M270M Gr.345S Preheat — H16, High HI, 40–60 mm: 200°F
Fracture-critical preheat requirement for M270M Gr.345S / M270 Gr.50S at 40–60 mm (1½–2½ in) thickness with H16 hydrogen designation, per AASHTO/AWS D1.5:2025, the Bridge Welding Code.
M270M Gr.345S / M270 Gr.50S
AASHTO M270M Gr.345S (M270 Gr.50S) is the structural shape variant of Gr.345, intended for rolled W-shapes and channels used in bridge framing. The "S" suffix indicates the shape-specific chemistry and mechanical property requirements. Used in cross-frame angles, diaphragm members, and built-up sections where rolled shapes are specified rather than plate. Preheat requirements match Gr.345 — Table 6.3 Group 1 for NFC, Tables 12.4/12.5 for FC applications.
Understanding the FC Preheat for M270M Gr.345S / M270 Gr.50S
Shape-grade 345 MPa (50 ksi) steel for rolled bridge members. Under D1.5 fracture-critical requirements (Clause 12), the combination of H16 hydrogen designation and this heat input band requires 200°F minimum preheat at 40–60 mm (1½–2½ in). Lower hydrogen levels (H4 < H8 < H16) allow lower preheat because less hydrogen enters the weld deposit. Similarly, higher heat input reduces preheat requirements because slower cooling rates give hydrogen more time to diffuse out.
Where M270M Gr.345S / M270 Gr.50S Is Used
Used as rolled W-shapes and channels in bridge cross-frames, diaphragm members, and built-up sections. The "S" shape designation indicates procurement under AASHTO M270 with shape-specific chemistry and mandatory CVN testing. Common applications include WT sections for cross-frame members, MC channels for diaphragms, and W-shapes for floor beams on shorter spans. Weld details are primarily fillet welds at gusset connections and clip angles.
H16 Hydrogen Control for M270M Gr.345S / M270 Gr.50S
Gr.345S (50S) at H16 applies primarily to field-erected cross-frame connections using self-shielded FCAW. The higher preheat requirement at H16 can be challenging to maintain on thin shape flanges that lose heat rapidly to the surrounding air — electric resistance heating pads help maintain uniform temperature.
Why Preheat Matters at 40–60 mm (1½–2½ in)
Material from 40 to 65 mm (1-1/2 to 2-1/2 in) covers heavy girder flanges, thick splice plates, and main member plate. This is the critical thickness range for bridge fabrication — preheat reaches 65°C (150°F) for Group 1 and 80°C (175°F) for Group 2. FC preheat at this thickness can exceed 200°C (400°F) depending on hydrogen level and heat input.
M270M Gr.345S / M270 Gr.50S at 40–60 mm (1½–2½ in)
Gr.345S (50S) shapes at 40–65 mm flange thickness are heavy built-up members — typically W14×426 or similar jumbo sections used as pier cap beams or transfer girders. The thick flanges of these shapes require full preheat per the heavy-section tier. Welding on thick rolled sections is complicated by residual stresses from rolling — preheat helps mitigate the cumulative effect of rolling residual stress plus welding shrinkage stress.
Higher Preheat at H16 Designation
H16 consumables allow up to 16 mL of diffusible hydrogen per 100g — the highest level permitted for FC bridge welding. At 40–60 mm (1½–2½ in) with > 2.8 kJ/mm heat input, the 200°F (90°C) preheat compensates for the higher hydrogen potential. Switching to H8 or H4 consumables would reduce the required preheat for this joint.
Other Bridge Steels at H16 > 2.8 kJ/mm · 40–60 mm (1½–2½ in)
| Steel | Table | Preheat |
|---|---|---|
| M270M Gr.250 / M270 Gr.36 | A | 200°F (90°C) |
| M270M Gr.345W / M270 Gr.50W | B | 300°F (150°C) |
| M270M HPS345W / M270 HPS50W | B | 300°F (150°C) |
| M270M HPS485W / M270 HPS70W | B | 300°F (150°C) |
M270M Gr.345S / M270 Gr.50S at H16 > 2.8 kJ/mm
Try Different Combinations
Use the D1.5 Bridge Preheat Calculator to look up any AASHTO M270 steel, hydrogen level, and heat input combination. Also see the D1.1 Preheat Calculator for structural steel.
Related Guides
For fracture-critical M270M Gr.345S / M270 Gr.50S welded with H16-designated consumables at 40–60 mm (1½–2½ in) thickness and > 2.8 kJ/mm heat input, the minimum preheat is 200°F (90°C) per D1.5 Table 12.4/12.5.
Non-fracture-critical (Table 6.3) preheat is a simple thickness-based lookup. Fracture-critical (Tables 12.4–12.8) adds hydrogen level and heat input as variables, typically requiring higher preheat. For FC members, the hydrogen designator on the consumable classification directly determines the minimum preheat.
Higher heat input means slower cooling rates, giving hydrogen more time to diffuse out of the weld zone. At > 2.8 kJ/mm, the 200°F preheat balances the hydrogen level and cooling rate. Moving to a higher heat input band would typically reduce the required preheat for the same hydrogen level and thickness.
For non-fracture-critical: 65°C (150°F) for Group 1 grades, 80°C (175°F) for Group 2. For fracture-critical: consult Tables 12.4–12.8 based on the specific steel grade, hydrogen designator, and heat input. FC preheat at this thickness is typically 90–200°C (200–400°F) depending on those variables.
D1.5:2025 reference data. Not affiliated with AWS or AASHTO.