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ASTM A252 Pipe Pile is the standard specification for welded and seamless steel pipe piles used in construction foundations, bridge substructures, marine structures, and offshore platforms. This specification covers cylindrical steel pipe used as a permanent load-carrying member or as a shell to form cast-in-place concrete piles.
Solitaire Overseas has supplied ASTM A252 Grade 1, 2, and 3 pipe piles to foundation contractors, EPC companies, and procurement teams across 70+ countries for over 20 years from our Mumbai stocking facility, supplying Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 in seamless, ERW, LSAW, and SSAW types. Grade 3 — the most widely specified piling grade delivers a minimum tensile strength of 455 MPa (66,000 psi) and minimum yield strength of 310 MPa (45,000 psi), making it the preferred choice for high-rise foundations, bridge piers, port structures, and offshore platforms.
ASTM A252 Grade 3 pipe piles are referenced in ASCE 7 load combinations and routinely specified under IBC Chapter 18 for deep foundation design in seismic and non-seismic zones.
Available in schedules SCH 40, XS, SCH 80, SCH XXS, and SCH 160, with plain or beveled ends, in single random, double random, and cut-to-length options. Coatings include FBE, 3LPE, coal tar epoxy, and hot-dip galvanized. Standard OD range: 4 inches to 48 inches. Custom dimensions accepted. All pipes are supplied with EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates. We export to 70+ countries across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Browse our full range ofCarbon Steel Pipes or explore related grades ASTM A106 Gr. B Pipe andASTM A53 Grade A & B Pipe. Contact us for stock availability and pricing: Call at +91-9619103479 | Email: vishal@solitaire-overseas.com
ASTM A252 is divided into three grades. Each grade has progressively higher yield and tensile strength, making them suitable for different soil conditions and structural load requirements.
Note: Unlike Grade 1 and Grade 2, Grade 3 has no minimum elongation requirement in 8 inches — this reflects the acceptable trade-off between strength and ductility in pile-driving applications.
| Parameter | ASTM A252 Pipe Pile Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A252 / ASME SA252 |
| Grades Available | Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3 |
| Manufacturing Types | Seamless, ERW (Electric Resistance Welded), LSAW (Longitudinal SAW), SSAW (Spiral SAW) |
| Seamless Pipe OD Range | 4" to 24" (101.6 mm to 609.6 mm) |
| Welded Pipe OD Range | 4" to 48" (101.6 mm to 1219.2 mm); SSAW up to 100"+ |
| Wall Thickness | SCH STD, SCH 40, SCH XS, SCH 80, SCH 120, SCH 160, SCH XXS; Custom thickness available |
| Length | Single Random: 16–25 ft (4.9–7.6 m); Double Random: minimum 25 ft, average ≥35 ft. Cut-to-length available on request. |
| Pipe Ends | Plain End (PE), Beveled End (BE) at 30° (+5°/−0°) per ASTM A252 Section 9, Threaded as specified |
| OD Tolerance | ±1% of specified OD. Wall thickness tolerance: −12.5% under nominal. Weight tolerance: +15% / −5% of theoretical weight. Per ASTM A252 Section 10. |
| Coatings Available | FBE (per CSA Z245.20), 3LPE (per DIN 30670 / ISO 21809-1), 3LPP (per DIN 30678), Coal Tar Epoxy (per AWWA C203), Hot-Dip Galvanized (per ASTM A123), Bare/Mill Finish |
| Applicable Standards | ASTM A252, ASME SA252. Dimensional and mechanical properties may be cross-referenced against EN 10219 for structural hollow section equivalency — confirm with project specification. |
| Test Certificates | EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 MTC; Third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TUV) on request |
| Marking | Standard | Grade | OD | Wall Thickness | Length | Heat No. | Mill Name |
| Element | Seamless & ERW Welded | Fusion Welded (Seam only) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus (P), max % | 0.050 | 0.050 | All grades |
| Sulfur (S), max % | 0.060 | — | Sulfur limit not defined for fusion-welded seam by A252; mill process controls apply. |
| Carbon (C) | Not specified in A252 | — | Controlled by manufacturer per grade strength target |
| Manganese (Mn) | Not specified in A252 | — | Varies by manufacturer / heat |
| Other Elements | Per manufacturer process control | — | A252 focuses on mechanical, not full chemistry |
| Property | Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength, min psi | 50,000 | 60,000 | 66,000 |
| Tensile Strength, min MPa | 345 | 415 | 455 |
| Yield Strength, min psi | 30,000 | 35,000 | 45,000 |
| Yield Strength, min MPa | 205 | 240 | 310 |
| Elongation in 8" (203 mm), min % | 18 | 14 | Not specified |
