This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: A134/A134M − 18

Standard Specification for

Pipe, Steel, Electric-Fusion (Arc)-Welded (Sizes NPS 16 and
Over)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A134/A134M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and

1.1 This specification covers electric-fusion (arc)-welded determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
straight seam or spiral seam steel pipe NPS 16 and over in use.
diameter (inside or outside as specified by purchaser), with 1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
wall thicknesses up to 3⁄4 in. [19 mm], inclusive. Pipe having dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
other dimensions may be furnished provided such pipe com- ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
plies with all other requirements of this specification. The pipe Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
is available in various grades based on the ASTM specification mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ordered (Section 4). Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

NOTE 1—Acceptability for many services may be controlled by codes 2. Referenced Documents
or standards such as those published by the American National Standards
Institute and American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
NOTE 2—For testing methods not specifically covered in this A36/A36M Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
specification, reference can be made to Test Methods and Definitions A283/A283M Specification for Low and Intermediate Ten-
A370, with particular reference to Annex A2 on Steel Tubular Products. sile Strength Carbon Steel Plates
NOTE 3—A comprehensive listing of standardized pipe dimensions is
contained in ANSI B 36.10.
A285/A285M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Car-
bon Steel, Low- and Intermediate-Tensile Strength
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the of Steel Products
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each A941 Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system Alloys, and Ferroalloys
shall be used independently of the other. Combining values A1011/A1011M Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip,
from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the Hot-Rolled, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-
standard. The inch-pound units shall apply unless the “M” Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved
designation of this specification is specified in the order. In this Formability, and Ultra-High Strength
specification hard or rationalized conversions apply to A1018/A1018M Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip,
diameter, lengths, and tensile properties. Soft conversion ap- Heavy-Thickness Coils, Hot-Rolled, Carbon,
plies to other SI measurements. Commercial, Drawing, Structural, High-Strength Low-
NOTE 4—The dimensionless designator NPS (nominal pipe size) has Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved
been substituted in this standard for such traditional terms as “nominal Formability, and Ultra-High Strength
diameter,” “size,” and “nominal size.” A1058 Test Methods for Mechanical Testing of Steel
1.3 The following caveat pertains specifically to Section 5 Products—Metric
of this specification. This standard does not purport to address 2.2 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code:
all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is Section IX3
the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
A01.09 on Carbon Steel Tubular Products. the ASTM website.
3
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
approved in 1931. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as A134 – 96 (2012). International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
DOI: 10.1520/A0134_A0134M-18. www.asme.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 A134/A134M − 18
2.3 American National Standards Institute Standard: 6.2 If any test specimen shows defective machining or
B 16.25 Buttwelding Ends4 develops flaws not associated with the welding, it may be
B 36.10 Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe4 discarded and another specimen substituted.
6.3 Each length of pipe shall be subjected to the hydrostatic
3. Ordering Information test specified in Section 11, unless otherwise specified in 11.3.
3.1 Orders for electric-fusion arc-welded pipe under this
specification shall contain information concerning as many of 7. Retests
