This specification establishes the procedure for longitudinal Charpy V-notch testing of structural steel and contains two frequencies of testing. The impact properties of steel can vary within the same heat and piece, be it as rolled, control rolled or heat treated. The purchaser should, therefore, be aware that testing of one plate, bar, or shape does not provide assurance that all plates, bars, or shapes of the same heat as processed will be identical in toughness with the product tested. Normalizing or quenching and tempering the product will reduce the degree of variation.

This specification is intended to supplement specifications for structural steel when so specified.

This specification does not necessarily apply to all product specifications; therefore, the manufacturer or processor should be consulted for energy absorption levels and minimum testing temperatures that can be expected or supplied.

This test method is identical to ASTM A 673/A 673M-07 (2012) except for inch-pound units, rather than SI units, shown in brackets.