M270M HPS485W Preheat — H8, Low HI, 40–60 mm: 325°F

M270M HPS485W / M270 HPS70W

AASHTO M270M HPS485W (M270 HPS70W) is a high-performance weathering steel with 485 MPa (70 ksi) yield, used in long-span bridge girder flanges and heavily loaded members where weight reduction is critical. Produced as quenched-and-tempered plate up to 100 mm (4 in) thick. The high strength level places it in NFC Group 2 (Table 6.3) with higher minimum preheat than Group 1. FC preheat follows Tables 12.6/12.7 alongside the 345W grades but at higher temperatures reflecting the increased hardenability. Maximum interpass per Table 6.4 is 230°C (450°F) to protect the Q&T microstructure.

Understanding the FC Preheat for M270M HPS485W / M270 HPS70W

High-performance 485 MPa (70 ksi) weathering bridge steel. Under D1.5 fracture-critical requirements (Clause 12), the combination of H8 hydrogen designation and this heat input band requires 325°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 HPS485W / M270 HPS70W Is Used

Used in long-span bridge main girder flanges, cable-stayed bridge edge girders, and heavily loaded interchange ramp girders where weight reduction is critical. Enables 20–30% weight savings versus Gr.345 designs, allowing shallower girder sections that reduce embankment costs. Flange thickness often exceeds 50 mm (2 in), making preheat and interpass control critical at every CJP splice. Fabricators must use dual-readout temperature monitoring to ensure joints stay within the qualified range between minimum preheat and maximum interpass.

H8 Hydrogen Control for M270M HPS485W / M270 HPS70W

HPS485W (HPS70W) at H8 represents a moderate preheat specification used when H4 consumables are not available in the required wire diameter or flux combination. For SAW on long girder flange welds, H8 wire-flux combinations are more readily available than H4 alternatives.

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 HPS485W / M270 HPS70W at 40–60 mm (1½–2½ in)

HPS485W (HPS70W) at 40–65 mm represents the critical design case for long-span cable-stayed and continuous girder bridges. Flange plates this thick with 70 ksi yield can support spans exceeding 300 feet (90 m) with conventional plate girder construction. FC preheat at this thickness tier is substantially higher than Group 1 grades, and dual-readout temperature monitoring is mandatory to ensure compliance with both preheat minimum and interpass maximum.

Other Bridge Steels at H8 1.2–2.0 kJ/mm · 40–60 mm (1½–2½ in)

M270M HPS485W / M270 HPS70W at H8 1.2–2.0 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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