I agree with Al. When I saw your post last night I started doing some light research. Copper has a wide range depending upon the application of the steel it is used in but for the most part will be from considerably lower than 2% to around 2%. I would think it beyond reason that A500 Grade B would have that high a percentage of copper.
Copper makes it brittle while adding corrosive resistance. The higher the carbon the worst the things get when adding copper.
As far as determining what is on the MTR's being compliant with the Purchase Order or Job Specifications, that is up to the engineer. Materials, WPS's, welder performance records, as well as shop drawings are to be submitted for approval prior to work beginning on the project. It is only your job to make sure ALL steel was then properly ordered and compared by shop QC for compliance with the work approvals.
If A992 wide flange beam shapes were approved, then manufacturers procedures and confirmation in the MTR's is satisfactory. Unless it is a highly specialized project going extremely deep into the MTR's and comparing them with the purchase orders is not required nor necessary. The same for A500 Gr B. The manufacturers specs are going to be right there in acceptable levels of alloys. These are mass produced and used products that just don't need to be highly scrutinized.
I would find it unusual for the job specs to be specifying anything that specific for A500. Thus, you probably aren't going to find it mentioned anywhere in your specs. Not worth considering.
He Is In Control, Have a Great Day, Brent
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