ASTM A656-93 4

[DiegoLGraves]

I’m hoping you can answer a question. Our customer calls a material specification as ASTM A656-93, grade 80. When we purchase this we only specify ASTM A656 GR 80, not including the -93. What is the significance of “-93”? I do not see this as a type in the spec.

Thanks for your insight into this. Diego

 

[XL83NL]

Could be the year of the ASTM standard.
The latest edition is from 2013.

 

[CoryPad]

It is the year of the revision to the standard.

 

[EdStainless]

In the world of ASTM you are obliged to work the most current version, even if is editorial changes since the one published. We never include the dates. Our QA manual says that we are working to the most current.

There is no reason to order to old versions.
This is different in the Code world of ASME, there the versions can matter a lot.

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[Ron]

As noted, it is the revision year. As EdStainless said, for QA reasons, the latest standard should be used; however, if the standard is code referenced, you should use the standard as referenced in the applicable code. Such reference standards are usually not the latest standard.

It is common for specification writers and purchasing types to not understand the terminology. As important as I think it is, I routinely see the wrong versions of standards referenced in specifications.

 

[DiegoLGraves]

Thanks for the information, it is appreciated. Diego

 

[wannabeSE]

Ed and Ron,
Is there any ASTM reference or other document that states the latest version be used unless noted otherwise? I understand why this is a best practice.

The reason I ask is there is a state agency (corrections) that has their own specifications for construction projects. These specifications include the year/version on all ASTM standards and they expect their consultants to update the ASTM versions in the specifications for all new projects. I tend to think this time-consuming, tedious task is a monumental waste of time. Typically, specifications have a general statement covering the version for all standards (e.g. the most current standard published at the time the contract is signed or some other specific date/milestone).

 

[EdStainless]

We have written it into our quality manual.
Some ASTM specs actually say to report the rev, and others tell you not to. I depends on when they were last reviewed and by which committee.

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[Ron]

wannabeSE....you are straddling the line between statutory requirements and accepted practice. Not all ASTM standards are code referenced. In cases where they are not referenced, in my opinion you need to reference and use the latest version. This is typical in QA circles. Where code requirements prevail by statute, you need to use the ones that are specifically referenced. The reason for this is that the administrative provisions of the US building codes (Chapter 1 of the IBC) states that referenced standards are to be considered inclusive in their entirety as if part of the code.

 

[wannabeSE]

Ed and Ron,
Thanks for the replies

Ron,
It becomes somewhat troublesome when the IBC referenced standards are not coordinated. For instance the 2012 IBC references ACI 318-11 and ASTM C150-07. While ACI 318-11 references ASTM C150-09. In reality, it does not make a whole lot of difference since Portland cement hasn't changed between 2007 and 2009. This lack of coordination in the IBC referenced standards is not uncommon. The ICC would have a tough time trying to coordinate everything since the version of ASTM standards in ACI 318-11 references don't match ACI 530.1-11.

 

[Ron]

wannabeSE....ah, yes...don't we love our codes!