ASTM A3-01(2012)

1.1 This specification covers steel joint bars for connecting steel rails in mine, industrial, and standard railroad track.

1.2 Three grades of joint bars are defined for applications where non-heat treated bars are suitable:

1.2.1 Grade 1, low-carbon, primarily for industrial and mine use.

1.2.2 Grade 2, medium-carbon, primarily for industrial and mine use.

1.2.3 Grade 3, high-carbon, for general use in standard railroad track. They may be used in the production of insulated track joints.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

This specification covers steel joint bars of low-carbon, medium-carbon, and high-carbon grades (Grades 1, 2, and 3) for railway applications. Steel shall be made through basic-oxygen or electric-furnace processes and cast through continuous process or in ingots. An analysis of each heat or cast shall be made to determine the percentage compositions of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur. Tension test shall also be made to conform to specified tensile strength and elongation values. Guidelines on the dimensions and physical variations of joint bars are given. Inspection, rejection, rehearing, certification, and product marking procedures are cited.