ASTM A252 Grade 3 Pipes – Welded & Seamless Steel Pipe Piles
ASC LLP, Mumbai, supplies ASTM A252 Grade 3 pipe – welded and seamless steel pipe piles with a minimum yield of 310 MPa (45 ksi), plus “Grade 3 modified” (50 ksi) to project specification. Piles are supplied in spiral-welded, straight-seam and seamless construction, in large diameters, with plain or bevelled ends and EN 10204 3.1 certificates. See our carbon steel range.
What is ASTM A252 Grade 3?
ASTM A252 is the specification for welded and seamless steel pipe piles of cylindrical shape. The pipe either acts as a permanent load-carrying member or forms a shell for cast-in-place concrete piles. A252 has three strength grades, and Grade 3 is the strongest: 310 MPa (45 ksi) minimum yield and 455 MPa (66 ksi) minimum tensile strength.
A252 is a structural specification. It is not for carrying water, oil or gas, it has no hydrostatic test, and it is not an ASME pressure-piping grade. For fluid service see ASTM A139, A53 or API 5L.
A252 Grade 3 – Quick Facts
- Specification: ASTM A252 / A252M, Grade 3
- Strength: 310 MPa (45 ksi) yield, 455 MPa (66 ksi) tensile, minimum
- Chemistry: phosphorus 0.050% max. (other limits by agreement)
- Types: spiral-welded (SSAW), straight-seam (LSAW), ERW, seamless
- Ends: plain or bevelled for field welding
- Certificate: EN 10204 3.1; third-party inspection on request
A252 Grade 3 Modified (50 ksi)
“Grade 3 modified” is not a separate ASTM grade. It is A252 Grade 3 pipe ordered with extra requirements, most often a higher minimum yield of 50 ksi (345 MPa). Limits on carbon, manganese and carbon equivalent (for example C 0.23% max., Mn 1.35% max., CE 0.45% max.) are often added for field weldability under AWS D1.1. Higher-yield piles (60 ksi and above) can also be produced to project specification. State the modified requirements clearly on the order.
Types of A252 Grade 3 Pipe Piles
- Spiral-welded (SSAW / HSAW): the most economical option for large diameters and long lengths; widely used for bearing piles and casings. See SAW pipes.
- Straight-seam (LSAW / DSAW): made from plate; used for heavy walls and large-diameter marine piles.
- ERW: for smaller diameters, typically up to about 24″.
- Seamless: for small diameters or heavy walls on request.
Lower-strength grades: A252 Grade 1 and A252 Grade 2.
ASTM A252 Grade 3 Pipe Size & Weight Chart
| OD (in) | OD (mm) | 6.35 mm wall (kg/m) | 9.53 mm wall (kg/m) | 12.70 mm wall (kg/m) | 15.88 mm wall (kg/m) |
| 8.625″ | 219.1 | 33.3 | 49.3 | 64.6 | 79.6 |
| 10.75″ | 273.1 | 41.8 | 61.9 | 81.6 | 100.7 |
| 12.75″ | 323.9 | 49.7 | 73.9 | 97.5 | 120.6 |
| 14″ | 355.6 | 54.7 | 81.3 | 107.4 | 133.0 |
| 16″ | 406.4 | 62.6 | 93.3 | 123.3 | 152.9 |
| 18″ | 457.2 | 70.6 | 105.2 | 139.2 | 172.8 |
| 20″ | 508.0 | 78.6 | 117.1 | 155.1 | 192.7 |
| 24″ | 609.6 | 94.5 | 141.0 | 186.9 | 232.5 |
| 30″ | 762.0 | 118.3 | 176.8 | 234.7 | 292.2 |
| 36″ | 914.4 | 142.2 | 212.7 | 282.4 | 351.9 |
| 42″ | 1066.8 | 166.1 | 248.5 | 330.1 | 411.5 |
| 48″ | 1219.2 | 189.9 | 284.3 | 377.9 | 471.2 |
Piles are ordered by OD × wall (not by schedule). Weights are plain-end values: kg/m = 0.02466 × (D − t) × t. Other ODs (up to about 120″ spiral) and walls up to about 25 mm or more on request. Lengths: single or double random, or cut lengths to project.
ASTM A252 Grade 3 Specifications & Tolerances
| Item | Requirement / Details |
| Specification | ASTM A252 / A252M, Grade 3 (Grade 3 modified on request) |
| Process | Seamless, ERW, LSAW or spiral-welded (SSAW) |
| Weight tolerance | Each length: +15% / −5% of theoretical weight |
| OD tolerance | ±1% of specified OD |
| Wall tolerance | Not more than 12.5% under nominal at any point |
| Ends | Plain end, or bevelled (30° – 35°) for welding |
| Testing | Tension test (base metal), visual and dimensional inspection; NDT of welds on request |
| Coating | Bare, coal-tar epoxy, FBE or 3LPE on request |
| Certificate | EN 10204 3.1; third-party inspection on request |
No hydrostatic test is required – A252 piles are structural members.
