditions.

Iron

Iron makes up the balance of the alloy, approximately 98% – 99%. It provides the matrix and magnetic properties of the steel, forming the structural backbone of the alloy.

Minor Alloying Elements

Trace elements such as aluminum, chromium, and cobalt are present in minute quantities. While they do not significantly affect the primary mechanical properties of the steel, they can have minor impacts on specific characteristics. For example, aluminum can sometimes be used as a deoxidizer, further improving the steel’s quality during production.

Mechanical Properties and Performance Metrics

Yield Strength

Yield strength is a crucial property that indicates the stress level at which a material starts to deform plastically. For UNS K02600 (A36) carbon steel, sections under 8 inches have a minimum yield strength of 36 ksi (250 MPa), while thicker sections have a minimum of 32 ksi (220 MPa). This property is essential for structural applications as it determines the maximum load a component can bear without permanent deformation.

Tensile Strength

The ultimate tensile strength of A36 steel is between 58 and 80 ksi (400 – 550 MPa). Tensile strength represents the maximum stress a material can withstand when being pulled or stretched before breaking. This property is crucial in applications where the material is subjected to pulling forces, such as in cables, rods, and structural beams.

Elongation

Elongation at break for A36 steel typically falls between 20 – 23%, which indicates its ductility and ability to deform without fracturing. A high elongation percentage means that the steel can be stretched or formed into different shapes without breaking, making it suitable for various manufacturing processes.

Hardness

A36 steel has a hardness of around 83 Rockwell B or 140 Brinell, meaning it can resist indentation and abrasion effectively. Hardness is a measure of a material’s resistance to indentation, scratching, or abrasion. In industrial applications, a certain level of hardness is required to ensure that the material can withstand wear and tear, as well as maintain its shape under load.

Modulus of Elasticity

The modulus of elasticity for A36 steel is 29,000 ksi (200 GPa). This property measures the material’s stiffness or its ability to resist elastic deformation when a force is applied. A high modulus of elasticity means that the material will return to its original shape after the force is removed, which is important for maintaining the structural integrity of components.

Shear Strength

The shear strength of A36 steel is approximately 44 ksi. Shear strength is the ability of a material to resist forces that cause one part of the material to slide past another. This property is crucial in applications where the material is subjected to shear forces, such as in bolts, rivets, and gears.

Poisson’s Ratio

Poisson’s ratio for A36 steel is 0.26. This ratio describes the relationship between the lateral strain and the longitudinal strain when a material is under axial loading. A lower Poisson’s ratio indicates that the material will experience less lateral contraction when stretched, which is important for predicting the behavior of the material in different loading conditions.

Density

The density of A36 steel is about 0.282 lb/in³ (7.85 g/cm³), which is important for considering the weight and mass of components in engineering applications. Density is an important property in engineering applications, as it affects the weight and mass of components. In applications where weight is a critical factor, such as in aerospace and automotive industries, the density of the material needs to be carefully considered.

Shear Modulus

The shear modulus of A36 steel is 11,500 ksi (79.3 GPa). The shear modulus measures the material’s resistance to shear deformation. It is used in the analysis of structures and components that are subjected to shear forces, such as in the design of shafts and beams.

Performance Metrics

Machinability

A36 steel has a machinability rate of about 72%, making it suitable for various manufacturing processes. Machinability refers to how easily a material can be cut, drilled, or shaped using machine tools. A high machinability rate means that the material can be processed efficiently, reducing production time and costs.

Weldability

A36 steel is readily weldable by various methods such as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and oxyacetylene welding. Weldability is an important property in the construction and manufacturing industries, as it allows different components to be joined together to form larger structures.

Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity of A36 steel is approximately 348 BTU – in/hr – ft² – °F. Thermal conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct heat. This property is important in applications where heat transfer is involved, such as in heat exchangers and boilers.

Electrical Conductivity

The electrical conductivity of A36 steel is 12% IACS. Electrical conductivity measures how well a material can conduct an electric current. While A36 steel is not a highly conductive material, its electrical conductivity may still be relevant in certain electrical and electronic applications.

