Sourdough
I have been on two NY City buildings where some of the beams were A-36, and the Columns were A-572 Gr-50.
In New York State, I have been on several bridge jobs where the beam steel and the miscellaneous steel was required to be A-36 and NOT A572-50. However, these days, since NYSDOT is now using ASTM A709 steels, for a Bridge Steel specification, almost all the dual/multi rated steels listed in that specification make the grade 50 specification. However, I am on a NYCDOT Bridge job now, where the MC-8 & 12 Channels do not meet the GR-50 mechanical requirements. So, if it were not a bridge job, these pieces could conceivably be welded with E6010, or even "1109" rod! (E-6011 read upside down). I was also surprised to learn thatwhen A-36 alone is specified, it cost more than dual / multi rated steels.
However, I think you mean that all structural steels should be welded with Low Hydrogen because they are also rated as gr-50 steels and I agree that the code specifies that LH must be used with gr-50 steels. But a lot of companies still like to weld on "end connection angles" and base plates with E-7024. On one job in 2000, (Port Authority) I had to make them re-weld all the joints with E7028.
You won't believe this department!!!!
Those MC8s I just told you about..... They are for stair treads on a pedestrian bridge. The mill cut 3 of the stair treads too short, and the fabricator has to buy another length of the MC8. The engineer just changed three of the stair treads to grade 50!!!???!!
Maybe a little CYA going on?