ASTM A615 vs A706: Which Grade 60 Rebar to Specify
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Two Grade 60 standards, different jobs
Both cover 60 ksi (420 MPa) deformed bar, but for different purposes. A615 is the general carbon-steel rebar — cheap, widely stocked, no chemistry cap for weldability. A706 is low-alloy, with tight controls on chemistry (carbon equivalent ≤0.55%) and mechanical properties, engineered to be weldable and ductile for seismic design.
Why A706 for seismic
Seismic frames must yield predictably and be field-welded at splices. A706 caps the actual-to-specified yield ratio and guarantees elongation, so the plastic hinges form where the engineer intends. A615 has no such caps — its actual yield can run high, defeating capacity design. Codes (ACI 318 seismic provisions) therefore require A706 (or A615 meeting extra restrictions) in special moment frames.
Choosing and certifying
Non-seismic, non-welded work: A615 is economical and correct. Weldable/seismic: specify A706. The B500B/B500C family (EN 10080) parallels this split — B500C matches A706’s ductility intent. We supply both, mill-certified to EN 10204 3.1, and dual-cert where a project spans grades.
FAQ
Is A706 rebar weldable?
Yes — its low carbon equivalent (≤0.55%) is designed for welding, unlike standard A615.
Can I weld A615 rebar?
Only with a carbon-equivalent check and controlled procedure; A706 is the intended weldable grade.
Which grade for earthquake zones?
A706 (or B500C in the EN system) — it caps the yield ratio and guarantees ductility for seismic design.
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