the following items as are required, to describe the desired pipe 7.1 If any specimen tested in accordance with Section 10
adequately: fails to meet the requirements, retests of two additional
3.1.1 Quantity (feet, metres, or number of lengths), specimens from the same lot of pipe shall be made, each of
3.1.2 Name of material (electric-fusion (arc)-welded pipe), which shall meet the requirements specified. If any of the
3.1.3 ASTM Specification A134 or A134M and year date, retests fail to conform to the requirements, test specimens may
3.1.4 Grade (if applicable) of steel from which the pipe shall be taken from each untested pipe length at the manufacturer’s
be made (Section 4), option. Each specimen shall meet the requirements specified,
3.1.5 Size (inside or outside diameter and nominal wall or that pipe shall be rejected.
thickness), and
3.1.6 Length (specified or random). 8. Test Specimens of Production Welds
3.2 The purchaser shall have the option to order additional 8.1 The weld-test specimens for the reduced-section tension
requirements, including, but not limited to the following: test shall be taken perpendicularly across the weld and from the
3.2.1 Specific straightness requirements (see 12.3), end of the pipe or, alternatively, from flat test pieces of material
3.2.2 End finish (Section 14), conforming to the requirements in the specifications used in the
3.2.3 Hydrostatic Test Pressure (Section 11), manufacture of the pipe. The alternative weld-test specimens
3.2.4 Protective coating (Section 20), shall be welded with the same procedure and by the same
3.2.5 End use of pipe, and operator and equipment, and in sequence with the welding of
3.2.6 Other special requirements, if any. the longitudinal joints in the pipe. The test pieces shall have the
weld approximately in the middle of the specimen. The
4. Material specimens shall be straightened cold, and shall be tested at
room temperature.
4.1 The steel from which the pipe is made shall conform to
Specifications A36/A36M, A283/A283M, A285/A285M, 8.2 Reduced-section tension-test specimens shall be pre-
A1011/A1011M, A1018/A1018M, or to other ASTM specifi- pared in accordance with Fig. A2.3 of Test Methods and
cations for equally suitable weldable material, as specified. For Definitions A370, Annex A2 Steel Tubular Products.
purposes of marking and certification, when required, the pipe
grade of material shall be established by the A xxx plate 9. Qualification of Welding Procedure
specification designation and plate grade, when applicable. 9.1 The welding procedure shall be qualified in accordance
with the American Welding Society Standard Qualification
5. Manufacture Procedure5 or ASME Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure
5.1 The longitudinal edges of the steel shall be shaped to Vessel Code as agreed to between the manufacturer and the
give the most satisfactory results by the particular welding purchaser using the tests and test values specified in 9.2 and
process employed. The steel shall then be properly formed and 9.3. Thicknesses less than 3⁄8 in. [10 mm] shall be qualified for
may be tacked preparatory to welding. The weld shall be made each wall thickness of pipe manufactured. Thicknesses 3⁄8 to 3⁄4
by automatic means (except tack welds) and shall be of in. [10 mm to 19 mm], inclusive, shall be qualified in 3⁄8-in.
reasonably uniform width and height for the entire length of the [10-mm] thickness.
pipe. By agreement between the purchaser and the 9.2 Two reduced-section tension specimens (transverse
manufacturer, manual welding by qualified procedure and weld) made in accordance with Fig. A2.3 of Test Methods and
welders may be used as an equal alternate under this specifi- Definitions A370, with the weld reinforcement removed, shall
cation. show a tensile strength not less than 100 % of the minimum
5.2 All longitudinal seams, spiral seams, and shop girth specified tensile strength of the base material used.
seams shall be butt-welded. 9.3 Two face-bend test specimens shall be prepared in
accordance with Section A2.5.1.7 of Test Methods and Defi-
6. Number of Production Weld Tests nitions A370 and shall withstand being bent 180° in a jig
6.1 One weld test specimen specified in Section 8 shall be substantially in accordance with Fig. A2.15.3 of Test Methods
made from each lot of 3000 ft [900 m] of pipe or fraction and Definitions A370. The bend test shall be acceptable if no
thereof of each size and wall thickness. cracks or other defects exceeding 1⁄8 in. [3 mm] in any direction
be present in the weld metal or between the weld and the pipe

