1. Womic Steel: Manufacturing Capabilities & Company Strength
Womic Steel Group operates multiple LSAW production lines for piling applications. ASTM A252 Grade 2 is the workhorse grade for foundation piling, offering a balance of strength and ductility for driven piles. The LSAW process is ideal for large diameter piling beyond ERW capacity.
● JCOE Line: For diameters 406mm – 1,422mm (16″–56″), wall thickness up to 50.8mm.
● UOE Line: For diameters 508mm – 1,220mm (20″–48″), wall thickness up to 40mm.
● Rolled Plate (Single Seam): For diameters 600mm – 3,000mm (24″–120″), wall thickness from 25mm up to 80mm.
● Rolled Plate (Double Seam): For diameters 1,200mm – 3,000mm (48″–120″), wall thickness up to 80mm.
Total LSAW capacity exceeds 300,000 tons annually, with A252 Grade 2 production exceeding 100,000 tons per year. Womic Steel holds ISO 9001, and can supply third-party inspection by SGS, BV, TÜV. Over 800 km of A252 piling pipes supplied globally.
Production Flexibility for Grade 2:
● JCOE: 406–1,422mm OD × 6.0–50.8mm WT × ≤ 18m
● UOE: 508–1,220mm OD × 6.0–40.0mm WT × ≤ 24m
● Rolled plate (single seam): 600–3,000mm OD × 25–80mm WT × ≤ 18m (longer by welding)
● Rolled plate (double seam): 1,200–3,000mm OD × 25–80mm WT × ≤ 18m
Long piles up to 60m available by welding multiple sections end-to-end with 100% UT inspected circumferential welds.
2. ASTM A252 Grade 2: Material Composition & Performance Characteristics
ASTM A252 Grade 2 is a medium-strength carbon steel grade for welded and seamless pipe piles. Minimum yield strength 240 MPa (35,000 psi) and tensile strength 415 MPa (60,200 psi). It offers good ductility for field driving (hammering) and excellent weldability.
Chemical Composition (max % by mass – typical, ASTM A252 does not mandate fixed limits):
| Element | Typical Range (Womic Steel) |
| C | 0.20 – 0.26 |
| Mn | 0.80 – 1.20 |
| P | ≤ 0.030 |
| S | ≤ 0.030 |
| Si | 0.15 – 0.35 |
| CEV | ≤ 0.44 (typical ≤ 0.42) |
Mechanical Properties (Room Temperature):
| Property | ASTM A252 Grade 2 |
| Yield Strength (min) | 240 MPa (35,000 psi) |
| Tensile Strength (min) | 415 MPa (60,200 psi) |
| Elongation (min) – 50mm gauge | 20% |
| Elongation (min) – 200mm gauge | 12% |
Comparison with Grade 1 and Grade 3:
| Grade | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Typical Application |
| Grade 1 | 205 | 310 | Light duty, temporary piling |
| Grade 2 | 240 | 415 | General foundation piling (most common) |
| Grade 3 | 345 | 455 | Heavy duty, deep foundation |
Grade 2 is the industry standard for most civil engineering piling applications due to its cost effectiveness and adequate strength.