Common Applications and Industries Using A36 Steel

Structural Steel in Construction

A36 steel is essential in construction because it is strong, easy to weld, and cost-effective. It is widely used for making structural beams, columns, and reinforcement bars in buildings and bridges, as its weldability and versatility are perfect for modern construction frameworks. Additionally, A36 steel is often used in the production of plates, angles, and channels, contributing to the structural integrity and durability of buildings and bridges.

Industrial Manufacturing

In industrial manufacturing, A36 steel is prized for its machinability and moderate strength, making it suitable for producing machine components, industrial equipment, and heavy machinery parts. Its low carbon content makes machining and welding easy, allowing precise fabrication of custom metal parts. This versatility is particularly beneficial in the manufacturing of machinery that requires both strength and ease of assembly, such as conveyor systems, cranes, and other heavy-duty equipment.

Welding and Machinability

The excellent weldability and machinability of A36 steel make it a preferred choice for applications requiring custom fabrication and assembly. Its compatibility with various welding methods, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and oxyacetylene welding, allows for seamless integration into diverse manufacturing processes. This adaptability is crucial in industries where reliable and efficient welding is essential for constructing robust structures and machinery.

Automotive and Transportation Industries

The automotive and transportation industries highly value A36 steel for its strength, flexibility, and affordability. It is employed in the fabrication of vehicle frames, chassis components, and supports, providing the necessary structural integrity while maintaining affordability. In the transportation sector, A36 steel is used in shipbuilding for constructing hulls, decks, and other structural reinforcements, ensuring the durability and safety of vessels.

Energy Sector and Oil & Gas

The energy sector, including oil and gas operations, utilizes A36 steel for various support structures, such as wind turbine bases and oil rig components. The steel’s strength and weldability make it suitable for fabricating tanks, pipelines, and enclosures, which are critical for the safe and efficient operation of energy facilities. Although A36 steel moderately resists corrosion, protective coatings are added to ensure long-term durability in harsh environments.

General Fabrication and Mechanical Engineering

A36 steel’s versatility extends to general fabrication and mechanical engineering applications. It is used in the production of guardrails, outdoor equipment, welded structures, agricultural machinery, and mechanical components. The steel’s ability to be hot-rolled, punched, drilled, and machined efficiently supports a wide range of industrial projects requiring moderate strength and excellent formability. This adaptability makes A36 steel a go-to material for engineers and fabricators working on diverse projects, from small-scale constructions to large industrial assemblies.

Comparison with Other Structural Steels

Comparative Analysis with Other Carbon Steels

When comparing ASTM A36 with higher carbon steels, such as AISI 1045, several key differences emerge. Higher carbon steels generally have a carbon content around 0.45%, leading to increased strength and hardness. For example, the yield strength of AISI 1045 can reach approximately 60,000 psi or more, significantly higher than the 36,000 psi of ASTM A36. Similarly, the ultimate tensile strength of AISI 1045 ranges from 75,000 to 95,000 psi, surpassing the 58,000 to 80,000 psi of ASTM A36. However, this increase in strength comes at the cost of ductility. ASTM A36 has a high elongation at break of 20 to 23%, indicating good ductility and the ability to deform without fracturing. In contrast, higher carbon steels like AISI 1045 have lower ductility. Weldability is another notable difference. ASTM A36’s low carbon content results in excellent weldability, while higher carbon steels often have moderate to poor weldability, complicating fabrication processes.

Comparison with Alloy Structural Steels

Alloy structural steels, such as ASTM A514, are designed to provide superior strength and toughness. These steels typically have a low to medium carbon content along with the addition of alloy elements. The yield strength of ASTM A514 can be as high as 100,000 psi or more, and the ultimate tensile strength can reach up to 125,000 psi. This makes them suitable for high-strength structural components, military applications, and heavy equipment. Compared to ASTM A36, alloy structural steels offer much higher strength-to-weight ratios. However, the addition of alloy elements increases the cost of production and makes the fabrication process more challenging. Specialized techniques and equipment are often required, reducing their ease of fabrication.