4 5
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., Available from American Welding Society (AWS), 8669 NW 36 St., #130,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. Miami, FL 33166-6672, http://www.aws.org.

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 A134/A134M − 18
metal after bending. Cracks that originate along the edges of 12.2 Circumference—The outside circumference of the pipe
the specimens during testing and that are less than 1⁄4 in. [6 shall not vary more than 60.5 % from the nominal outside
mm] in any direction, shall not be considered. circumference based upon the diameter specified, except that
the circumference at ends shall be sized, if necessary, to meet
10. Tensile Properties of Production Welds the requirements of Section 14.
10.1 Reduced-section tension test specimens required in 12.3 Straightness—Finished pipe shall be commercially
Section 8, taken perpendicularly across the weld with the weld straight. When specific straightness requirements are desired,
reinforcement removed, shall show a tensile strength not less the order should so state, and the tolerances shall be a matter of
than 95 % of the specified minimum strength of the steel. At agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer.
the manufacturer’s option, the test may be made without
12.4 Ovality—Out-of-roundness—The difference between
removing the weld reinforcement, in which case the tensile
major and minor outside diameter shall not exceed 1 %. Closer
strength shall be not less than the specified minimum tensile
tolerances may be established by agreement between the
strength for the grade of steel used.
manufacturer and the purchaser. Where the D/T (outside
11. Hydrostatic Test (Note 5) diameter/wall thickness) is over 120, internal bracing should be
utilized to achieve sizing of ends and ovality shall be by
11.1 Each length of pipe shall be tested by the manufacturer agreement between the manufacturer and purchaser.
to a hydrostatic pressure that will produce in the pipe wall a
stress of 60 % of the specified minimum yield point of the steel 13. Lengths
used at room temperature. The pressure shall be determined by
the following equation: 13.1 Pipe lengths shall be supplied in accordance with the
following regular practice:
P 5 2St/D
13.1.1 The lengths shall be as specified on the order with a
where: tolerance of 61⁄2 in. [13 mm], except that the shorter lengths
P = minimum hydrostatic test pressure, psi (Note 6) (not to from which test coupons have been cut may also be shipped.
exceed 2800 psi [19 MPa]), 13.1.2 When random lengths are specified, pipe shall be
S = 0.60 times the minimum specified yield point of the furnished in lengths having a minimum average of 29 ft [9 m]
steel used, psi [MPa], with a minimum length of 20 ft [6 m], but not more than 5 %
t = specified wall thickness, in. [mm], and may be under 25 ft [8 m].
D = specified outside diameter, in. [mm].
13.2 Pipe lengths containing circumferentially welded joints
NOTE 5—A hydrostatic sizing operation is not to be considered a (Note 8) shall be permitted by agreement between the manu-
hydrostatic test or a substitute for it.
facturer and the purchaser. Tests of these welded joints shall be
NOTE 6—When the diameter and wall thickness of pipe are such that the
capacity limits of testing equipment are exceeded by these requirements, made in accordance with the procedure tests specified in
the test pressures may be reduced by agreement between the purchaser and Section 9 and the production weld tests specified in Section 10.
the manufacturer. The number of production weld tests shall be one per each lot
11.2 Test pressure shall be held for not less than 5 s, or for of 100 joints or fraction thereof, but not less than one for each
a longer time as agreed upon between the purchaser and the welder or welding operator.
manufacturer. NOTE 8—Joints are defined for the purpose of this specification as a
circumferential welded seam lying in one plane, used to join lengths of
NOTE 7—When agreed upon between the purchaser and the manufac- straight pipe.
turer and so stated on the order, pipe may be tested to one and one half
times the specified working pressure, except that the maximum test
pressure shall not exceed 2800 psi [19 MPa] nor shall the maximum fiber 14. Ends
stress exceed 85 % of specified minimum yield point of steel or to a fiber
stress that does not exceed 85 % of the specified minimum yield point of
14.1 Pipe shall be furnished with a plain right-angle cut or
the steel or 2800-psi [19-MPa] test pressure. with bevel ends as specified. All burrs at the ends of pipe shall
be removed.
11.3 When specified in the order, pipe may be furnished
14.1.1 Unless otherwise specified, pipe with beveled ends
without hydrostatic testing and each length so furnished shall
shall meet the requirements of ANSI B 16.25.
include the mandatory marking of the letters “NH.”
Additionally, the certification, when required, shall state “Not 14.2 Unless otherwise specified, the outside circumference
Hydrostatically Tested” and the specification number and of pipe ends for a distance of not less than 4 in. [100 mm] shall
material grade, as shown on the certification, shall be followed not vary more than 660 % of the nominal wall thickness of the
by the letters “NH.” pipe from the nominal outside circumference based on the
diameter specified, except that the tolerance shall not be less
12. Permissible Variations in Weights and Dimensions than 63⁄16 in. [5 mm].
12.1 Thickness and Weight—The wall thickness and weight 14.3 By agreement between the manufacturer and the pur-
for welded pipe under this specification shall be governed by chaser the ends of the pipe may be sized within agreed-upon
the requirements of the specifications to which the steel was tolerances if necessary to meet the requirements of special
ordered. installations.

