1.1 This specification covers a group of common requirements that, unless otherwise specified in the material specification, apply to rolled steel plates, shapes, sheet piling, and bars under each of the following specifications issued by ASTM:

1.2 Annex A1 lists permitted variations in dimensions and mass (Note 1) in SI units. The values listed are not exact conversions of the values in Tables 1 to 31 inclusive but are, instead, rounded or rationalized values. Conformance to Annex A1 is mandatory when the "M" specification designation is used.

Note 1--The term "weight" is used when inch-pound units are the standard; however, under SI, the preferred term is "mass."

1.3 Annex A2 lists the dimensions of some shape profiles.

1.4 Appendix X1 provides information on coiled product as a source of structural plates, shapes, sheet piling, and bars.

1.5 Appendix X2 provides information on the variability of tensile properties in plates and structural shapes.

1.6 Appendix X3 provides information on weldability.

1.7 Appendix X4 provides information on cold bending of plates, including suggested minimum inside radii for cold bending.

1.8 This specification also covers a group of supplementary requirements that are applicable to several of the above specifications as indicated therein. Such requirements are provided for use where additional testing or additional restrictions are required by the purchaser, and apply only when specified individually in the purchase order.

1.9 In case of any conflict in requirements, the requirements of the individual material specification shall prevail over those of this general specification.

1.10 Additional requirements that are specified in the purchase order and accepted by the supplier are permitted, provided that such requirements do not negate any of the requirements of this general specification or the individual material specification.

1.11 For purposes of determining conformance with this specification and the various material specifications referenced in 1.1, values shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the right-hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting values in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.

1.12 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system is to be used independently of the other, without combining values in any way.

1.13 This specification and the applicable material specifications are expressed in both inch-pound units and SI units; however, unless the order specifies the applicable "M" specification designation (SI units), the material shall be furnished to inch-pound units.

1.14 The text of this specification contains notes and/or footnotes that provide explanatory material. Such notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, do not contain any mandatory requirements.