Comparison with Stainless Structural Steels

Stainless structural steels, like grade 304, are characterized by their low carbon content combined with high chromium and nickel content. This composition gives them excellent corrosion resistance, a major advantage over ASTM A36. ASTM A36 has poor corrosion resistance and requires protective coatings in harsh environments, while stainless steels can withstand corrosion without additional treatment in many cases. In terms of mechanical properties, stainless steels have a moderate to high yield strength, typically in the range of 30,000 to 75,000 psi, and a moderate ultimate tensile strength of around 75,000 psi. They also have high ductility, similar to ASTM A36. However, the cost of stainless steels is significantly higher. While stainless steels are weldable, they require more care during the welding process to avoid issues such as sensitization and corrosion at the weld site.

Best Practices for Welding and Machining A36 Steel

Welding A36 Steel

Welding Methods

A36 steel can be welded using various methods, each offering specific benefits depending on the application:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Commonly known as stick welding, SMAW is widely used for A36 steel. Electrodes such as E6010 or E7018 are typically employed. E6010 penetrates deeply, and E7018 creates smooth, low – spatter welds.
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): Also known as MIG welding, GMAW uses a continuous wire feed and an argon – CO2 shielding gas mixture. This method is efficient for welding thin sections and allows for high – speed production.
• Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): FCAW is suitable for thicker sections of A36 steel. It provides deep penetration and is efficient for outdoor welding, as the flux core protects the weld from atmospheric contamination.
• Oxyacetylene Welding: Often used for thinner sections, this method requires careful control of the flame to avoid overheating and warping the material.

Pre – and Post – Welding Considerations

• While preheating is not typically necessary for A36 steel, it may be beneficial for thicker sections or in colder environments to prevent cracking.
• Post – weld heat treatment is generally not required for A36 steel. However, stress – relieving treatments can be beneficial in certain applications to enhance the mechanical properties and reduce residual stresses.

Machining A36 Steel

Machining Techniques

A36 steel is relatively easy to machine, making it suitable for a variety of standard machining operations:

• Drilling: Use sharp, high – speed steel (HSS) or carbide drills to achieve clean holes with minimal burring.
• Tapping: Standard tapping techniques can be employed, but using a lubricant is recommended to minimize friction and tool wear.
• Turning: For turning A36 steel, use carbide inserts to ensure a smooth finish. Adjust the feed rate and cutting speed to avoid excessive tool wear.
• Milling: Both conventional and climb milling techniques can be used. Select appropriate cutting speeds and feeds to optimize tool life and surface finish.
• Grinding: For finishing operations, use appropriate grinding wheels to achieve the desired surface finish and dimensional accuracy.

Optimal Machining Parameters

• Maintain cutting speeds between 100–350 feet per minute (FPM), adjusting for the specific operation and tool material. Higher speeds are ideal for finishing to achieve a smoother surface.
• Use a feed rate of 0.003–0.004 inches per tooth to balance material removal rate and tool life.
• For roughing operations, use a depth of cut between 0.050–0.100 inches. For finishing operations, reduce the depth of cut to achieve the desired surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
• Maintain a chip load of 0.002–0.005 inches per tooth to ensure efficient cutting and minimal tool wear.

Tool Selection

• High – Speed Steel (HSS) or Carbide Tools: HSS tools are suitable for general machining operations, while carbide tools offer superior performance and durability, especially for high – speed machining.
• Cutting Fluids: Use cutting fluids to reduce heat generation, minimize tool wear, and achieve cleaner cuts. Water – soluble coolants are commonly used for A36 steel.

A36 steel’s machinability and weldability make it an excellent choice for various structural and manufacturing applications. By following these best practices, you can ensure high – quality welds and precise machining results, optimizing the performance and longevity of your components.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

Mechanical Properties and Versatility

A36 steel is renowned for its well – balanced mechanical properties. It offers a good combination of strength, ductility, and affordability. For sections under 8 inches, it has a minimum yield strength of 36 ksi (250 MPa), and for thicker sections, 32 ksi (220 MPa). The ultimate tensile strength ranges from 58 to 80 ksi (400 – 550 MPa). This makes it suitable for a wide range of structural and industrial applications, where it can withstand significant loads while still being able to deform plastically without fracturing.