| Elongation in 2" (51 mm), min % | 30 | 25 | Per ASTM A252 Table 2 formula (varies by OD and wall thickness — consult standard) |
| Hydrostatic Test | Required | Required | Required |
| OD (inches) | OD (mm) | Wall (inches) | Weight (lbs/ft) | Weight (kg/m) | Grade Typically Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.500" | 114.3 mm | 0.250" | 11.35 | 16.88 | Grade 1, Grade 2 |
| 5.563" | 141.3 mm | 0.258" | 14.62 | 21.75 | Grade 1, Grade 2 |
| 6.625" | 168.3 mm | 0.280" | 19.18 | 28.52 | Grade 2, Grade 3 |
| 8.625" | 219.1 mm | 0.250" | 22.36 | 33.25 | Grade 2, Grade 3 |
| 10.750" | 273.1 mm | 0.250" | 28.04 | 41.71 | Grade 2, Grade 3 |
| 12.750" | 323.9 mm | 0.250" | 33.38 | 49.65 | Grade 3 |
| 14.000" | 355.6 mm | 0.312" | 45.68 | 67.94 | Grade 3 |
| 16.000" | 406.4 mm | 0.312" | 52.27 | 77.75 | Grade 3 |
| 18.000" | 457.2 mm | 0.375" | 70.59 | 104.97 | Grade 3 |
| 20.000" | 508.0 mm | 0.375" | 78.60 | 116.89 | Grade 3 |
| 24.000" | 609.6 mm | 0.375" | 94.62 | 140.68 | Grade 3 |
| 30.000" | 762.0 mm | 0.500" | 157.53 | 234.27 | Grade 3 |
| 36.000" | 914.4 mm | 0.500" | 189.57 | 281.89 | Grade 3 |
| 42.000" | 1066.8 mm | 0.500" | 221.61 | 329.51 | Grade 3 |
| 48.000" | 1219.2 mm | 0.500" | 254.15 | 377.98 | Grade 3 |
ASTM A252 pipe piles are produced in four manufacturing methods. The correct choice depends on pile diameter, project specification, and structural requirements:
See also: Our Carbon Steel Seamless Pipes and Carbon Steel Pipes guide for more on manufacturing processes and specifications.
Because ASTM A252 pipe piles are driven underground or submerged in water, corrosion protection is essential for service life. Solitaire Overseas supplies pipe piles with the following anti-corrosion coating systems:
ASTM A252 pipe piles are used across a wide range of industries and project types wherever deep foundation support is required:
Learn more about carbon steel pipe applications in our blog: What is a Carbon Steel Pipe and Its Uses
Procurement teams frequently ask about the differences between ASTM A252 and other common pipe standards such as ASTM A53 and API 5L. The comparison below clarifies which standard to specify and when:
| Feature | ASTM A252 | ASTM A53 | API 5L | EN 10025-2 / S355 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Structural pile driving | General-purpose pressure piping | Oil & gas pipeline transmission | European structural hollow sections |
| Pipe Shape | Cylindrical (round) only | Round only | Round only | Hollow sections (round, square, rect.) |
| Grades / Classes | Grade 1, 2, 3 | Grade A, Grade B | Grade B, X42–X80 (PSL1/PSL2) | S235, S275, S355 (e.g. S355J2H) |
| Max OD | Up to 48" (seamless/welded) | Up to 26" NPS | Up to 56" (PSL2) | Per hollow section tables |
| Yield Strength Reference | 310 MPa (Grade 3) | Burst/bending focus | Pipeline fracture toughness | 355 MPa (S355) — slightly higher |
| Can Substitute A252? | — | Not suitable for piling | Not suitable for piling | S355J2H yield exceeds Grade 3 but EN 10025-2 is not a piling standard — confirm per project spec |
| Typical Projects | Foundations, piers, bridges, marine | Water, steam, slurry, low-pressure oil | Long-distance pipelines | European structural fabrication |
Note on EN 10025-2 / S355J2H: S355 yield (355 MPa) slightly exceeds Grade 3 yield (310 MPa) but EN 10025-2 is not a piling standard. Project specification must confirm acceptability. Not a direct substitute for ASTM A252.
Related product pages: ASTM A53 Grade A & B Pipe |ASTM A106 Gr. B Carbon Steel Pipes |ASTM A333 Gr. 6 Carbon Steel Pipes
International procurement teams frequently search for equivalents across standards. The table below provides approximate cross-references. These are not direct substitutes — confirm per project specification.
| Standard | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A252 Grade 3 | USA | Structural piling standard. Yield 310 MPa / 45,000 psi min. |
| EN 10219 S355J2H | Europe | Cold-formed structural hollow section. S355 yield (355 MPa) slightly exceeds Grade 3. Not a piling standard. |
| JIS A 5525 SKK490 | Japan | Japanese standard for steel pipe sheet piles. Approximate mechanical equivalency to Grade 3. |
| IS 2644 | India | Indian Standard for steel pipe piles. Covers structural piling applications in Indian projects. |
Open-end piles are driven with the bottom open — soil plugging occurs naturally during driving and increases end-bearing capacity. Closed-end piles use a flat or conical tip welded to the bottom, providing immediate end bearing and preventing soil entry. ASTM A252 covers both types; pile type is selected by the geotechnical engineer based on soil profile and load requirements.
