M270M Gr.345S Preheat — H8, High HI, 20–40 mm: 125°F

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 H8 hydrogen designation and this heat input band requires 125°F minimum preheat at 20–40 mm (3/4–1½ 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.

H8 Hydrogen Control for M270M Gr.345S / M270 Gr.50S

For Gr.345S (50S) rolled shapes, H8 is adequate for most connection details where the weld length is short and access allows proper preheat application. Cross-frame gusset connections rarely justify the cost premium of H4 consumables when H8 meets the FC preheat budget.

Why Preheat Matters at 20–40 mm (3/4–1½ in)

Material from 20 to 40 mm (3/4 to 1-1/2 in) includes many girder web plates, splice plates, and bearing stiffener plates. Preheat increases to 20°C (70°F) for Group 1 and 50°C (125°F) for Group 2 under Table 6.3. The thicker section slows hydrogen diffusion, requiring higher preheat to maintain safe cooling rates.

M270M Gr.345S / M270 Gr.50S at 20–40 mm (3/4–1½ in)

At 20–40 mm flange thickness, Gr.345S (50S) W-shapes serve as floor beams on shorter spans and as bracing members in steel box girders. Connection details include moment connections to girder webs requiring CJP flange welds with backing bars. Preheat is applied to the thicker element at the connection — when a 25 mm shape connects to a 50 mm plate, preheat must meet the requirement for the 50 mm thickness tier.

Other Bridge Steels at H8 > 2.8 kJ/mm · 20–40 mm (3/4–1½ in)

M270M Gr.345S / M270 Gr.50S at H8 > 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.

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