Machinability and Weldability

The low carbon content of A36 steel is a key factor in its excellent machinability and weldability. Machining operations such as cutting, drilling, and shaping are relatively easy, reducing production time and costs, and it can be welded using common processes like shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and oxyacetylene welding, making it highly adaptable for construction and manufacturing.

Cost – Effectiveness and Availability

A36 steel is widely available in the market, which helps keep its cost down. Its affordability makes it popular in construction, automotive, and agriculture industries. Its widespread availability also ensures a stable supply for large – scale projects.

Formability and Magnetic Properties

Its good formability allows it to be easily shaped into plates, bars, and structural shapes. Additionally, due to its ferrous nature, A36 steel is slightly magnetic. This property allows it to conduct magnetic fields, which can be useful in applications where magnetic interaction is required, and it can also block electromagnetic waves.

Limitations

Corrosion Resistance

One of the major limitations of A36 steel is its lack of substantial corrosion resistance. Since it does not contain chromium and nickel in its composition, it is prone to rusting and corrosion when exposed to harsh environments. For applications where the steel will be in contact with moisture, chemicals, or in marine settings, additional surface treatments like galvanization or painting are necessary.

Strength – to – Weight Ratio

A36 steel has a lower strength – to – weight ratio compared to higher – carbon steels. This restricts its use in high – strength applications where a lighter material with high strength is required, such as in some aerospace and high – performance automotive components.

Heat Treatment Effectiveness

The low carbon content of A36 steel limits the effectiveness of heat treatment processes. Heat treatment is often used to enhance the mechanical properties of steel, but in the case of A36 steel, the improvements are not as significant as in higher – carbon steels. This can be a drawback in applications where enhanced mechanical properties through heat treatment are essential.

Variability in Carbon Content

There can be challenges in accurately determining the exact carbon content across different batches of A36 steel. This variability in carbon content can lead to inconsistent performance, which may be a concern in applications where precise and consistent mechanical properties are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is the chemical composition of UNS K02600 (A36) carbon steel?

UNS K02600, commonly known as ASTM A36 carbon steel, is a widely utilized low carbon steel. Its chemical composition primarily consists of iron, with controlled amounts of carbon and other alloying elements that influence its mechanical properties and workability. The key elements and their typical content ranges are as follows:

• Carbon (C): 0.25% – 0.29%. This low carbon content ensures good ductility, weldability, and machinability while providing sufficient strength and hardness.
• Manganese (Mn): Approximately 1.03%. Manganese enhances tensile strength and hardness and improves hardenability and wear resistance.
• Silicon (Si): Around 0.28%. Silicon acts as a deoxidizer and contributes to strength and elasticity.
• Copper (Cu): Approximately 0.20%. Copper improves corrosion resistance and adds strength.
• Phosphorus (P): Up to 0.04%. Present as an impurity; higher levels can cause brittleness, so it is kept low.
• Sulfur (S): Up to 0.05%. Also an impurity; affects machinability but is kept low to avoid brittleness.
• Iron (Fe): Balance (~98%). Iron is the primary element providing the matrix for other alloying elements.

This balanced composition makes A36 steel suitable for a wide range of structural and industrial applications, offering a good combination of strength, ductility, and ease of fabrication.

What are the mechanical properties of A36 steel?

The mechanical properties of A36 steel, also known as UNS K02600, are characterized by a combination of strength, ductility, and weldability. The minimum yield strength for A36 steel is 36 ksi (250 MPa) for plates, bars, and shapes less than 8 inches thick, with a slight reduction to about 32 ksi (220 MPa) for thicker sections. Its ultimate tensile strength ranges from 58 ksi to 80 ksi (400 to 550 MPa), depending on the form and thickness.

A36 steel exhibits good ductility, with elongation values of approximately 20% in a 200 mm gauge length and about 23% in a 50 mm gauge length. This allows the material to undergo significant deformation before fracturing, making it suitable for forming and bending processes.

The modulus of elasticity is around 200 GPa (29,000 ksi), indicating its stiffness under elastic deformation. The shear modulus is approximately 79.3 GPa (11,500 ksi), and the Poisson’s ratio is about 0.26. A36 steel’s hardness is around 83 HRB (Brinell hardness of roughly 120-170 BHN), which is considered mild and suitable for machining and forming.