3. Dimensional Range & Standards Compliance
| Item | Specification |
| Standard | ASTM A252 Grade 2 (also Grade 1, Grade 3) |
| Manufacturing Processes | JCOE, UOE, rolled plate (single/double seam) |
| Outside Diameter Range | 219mm – 3,000mm (8″ – 120″) |
| Wall Thickness Range | JCOE/UOE: 6.0mm – 50.8mm; Rolled plate: 25mm – 80mm |
| Length Range | Standard: 6m, 12m, 18m; Extended: up to 60m (section welding) |
| End Finish | Plain End (PE) – square cut, Beveled End (BE) for welding |
| Surface Finish | Bare (oiled), Black, Coal Tar Epoxy, Bitumen, Zinc (galvanized) |
| Tolerances (ASTM A252) | OD: ±0.75% or ±3.2mm; WT: -0% / +15%; Length: +100mm / -0mm |
| Straightness | ≤ 0.2% of length (1/4″ per 10ft typical) |
4. Available Dimensions & Specifications – ASTM A252 Grade 2 LSAW Steel Pipe (Selected Typical Sizes)
| OD (mm) | WT Options (mm) | Process | Approx Weight (kg/m) | Standard Length | Typical Application |
| 219 | 6.4, 8.0, 10.0, 12.5 | JCOE | 33.6 – 63.6 | 12m | Building pile |
| 273 | 6.4, 8.0, 10.0, 12.5, 14.0 | JCOE | 42.1 – 89.4 | 12m / 18m | Bridge pier |
| 324 | 8.0, 10.0, 12.5, 14.0, 16.0 | JCOE | 62.4 – 121.5 | 12m / 18m | Wharf piling |
| 406 | 8.0, 10.0, 12.5, 14.0, 16.0, 20.0 | JCOE/UOE | 78.5 – 190.4 | 12m / 18m | Port foundation |
| 508 | 10.0, 12.5, 14.0, 16.0, 20.0, 25.0 | UOE | 122.8 – 297.8 | 12m / 18m / 24m | Marine piling |
| 610 | 12.5, 14.0, 16.0, 20.0, 25.0, 30.0 | UOE | 184.2 – 429.1 | 12m / 18m | Deep foundation |
| 711 | 14.0, 16.0, 20.0, 25.0, 30.0, 35.0 | JCOE/UOE | 240.7 – 583.5 | 12m / 18m | Offshore platform |
| 813 | 16.0, 20.0, 25.0, 30.0, 35.0, 40.0 | JCOE | 314.4 – 762.7 | 12m / 18m | Large bridge |
| 914 | 20.0, 25.0, 30.0, 35.0, 40.0, 50.0 | JCOE/Rolled | 441.0 – 1,065.1 | 12m / 18m | Port expansion |
| 1,016 | 20.0, 25.0, 30.0, 35.0, 40.0, 50.0 | Rolled | 491.3 – 1,191.7 | 12m | Marine terminal |
| 1,220 | 25.0, 30.0, 35.0, 40.0, 50.0, 60.0 | Rolled | 736.5 – 1,716.9 | 12m | Deepwater piling |
| 1,422 | 30.0, 35.0, 40.0, 50.0, 60.0, 70.0 | Rolled (single) | 1,030 – 2,335 | 12m | Mega bridge |
| 1,600 | 35.0, 40.0, 50.0, 60.0, 70.0, 80.0 | Rolled (double) | 1,350 – 3,000 | 12m | Offshore wind |
| 2,000 | 40.0, 50.0, 60.0, 70.0, 80.0 | Rolled (double) | 1,933 – 3,784 | 12m | Large marine |
| 2,500 | 50.0, 60.0, 70.0, 80.0 | Rolled (double) | 3,023 – 4,766 | 12m | Special project |
| 3,000 | 60.0, 70.0, 80.0 | Rolled (double) | 4,351 – 5,765 | 12m | Mega structure |
For piling applications, dimensional tolerances are less strict than API 5L, allowing economical production. Long piles up to 60m available by welding sections.
5. Common Standards & Grades – Piling Pipe
| Standard | Steel Grades | Typical Application |
| ASTM A252 | Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3 | Foundation piling, marine |
| EN 10248 | S235GP, S275GP, S355GP | Hot rolled sheet piling (pipe) |
| EN 10219 | S235JRH, S275JRH, S355JRH | Cold formed structural hollow sections |
| API 5L | GR.B, X42 | Piling for oil/gas platforms |
| BS 7191 | S275, S355 | Offshore piling |
Usage summary: Bridge foundations, port piling, building deep foundations, cofferdams, marine fender piles, offshore wind monopiles, highway piling.
6. Manufacturing Processes – LSAW for ASTM A252 Grade 2 Piling Pipe
For piling applications, weld quality and ductility are critical for withstanding hammer driving.
JCOE Process (406–1,422mm OD, 6.0–50.8mm WT):
● Standard J-C-O forming
● Inner and outer SAW welding
● Mechanical expansion (optional)
● Suitable for most foundation piles
UOE Process (508–1,220mm OD, 6.0–40mm WT):
● U-press + O-press with expansion
● Produces very round piles – good for tight driving tolerances
Rolled Plate (Single Seam) for Large Diameter (600–3,000mm OD, 25–80mm WT):
● 4-roll bending into cylinder
● Longitudinal SAW welding
● No expansion – ovality up to 1% acceptable for piling
● Ideal for large marine piles
Long Pile Fabrication (up to 60m): Womic can weld multiple sections end-to-end using full penetration SAW circumferential butt welds. Each circumferential weld is 100% UT inspected.
