A709 HPS70W Preheat for FCAW — over 2-1/2"

FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding)

FCAW uses tubular flux-cored wire, available gas-shielded (E71T-1) or self-shielded (E71T-8) for field work. Category B in Table 5.11.

High-strength FCAW wires such as E81T1-K2 and E91T1-K2 provide tensile matching for Category C steels. The flux system in these wires is formulated for low diffusible hydrogen, often meeting H8 supplementary limits when tested per AWS A4.3. Wire storage requires climate-controlled conditions similar to SMAW electrodes to prevent moisture absorption.

A709 HPS70W

ASTM A709 HPS70W is the highest-strength weathering bridge steel with 70 ksi minimum yield and 85-110 ksi tensile range, used in long-span bridges and heavily loaded members where weight reduction is critical. Produced as quenched-and-tempered plate in thicknesses up to 4", its high strength places it in Category C of Table 5.11 with correspondingly higher preheat requirements. Table 5.11 footnote (b) sets a maximum preheat/interpass of 400°F for thickness up to 1-1/2” and 450°F for thicker material — this upper limit is unusual in D1.1 and exists because the Q&T microstructure can be degraded by excessive heat. The chemistry includes copper (0.25-0.40%), nickel (0.65-1.00%), and chromium (0.40-0.65%) for atmospheric corrosion resistance, with 0.19% max carbon keeping the CE-IIW in the 0.46-0.52 range.

Why This Preheat for A709 HPS70W with FCAW

Highest-strength 70 ksi weathering bridge steel for long-span applications. The higher strength level of this steel places it in Category C of Table 5.11, which carries elevated preheat requirements compared to Category B grades. At 300°F minimum with FCAW, the preheat ensures the cooling rate stays slow enough to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking in this higher-hardenability material. Category C steels demand careful attention to interpass temperature control throughout the weld sequence.

Typical Applications for A709 HPS70W

Reserved for long-span bridge main girder flanges, cable-stayed bridge edge girders, arch rib plates, high-load interchange ramp girders, and situations where reducing member depth saves clearance or reduces dead load. HPS70W enables weight savings of 20-30% versus conventional Gr.50 designs, allowing shallower girder sections that reduce embankment costs on grade-separation bridges. Flange thickness often exceeds 2”, making preheat and interpass control critical at every CJP splice and web-to-flange joint. Note that Table 5.11 footnote (b) sets maximum preheat and interpass limits of 400°F for thicknesses up to 1-1/2" and 450°F above. This upper limit is unusual in D1.1 and requires monitoring both minimum and maximum interpass throughout the welding sequence. Fabricators must use dual-readout temperature monitoring to ensure the joint stays within the qualified band. Filler metals must match the 70 ksi minimum tensile while providing weathering-compatible chemistry for exposed joints.

Why Preheat Matters at over 2-1/2"

The heaviest sections demand the highest preheat in Table 5.11. Multi-pass sequences require maintaining interpass temperature throughout.

Other Steels with FCAW at over 2-1/2"

A709 HPS70W with FCAW

Try Different Combinations

Use the interactive preheat calculator to look up any steel, process, and thickness combination from D1.1:2025 Table 5.11.

A709 HPS70W Welding Guides