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S355JR is a widely used structural steel grade specified in the European standard EN 10025-2, known for its high yield strength, good weldability, and versatility in construction and engineering applications. As a non-alloy structural steel, it is commonly employed in bridges, buildings, and heavy equipment where moderate impact resistance is required. Determining equivalents for S355JR is essential for international projects, as it allows engineers to source similar materials from different standards like ASTM, DIN, JIS, and GB. While S355JR has no perfect match in other systems due to variations in testing and composition, several grades offer close equivalence in terms of chemical makeup and mechanical properties. This article explores S355JR equivalents, with detailed tables comparing chemical compositions and mechanical properties, helping professionals select suitable alternatives for their needs.

 

Overview of S355JR Steel Grade

 

S355JR is part of the EN 10025-2 standard for hot-rolled structural steels, where "S" stands for structural steel, "355" indicates the minimum yield strength in MPa, and "JR" denotes an impact toughness of 27 J at +20°C. This grade is non-alloy, meaning it relies on carbon and manganese for its properties rather than expensive alloys. It is produced in forms like plates, bars, and sections, with excellent formability and machinability.

S355JR's popularity stems from its balance of strength (yield 355 MPa) and ductility (elongation 20%), making it suitable for welded and bolted structures. However, for global sourcing, equivalents from other standards are often needed. Common equivalents include ASTM A572 Grade 50 (USA), DIN ST52-3 (Germany), JIS SM490A (Japan), and GB Q345B (China). These are selected based on similar yield strength, tensile range, and weldability, but differences in impact testing and composition may require verification for specific codes like ASME or AWS. Gangsteel offers S355JR and its equivalents, including EN 10025-2 S355J0 for better cold resistance and EN 10025-2 S235J0 for lower-strength needs.

 

Chemical Composition of S355JR and Equivalents

 

The chemical composition of S355JR is optimized for strength and weldability, with low carbon to avoid brittleness during welding. Equivalents have similar limits but vary slightly in alloying elements. The table below compares the chemical compositions (% by weight) of S355JR and its key equivalents:

Element

EN 10025-2 S355JR

ASTM A572 Gr 50

DIN ST52-3

JIS SM490A

GB Q345B

Carbon (C)

0.24 max

0.23 max

0.20 max

0.18 max

0.20 max

Manganese (Mn)

1.60 max

1.35 max

1.60 max

1.60 max

1.70 max

Phosphorus (P)

0.035 max

0.040 max

0.040 max

0.035 max

0.035 max

Sulfur (S)

0.035 max

0.050 max

0.040 max

0.035 max

0.035 max

Silicon (Si)

0.55 max

0.40 max

0.55 max

0.55 max

0.50 max

Copper (Cu)

0.55 max

-

-

-

0.30 max

Nitrogen (N)

0.012 max

-

0.009 max

-

-

Iron (Fe)

Balance

Balance

Balance

Balance

Balance

Key Notes on Comparison:

  • S355JR and DIN ST52-3 are nearly identical in composition, with ST52-3 having a slightly lower carbon max for better toughness.
  • ASTM A572 Gr 50 has lower manganese and no nitrogen control, but similar phosphorus/sulfur limits, making it a close match for weldability.
  • JIS SM490A and GB Q345B have lower carbon for improved formability, but higher manganese, aligning closely with S355JR's strength.
  • Overall, equivalents have tighter carbon controls, enhancing toughness, but S355JR's nitrogen limit promotes fine grain for better performance in cold conditions.

Gangsteel ensures precise composition for S355JR plates, with options for additional testing like HIC for sour service.

 

Mechanical Properties of S355JR and Equivalents

 

S355JR's mechanical properties make it suitable for high-stress applications, with equivalents offering similar performance. The table below compares key properties (for plates up to 16 mm thick):

Property

EN 10025-2 S355JR

ASTM A572 Gr 50

DIN ST52-3

JIS SM490A

GB Q345B

Yield Strength (min, MPa)

355

345

355

295

345

Tensile Strength (MPa)

470–630

450 min

490–630

490–610

470–630

Elongation (min, %)

20

21

22

21

20

Impact Toughness (J at °C)

27 at +20°C

Not specified

Not specified

Not specified

Not specified

Hardness (HB, typical)

150–200

150–190

150–200

140–180

140–180

Key Notes on Comparison:

  • S355JR and DIN ST52-3 are nearly identical, with matching yield and tensile strengths, making ST52-3 a direct substitute.
  • ASTM A572 Gr 50 has slightly lower yield but higher minimum tensile, with no mandatory impact test, unlike S355JR's 27 J at +20°C.
  • JIS SM490A and GB Q345B have lower yield for thinner plates but similar tensile ranges, with GB Q345B matching S355JR closely in strength.
  • S355JR's specified impact toughness gives it an edge in European standards for brittle fracture resistance.

Gangsteel offers S355JR plates with customized testing, including for equivalents like EN 10025-2 S275JR.

 

Equivalence Analysis: How Close Are the Equivalents to S355JR?

 

Equivalents like ASTM A572 Gr 50 and DIN ST52-3 are close to S355JR in strength and weldability, but differences exist:

  • ASTM A572 Gr 50: Functional equivalent for most applications, with similar CEV for weldability, but lacks S355JR's impact guarantee, potentially requiring additional testing for cold use.
  • DIN ST52-3: Virtually identical, often used interchangeably in Europe, with the same yield and no mandatory impact test.
  • JIS SM490A: Good match for strength, but lower yield (295 MPa) for thinner plates, suitable for welded structures.
  • GB Q345B: Equivalent in yield and tensile, commonly substituted in Asian projects, with similar low-carbon design for weldability.

In practice, S355JR can be substituted with these equivalents in non-critical applications, but for impact-tested or low-temperature use, verify with codes like AWS D1.1. Gangsteel recommends consulting for precise matches, offering alternatives like EN 10025-2 S355J2 steel for better cold resistance.

 

Applications of S355JR and Its Equivalents

 

S355JR and its equivalents are used in similar applications due to their close properties:

  • Construction: High-rise buildings, bridges, and stadiums, where S355JR's strength reduces material usage.
  • Heavy Machinery: Cranes, excavators, and equipment frames, benefiting from good formability.
  • Offshore Structures: Platforms and rigs, with equivalents like DIN ST52-3 for corrosion resistance.
  • Shipbuilding: Hulls and superstructures, leveraging weldability.
  • Energy Sector: Pipelines and storage tanks, with GB Q345B common in Asia.

Gangsteel supplies S355JR and equivalents like EN 10025-2 S355K2 steel for enhanced toughness.

 

Gangsteel Solution

 

S355JR equivalents like ASTM A572 Gr 50, DIN ST52-3, JIS SM490A, and GB Q345B offer close matches in strength and weldability, but differences in impact testing and composition may require verification for specific projects. Gangsteel’s high-quality S355JR plates ensure reliability for your applications. For equivalent standards, explore our BS EN 10025-2 material grade guide.

Gangsteel

Gangsteel explores equivalents to EN 10025-2 S355JR, with detailed comparisons of chemical compositions and mechanical properties.

Keywords: S355JR equivalent, S355JR ASTM, S355JR DIN, S355JR JIS

 

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