Testing for Driven Piles:
● Flattening test (mandatory per ASTM A252)
● Guided bend test (weld ductility)
● Ultrasonic test (weld seam – spot or 100% upon request)
7. Quality Control & Testing Procedures for ASTM A252 Grade 2 LSAW Steel Pipe
| Stage | Inspection Method | Purpose |
| Plate | Chemical Analysis | Verify composition |
| Plate | Tensile Test | Verify yield ≥ 240 MPa, tensile ≥ 415 MPa |
| In-Process | Dimensional (OD, WT) | Ensure compliance |
| Weld seam | Ultrasonic Testing (spot or 100% as specified) | Detect weld defects |
| Weld seam | Magnetic Particle Inspection (optional – recommended for driven piles) | Surface cracks |
| Finished pipe | Flattening Test (mandatory) | Pipe body and weld ductility |
| Finished pipe | Guided Bend Test (weld) | Weld ductility |
| Finished pipe | Visual & Dimensional | Surface, straightness, marking |
For ASTM A252, the flattening test is critical: a section of pipe is flattened to 1/3 of original diameter (or until the weld breaks first). No cracks or breaks allowed.
8. Primary Applications – ASTM A252 Grade 2 LSAW Steel Pipe
● Bridge foundations – Driven piles for bridge piers in rivers and soft soil
● Port and wharf piling – Container terminal foundations, quay walls
● Building deep foundations – High-rise building piles in urban areas
● Cofferdams – Temporary earth retention for construction
● Retaining wall piles – Permanent earth retention systems
● Highway sign and lighting foundations – Small diameter piling
● Railway bridge piers – Heavy rail infrastructure
● Marine fender piles – Fender systems for ship berthing
● Soil stabilization – Ground improvement projects
● Temporary construction piling – Support for excavation
9. Packaging & Shipping – ASTM A252 Grade 2 LSAW Steel Pipe
Packaging:
● Small diameters (≤ 610mm): Bundled with steel straps (5-10 tons per bundle) with corner protectors
● Large diameters (> 610mm): Individual pipes with wooden dunnage
● Long piles (> 18m): Shipped individually on flat racks or break-bulk vessels
● End caps: Plastic caps for beveled ends; plain ends may be left open
Shipping:
● Break-bulk vessels for large diameter and long length piles
● Containers for small diameters (≤ 610mm, ≤ 12m)
● Flat racks for lengths 12-24m
● Rail or truck for inland delivery
Documentation: Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 Type 3.1), dimensional report, flattening test report, UT report (if specified), packing list, commercial invoice, COO.
10. Womic Steel Advantages & FAQ – ASTM A252 Grade 2 LSAW Steel Pipe
Why Womic Steel for A252 Grade 2 Piling?
● Large diameter capability up to 3,000mm (120″)
● Heavy wall up to 80mm
● Long pile fabrication up to 60m – reduces field splices
● Cost-effective for large-volume infrastructure projects
● Third-party inspection available (SGS, BV, TÜV)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the difference between ASTM A252 Grade 2 and Grade 3 for piling?
A: Grade 3 has higher strength (345 MPa vs 240 MPa yield) and is used for deeper foundations or higher load requirements. Grade 2 is more economical and adequate for most general foundation applications (bridges, buildings, ports). Choose Grade 2 for standard loads, Grade 3 for heavy loads or deeper driving.
Q: Do you supply A252 Grade 2 pipes with galvanized coating?
A: Yes. We offer hot-dip galvanizing per ASTM A123. Maximum length for galvanizing is 12.5m. For longer piles, we recommend epoxy coating or bituminous coating.
Q: What is the maximum length you can produce for Grade 2 piling pipe?
A: Single section maximum length is 18m (JCOE) or 24m (UOE). For lengths up to 60m, we weld multiple sections end-to-end with full penetration SAW circumferential welds (100% UT inspected). This is common for offshore wind monopiles.
Q: Does ASTM A252 require hydrostatic testing?
A: No. ASTM A252 does not require hydrostatic testing because piling pipes are not pressure containing. However, if your project requires hydrotesting (e.g., for combined piling and fluid transport), we can perform it at additional cost.
Q: What coating is recommended for marine piling in saltwater?