What are the common uses and applications of UNS K02600 carbon steel?

UNS K02600, commonly known as ASTM A36, is a versatile low-carbon steel widely used in various industries due to its strength, ductility, and affordability. In construction and infrastructure, A36 steel is employed for building structures, bridges, and other large-scale projects because of its ease of fabrication and structural integrity. In the automotive and aerospace industries, it is utilized for manufacturing components that require both formability and strength. A36 steel is also commonly used for general structural purposes, such as fabricating angles, bars, sheets, and plates. Additionally, its versatility makes it suitable for manufacturing consumer goods and appliances. Furthermore, its strength and durability are advantageous for safety features like guardrails.

How does the low carbon content affect the weldability and machinability of A36 steel?

The low carbon content in A36 steel, typically ranging from 0.25% to 0.29%, significantly enhances both its weldability and machinability, making it a versatile material for various applications.

In terms of weldability, the low carbon content reduces the risk of weld cracking and hydrogen-induced cold cracking, which are common issues in higher carbon steels. This allows A36 steel to be welded successfully using standard methods such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). Additionally, A36 generally does not require preheating before welding, simplifying the process and reducing preparation time. However, controlling heat input and cooling rates is still essential to maintain the mechanical properties and avoid excessive heat-affected zone brittleness.

Regarding machinability, A36 steel’s low carbon content contributes to its relatively soft microstructure, making it easier to cut, drill, and machine compared to higher carbon steels. It has a machinability rating of approximately 72%, which is considered good for low carbon steels. Using sharp, well-maintained tooling and appropriate cutting parameters can optimize the machining process and reduce tool wear.

What are the limitations of UNS K02600 steel in terms of corrosion resistance and high-performance applications?

UNS K02600, also known as ASTM A36 carbon steel, has certain limitations in terms of corrosion resistance and high-performance applications. Due to its low chromium content, A36 lacks inherent corrosion resistance, making it unsuitable for environments with harsh conditions unless additional surface treatments like galvanization or painting are applied. These treatments can increase both production time and costs.

In high-performance applications, A36’s relatively low strength-to-weight ratio and limited heat resistance and fatigue performance restrict its use. It is not ideal for industries such as aerospace or advanced automotive engineering, where materials require exceptional strength and durability. Additionally, the low carbon content of A36 reduces its effectiveness in heat treatment processes, limiting its potential to achieve enhanced mechanical properties through such methods.

Despite these limitations, A36 remains popular in general structural and industrial applications due to its balance of strength, ductility, and affordability. For projects requiring higher corrosion resistance or advanced mechanical properties, alternative steel grades should be considered.

How does A36 steel compare to other structural steels in terms of performance and cost?

A36 steel, known as UNS K02600, is a widely used structural steel that stands out for its versatility, affordability, and ease of fabrication. When comparing A36 steel to other structural steels, such as A572 and 1018, several key points emerge:

1. Strength and Durability: A36 has a minimum yield strength of 36,000 psi and an ultimate tensile strength ranging from 58,000 to 80,000 psi. While adequate for many applications, it is outperformed by A572 steel, a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel, which offers greater strength and wear resistance, making it suitable for high-stress structural applications like bridges and transmission towers.
2. Cost and Availability: A36 is generally more cost-effective and widely available than higher-strength steels like A572. This affordability makes it a preferred choice for projects where high strength is not critical. The hot-rolling process used in A36 production is less expensive than the processes for higher-strength steels, further reducing costs.
3. Machinability and Precision: Compared to A36, 1018 steel, which is stronger and offers superior machinability due to its cold-drawn process, is ideal for precision parts. However, 1018 is more expensive and used primarily for high-volume machine parts, whereas A36 is more economical and suitable for broader structural and industrial applications.

In summary, A36 steel provides a balance of strength, ductility, and cost-effectiveness, making it a versatile option for various structural applications. Its widespread availability and ease of fabrication contribute to its popularity, particularly in the construction and industrial sectors, where high strength is not the primary requirement.