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 A134/A134M − 18
15. Finish requirements of this specification based on the inspection and
15.1 Repair by Welding—The welding of injurious defects test method as outlined in the specification, the length may be
in the pipe wall, provided their depth does not exceed one third rejected, and the manufacturer shall be notified. Disposition of
the specified wall thickness, will be permitted. Defects in the rejected pipe shall be a matter of agreement between the
welds, such as sweats or leaks, shall be repaired or the piece manufacturer and the purchaser.
rejected at the option of the manufacturer. Repairs of this 17.2 Pipe found in fabrication or in installation to be
nature shall be made by completely removing the defect, unsuitable for the intended use, under the scope and require-
cleaning the cavity, and then welding. ments of this specification, may be set aside and the manufac-
15.2 All repaired pipe shall be tested hydrostatically in turer notified. Such pipe shall be subject to mutual investiga-
accordance with Section 11, unless otherwise specified in 11.3. tion as to the nature and severity of the deficiency and the
forming or installation, or both, conditions involved. Disposi-
16. Inspection tion shall be a matter of agreement between the purchaser and
16.1 The inspector representing the purchaser shall have the manufacturer.
entry at all times while work on the contract of the purchaser
is being performed, to all parts of the manufacturer’s works 18. Certification
that concern the manufacture of the material ordered. The 18.1 Upon request of the purchaser in the contract or order,
manufacturer shall afford the inspector all reasonable facilities a manufacturer’s certification that the material was manufac-
to satisfy him that the material is being furnished in accordance tured and tested in accordance with this specification, including
with this specification. All tests and inspection shall be made at year date, together with a report of the chemical and tensile
the place of manufacture prior to shipment and unless other- tests shall be furnished. The pipe grade shall be identified by
wise specified, shall be so conducted as not to interfere the plate specification designation (year date not required) and
unnecessarily with the operation of the works. If agreed upon, the plate grade (where applicable).
the manufacturer shall notify the purchaser in time so that he
may have his inspector present to witness any part of the 19. Product Marking
manufacture or tests that may be desired. The certification shall
19.1 Each section of pipe shall be marked with the manu-
include reference to this specification and the pipe grade
facturer’s distinguishing marking, this specification number,
(ASTM plate specification designation and plate grade, when
and the pipe grade. The marking need not include the year date
applicable).
of the pipe or plate specification.
16.2 Certification—Upon request of the purchaser in the
19.2 Bar Coding—In addition to the requirements in 19.1,
contract or order, a manufacturer’s certification that the mate-
bar coding is acceptable as a supplemental identification
rial was manufactured and tested in accordance with this
method. The purchaser may specify in the order a specific bar
specification together with a report of the chemical and tensile
coding system to be used.
tests shall be furnished. When hydrostatic test is omitted, the
certificate shall include the letters “NH.”
20. Protective Coating
17. Rejection 20.1 If agreed upon between the purchaser and the
17.1 Each length of pipe received from the manufacturer manufacturer, the pipe shall be given a protective coating of the
may be inspected by the purchaser and, if it does not meet the kind and in the manner specified by the purchaser.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue
(A134 – 96 (2012)) that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved Nov. 1, 2018.)

(1) This specification is now formatted as a combined speci- (3) Specification has been added to Ordering Information
fication. (3.1.3).
(2) Specification A570/A570M has been removed from Refer-
enced Documents and Section 4. In its place, Specifications
A1011/A1011M and A1018/A1018M were added.

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 A134/A134M − 18
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