ASTM A252 Grade 3 Mechanical Properties (vs Grades 1 & 2)
| Property | Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 |
| Tensile strength, min. | 345 MPa (50 ksi) | 415 MPa (60 ksi) | 455 MPa (66 ksi) |
| Yield strength, min. | 205 MPa (30 ksi) | 240 MPa (35 ksi) | 310 MPa (45 ksi) |
| Elongation in 50 mm, min. (wall ≥ 7.9 mm) | 30% | 25% | 20% |
Grade 3 Minimum Elongation by Wall Thickness
| Wall thickness | Grade 3 elongation in 50 mm, min. |
| 7.9 mm (5/16″) and over | 20% |
| 7.1 mm (9/32″) | 19% |
| 6.4 mm (1/4″) | 18% |
| 5.6 mm (7/32″) | 17% |
| 4.8 mm (3/16″) | 16% |
| 4.0 mm (5/32″) | 15% |
| 3.2 mm (1/8″) | 14% |
ASTM A252 Grade 3 Chemical Composition
| Element | ASTM A252 (all grades) | Typical “Grade 3 modified” additions |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.050% max. | 0.050% max. |
| Carbon (C) | Not specified | e.g. 0.23 – 0.26% max. |
| Manganese (Mn) | Not specified | e.g. 1.35% max. |
| Carbon equivalent (CE) | Not specified | e.g. 0.45% max. (AWS D1.1) |
ASTM A252 limits only phosphorus. Carbon, manganese and CE limits apply only when agreed on the order – always check the project specification.
A252 vs A139, A53, API 5L & EN Hollow Sections
| Spec | Product | Service | Grade 3 / main grade yield (MPa) |
| ASTM A252 | Steel pipe piles | Structural – foundations | 310 (Gr 3) |
| ASTM A139 | EFW pipe, NPS 4″+ | Conveying water, gas, slurry | 205 – 360 (Gr A – E) |
| ASTM A53 | Seamless / ERW pipe | Pressure & utility piping | 240 (Gr B) |
| API 5L | Line pipe | Oil & gas pipelines | 245 (Gr B) – 555 (X80) |
| EN 10219 / EN 10210 | Structural hollow sections | Structural (EU projects) | 275 / 355 (S275 / S355) |
Equivalent: A252 Grade 3 has no exact equivalent. On some projects, EN 10219 / EN 10210 S355 hollow sections or API 5L pipe are accepted as alternatives. The designer must approve any substitution.
Applications of ASTM A252 Grade 3 Pipes
| Sector | A252 Grade 3 pile applications |
| Bridges & highways | Bearing piles, pier foundations, sign and noise-wall foundations |
| Buildings | Deep foundations, cast-in-place concrete pile shells |
| Ports & marine | Dock, wharf, jetty and dolphin piles (coated) |
| Civil works | Retaining walls, cofferdams, combi-wall king piles, micropile casings |
| Energy | Solar, wind and transmission-tower foundations |
Why Buy A252 Grade 3 Pipe Piles from ASC LLP?
- Certified grade: A252 Grade 3 or Grade 3 modified with mill test certificates showing tensile results and chemistry.
- All pile types: spiral-welded, LSAW, ERW and seamless, in large diameters and project lengths.
- Coating and end prep: bevelled ends, coal-tar epoxy, FBE or 3LPE on request.
- Related products: A252 Grade 2, Grade 1, SAW pipes and carbon steel welded pipes.
Send OD, wall, grade (3 or 3 modified), length, coating and quantity to sales@amardeepsteel.com, call 022-67439130 or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions – ASTM A252 Grade 3 Pipes
What is ASTM A252 Grade 3?
ASTM A252 Grade 3 is the highest-strength grade of the ASTM A252 specification for welded and seamless steel pipe piles, with a minimum yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) and minimum tensile strength of 455 MPa (66 ksi).
What is the yield strength of A252 Grade 3?
The minimum yield strength of ASTM A252 Grade 3 is 45,000 psi (310 MPa). Grade 3 modified pipe is often ordered with a 50,000 psi (345 MPa) minimum yield.
What is A252 Grade 3 modified?
Grade 3 modified is A252 Grade 3 pipe ordered with additional requirements, usually a higher minimum yield of 50 ksi plus limits on carbon, manganese and carbon equivalent for weldability. It is not a separate ASTM grade, so requirements must be stated on the order.
What is the chemical composition of ASTM A252 Grade 3?
ASTM A252 limits only phosphorus, to 0.050% maximum. Carbon, manganese and carbon-equivalent limits are not part of the standard but are often added by the purchaser.
What is the equivalent of ASTM A252 Grade 3?
There is no exact equivalent. On some projects EN 10219 or EN 10210 S355 structural hollow sections, or API 5L pipe, are accepted as alternatives, subject to the designer’s approval.
Is ASTM A252 pipe hydrostatically tested?
No. ASTM A252 covers structural pipe piles, not pressure pipe, so a hydrostatic test is not required. Tension tests, dimensional checks and, on request, weld NDT are carried out.
Global Reach
ASC LLP supplies steel pipe piles, welded pipes and fittings to infrastructure, marine and construction projects in the USA, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with secure packing and full documentation. Buyers worldwide rely on our ASTM A252 Grade 3 pipes for certified material and traceability.
Countries We Export To
UNITED STATES, EUROPE, UK, UAE, SAUDI ARABIA, OMAN, KUWAIT, JORDAN, QATAR, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, BRAZIL, SPAIN, ITALY, FRANCE, GERMANY, BAHRAIN, SRI LANKA, AZERBAIJAN, AUSTRALIA, AUSTRIA, PHILIPPINES, TURKEY, RUSSIA, IRAN, IRAQ, CANADA, KOREA, JAPAN, YEMEN, FINLAND, ZIMBABWE, HUNGARY, PORTUGAL, VIETNAM, MOROCCO, THAILAND, SOUTH AFRICA, MEXICO, SINGAPORE, GREECE, KUWAIT, POLAND, NEW ZEALAND, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, BELGIUM, BHUTAN, BANGLADESH, TAIWAN, ROMANIA, CAMBODIA, KAZAKHSTAN, AFGHANISTAN.