Solitaire Overseas has supplied ASTM A252 Grade 1, 2, and 3 pipe piles to foundation contractors, EPC companies, and procurement teams across 70+ countries for over 20 years from our Mumbai stocking facility. We supply ASTM A252 pipe piles to EPC contractors, government infrastructure agencies, port authorities, and offshore platform fabricators.
ASTM A252 pipe piles are steel cylinders driven into the ground to support structural loads in building foundations, bridge piers, marine docks, retaining walls, and offshore platforms. The steel cylinder acts as a permanent load-bearing member or as a shell filled with cast-in-place concrete.
Grade 3 offers higher minimum yield strength (45,000 psi / 310 MPa) and tensile strength (66,000 psi / 455 MPa) compared to Grade 2 (yield 35,000 psi / 240 MPa; tensile 60,000 psi / 415 MPa). Grade 3 is specified for demanding structural projects including ports, marine structures, bridges, and high-rise foundations. Grade 2 is used for standard residential and light commercial foundations where lower loads are expected.
ASTM A252 has three grades: Grade 1 (min yield 205 MPa / 30,000 psi), Grade 2 (min yield 240 MPa / 35,000 psi), and Grade 3 (min yield 310 MPa / 45,000 psi). Grade 3 is the most widely used in structural piling due to its superior strength. All three grades are available in seamless and welded manufacturing types.
Standard ASTM A252 pipe piles are available in OD up to 48 inches in seamless and welded types. SSAW (spiral welded) pipe piles can be produced in larger diameters, up to 100 inches or more, for specialised marine and offshore piling applications. Solitaire Overseas stocks standard sizes from 6" to 48" OD.
Seamless pipe has no weld seam and provides uniform wall strength throughout. Welded types (ERW, LSAW, SSAW) are formed from plate or strip and are the standard choice for large diameters above 24" where seamless production is not economical. Both types fully comply with ASTM A252 mechanical requirements.
Yes. Pipe piles driven into soil or submerged in water are subject to corrosion. Anti-corrosion treatment is determined by a soil resistivity test and project specification. Common coatings include FBE (Fusion Bonded Epoxy) for buried onshore piles, 3LPE for marine and offshore environments, and coal tar epoxy for tidal/splash zones. Hot-dip galvanizing is used for above-grade sections.
No. ASTM A252 is a structural piling standard, not a pipeline material standard. For oil and gas transmission pipelines, API 5L Gr. B or ASTM A106 Gr. B should be specified instead. ASTM A252 and API 5L have different chemical, mechanical, and inspection requirements and are not interchangeable.
All ASTM A252 pipe piles are supplied with EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates covering chemical composition, mechanical properties (tensile, yield, elongation), and hydrostatic test results. Third-party inspection reports from SGS, Bureau Veritas, or TUV are available on request. Additional NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 certifications for sour service environments can be arranged.
Weight depends on OD and wall thickness. Example reference weights: 12.750" OD x 0.250" wall = 33.38 lbs/ft (49.65 kg/m); 20" OD x 0.375" wall = 78.60 lbs/ft (116.89 kg/m); 36" OD x 0.500" wall = 189.57 lbs/ft (281.89 kg/m). Refer to the Size and Weight table on this page, or contact us for a custom weight calculation for your specific OD and wall combination.
ASME SA252 is the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code adoption of ASTM A252, with identical technical requirements. The designation differs only in the referencing code body. ASTM A252 is referenced in structural engineering and ASCE/construction standards; ASME SA252 is referenced in ASME code-stamped fabrications. Solitaire Overseas supplies pipe piles to both A252 and SA252 designations.
ASTM A252 does not specify a minimum wall thickness directly. The standard defines mechanical properties by grade and requires the pipe to meet those properties. Wall thickness is selected by structural engineers based on load requirements, pile diameter, and driving conditions. In practice, wall thicknesses for structural pipe piles typically range from 0.250" to 0.750" depending on project specifications.
The price of ASTM A252 Grade 3 pipe pile depends on OD, wall thickness, manufacturing type (ERW / LSAW / SSAW), coating specification, and order quantity. Indicative export pricing from India ranges from USD 650 to USD 1,250 per metric ton depending on market conditions. Contact Solitaire Overseas at +91-9619103479 or vishal@solitaire-overseas.com for a current, itemised quote against your project specification.
Yes. ASTM A252 pipe piles can be field-welded for length extension using groove weld splice connections. Welding procedure specifications (WPS) should be qualified per AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code (Steel). Preheat requirements depend on carbon equivalent, wall thickness, and ambient temperature. Consult the project structural engineer and AWS D1.1 Table 3.2 for minimum preheat values.
Open-end piles are driven with the bottom open. Soil plugging occurs naturally during driving and increases end-bearing capacity. Closed-end piles use a flat or conical tip welded to the bottom, providing immediate end bearing and preventing soil entry. ASTM A252 covers both; pile type is selected by the geotechnical engineer based on soil profile and load requirements.
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