A: For seawater immersion, coal tar epoxy (600-800 microns) or glass flake epoxy are recommended. For splash zone areas, we recommend FBE or thick epoxy coatings. For freshwater or soil, plain black pipe or oiled surface is often sufficient.
Q: How do you ensure welds survive hammer driving?
A: We perform flattening test (mandatory) and guided bend test on weld samples. For critical driven piles, we also perform 100% UT of weld seam and MPI of weld toes. We can also provide Charpy impact testing at 0°C or lower if specified.
Q: What is the typical lead time for Grade 2 piling pipes?
A: Standard lead time: 25-35 days for diameters ≤ 1,422mm. For large diameter rolled plate (> 1,422mm): 35-50 days. For welded long piles (up to 60m): add 2 weeks.
Project Reference – Port of Rotterdam Container Terminal Expansion (Netherlands)
Country: Netherlands (Rotterdam, Maasvlakte 2)
Standard & Grade: ASTM A252 Grade 2 (with supplementary Charpy impact at 0°C)
Dimensions & Quantity:
● OD 610mm (24″) × WT 12.5mm – 24,000 meters (approx. 4,500 tons) manufactured by UOE process
● OD 813mm (32″) × WT 16.0mm – 12,000 meters (approx. 3,500 tons) manufactured by JCOE process
● OD 1,016mm (40″) × WT 20.0mm – 6,000 meters (approx. 2,800 tons) manufactured by rolled plate single seam
Total: 42,000 meters (42 km), approx. 10,800 tons
Specifications: Plain ends (square cut), coal tar epoxy coating (800 microns), flattening test (no cracks at 1/3 diameter flattening). Guided bend test for weld ductility. 100% UT of weld seam. Charpy impact at 0°C (min 27J, achieved 50-80J). Straightness ≤ 0.2%. Third-party inspection by SGS Netherlands.
Application: Expansion of container terminal at Maasvlakte 2, Port of Rotterdam. The steel pipe piles serve as foundation for the quay wall (vertical load bearing piles) and as mooring dolphin piles (lateral loading). Water depth at berth: 18m. Soil consists of sand and soft clay layers.
Technical Challenges & Solutions:
● Coastal environment corrosion protection – Saltwater immersion and splash zone required durable coating. Womic applied coal tar epoxy (800 microns DFT) with two layers. Coating passed 3,000 hours salt spray test (ASTM B117) with < 2mm creep from scribe. Holiday detection at 4kV with zero failures.
● Long piles for deep water berth – Required pile length of 28m (18m into seabed + 10m above mudline). Standard 12m joints would require 3 field splices. Womic supplied 18m long joints (rolled plate) for the 1,016mm piles, reducing field splices from 3 to 2 per pile. For critical mooring piles, we supplied 28m long piles by welding two 14m sections (100% UT inspected).
● High driving stresses in dense sand – Soil profile includes dense sand layers with SPT N-values of 40-60. Pile driving stresses approached 70% of yield strength. Womic performed guided bend tests (bend radius 4t, 180°) with no cracks. Flattening test samples showed no cracking after 1/2 diameter flattening. Client reported zero weld failures during driving of 3,200 piles.
● Impact toughness for winter installation – Rotterdam winter temperatures can drop to -5°C. Womic provided Grade 2 with enhanced low-temperature toughness (Charpy at 0°C min 27J, achieved 50-80J). This is not required by ASTM A252 but was added by client as a precaution.
● Logistics to Maasvlakte – Pipes shipped from Shanghai to Rotterdam via break-bulk vessel (35 days). Due to limited laydown area at the terminal, Womic scheduled three deliveries over 4 months. Each shipment was coordinated with the contractor’s driving schedule. All 10,800 tons delivered on time.
● Result: The terminal expansion was completed in Q3 2024. All 3,200 piles passed dynamic load testing (PDA) with bearing capacity exceeding design requirements. The client stated: “Womic’s pipe quality and delivery reliability were excellent.” Womic Steel is now an approved supplier for future Rotterdam port projects.
Contact:
Website: www.womicsteel.com
E-mail: sales@womicsteel.com
Tel / WhatsApp / WeChat:
Victor: +86 15575100681
Jack: +86 18390957568
Womic Steel – Your reliable partner for ASTM A252 Grade 2 LSAW steel pipe piles for bridge foundations, port piling, building deep foundations, and marine projects worldwide.
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