AASHTO T 243M/T 243-19 PDF Download

The AASHTO T 243M/T 243-19 standard provides a sampling procedure for impact testing of structural steel using the Charpy V-notch method. The standard acknowledges that the impact properties of steel can vary even within the same heat and piece, depending on factors such as the rolling process and heat treatment. Thus, it emphasizes that testing a single plate, bar, or shape does not guarantee the identical toughness of all products from the same heat. However, it notes that normalizing or quenching and tempering can help reduce variability.

The standard is designed to complement existing specifications for structural steel, rather than serving as a standalone specification. It also highlights that it may not apply to all product specifications, and manufacturers or processors should be consulted for specific energy absorption levels and minimum testing temperatures.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that this AASHTO standard is essentially the same as the ASTM A 673/A 673M-07 (2012) standard, with the only difference being the unit system used (e.g., inch-pound units instead of SI units).