M270M HPS345W Preheat — H16, Mid HI, > 60 mm: 375°F

M270M HPS345W / M270 HPS50W

AASHTO M270M HPS345W (M270 HPS50W) is a high-performance weathering bridge steel with enhanced weldability through controlled chemistry — 0.11% max carbon, 0.006% max sulfur with calcium treatment for inclusion shape control. Developed under FHWA-funded research to eliminate the lamellar tearing and inconsistent toughness problems of earlier weathering steel bridge designs. The lower carbon equivalent compared to conventional Gr.345W reduces cracking sensitivity at flange splices. NFC preheat per Table 6.3 Group 1; FC per Tables 12.6/12.7.

Understanding the FC Preheat for M270M HPS345W / M270 HPS50W

High-performance weathering 345 MPa steel with enhanced weldability. Under D1.5 fracture-critical requirements (Clause 12), the combination of H16 hydrogen designation and this heat input band requires 375°F minimum preheat at > 60 mm (> 2½ in). Lower hydrogen levels (H4 < H8 < H16) allow lower preheat because less hydrogen enters the weld deposit. Similarly, higher heat input reduces preheat requirements because slower cooling rates give hydrogen more time to diffuse out.

Where M270M HPS345W / M270 HPS50W Is Used

Preferred over conventional Gr.345W for new unpainted bridge construction. The HPS designation indicates FHWA-developed chemistry with 0.11% max carbon and controlled sulfur for enhanced weldability and lamellar tearing resistance. Flange splice CJP welds benefit from the lower carbon equivalent, reducing reject rates during cold-weather bridge fabrication. Material cost premium over standard Gr.345W is typically 15–25% per ton but eliminates weldability-related rework.

H16 Hydrogen Control for M270M HPS345W / M270 HPS50W

HPS345W (HPS50W) at H16 partially offsets the weldability advantage of HPS chemistry by allowing high hydrogen levels. The FC preheat requirement approaches that of conventional 345W at H8, reducing the cost advantage of the HPS specification. For this reason, most HPS345W fabrication targets H4 or H8 to capture the full preheat benefit.

Why Preheat Matters at > 60 mm (> 2½ in)

Material over 65 mm (2-1/2 in) includes the heaviest bridge girder flanges and box-section walls. Table 6.3 requires 110°C (225°F) for both groups at this thickness. Extended preheat soak time is necessary to achieve uniform through-thickness temperature. FC preheat for the heaviest sections reaches 180–200°C (350–400°F) at the H16 hydrogen level.

M270M HPS345W / M270 HPS50W at > 60 mm (> 2½ in)

HPS345W (HPS50W) above 65 mm is the preferred material for heavy unpainted bridge flanges replacing conventional 345W. The sulfur control (0.006% max) and calcium treatment ensure clean steel with minimal through-thickness anisotropy. At this thickness, the weldability advantage is most pronounced — conventional 345W at 65+ mm required expensive preheat and post-weld hydrogen bake-out procedures that HPS chemistry largely eliminates.

Higher Preheat at H16 Designation

H16 consumables allow up to 16 mL of diffusible hydrogen per 100g — the highest level permitted for FC bridge welding. At > 60 mm (> 2½ in) with 2.0–2.8 kJ/mm heat input, the 375°F (190°C) preheat compensates for the higher hydrogen potential. Switching to H8 or H4 consumables would reduce the required preheat for this joint.

Other Bridge Steels at H16 2.0–2.8 kJ/mm · > 60 mm (> 2½ in)

M270M HPS345W / M270 HPS50W at H16 2.0–2.8 kJ/mm

Try Different Combinations

Use the D1.5 Bridge Preheat Calculator to look up any AASHTO M270 steel, hydrogen level, and heat input combination. Also see the D1.1 Preheat Calculator for structural steel.

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