5.2 Unless otherwise specified, mechanical tests shall not be required for plates over 11⁄2 in. [40 mm] in thickness used as bearing plates in structures other than bridges, subject to the
requirement that they shall contain 0.20 to 0.33 % carbon by heat analysis, that the chemical composition shall conform to the requirements of Table 3 in phosphorus and sulfur content, and that a sufficient discard shall be made to secure sound plates.