Structural steel Grades

Structural steel grades are essential construction materials known for their strength and versatility. These steels are specifically designed for use in building structures, offering a combination of durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Typically composed of iron and carbon, structural steel is available in various grades, each tailored to meet specific engineering requirements. It is often manufactured in pre-formed shapes such as beams, columns, and channels, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

Table of contents

  • What is Structural Steel?
  • Producing & Testing of Structural Steel
  • Properties of Grade E250
  • Mechanical Properties of SS Grade E250
  • Structural material grades Types
  • What are The Different Grades of Structural Steel ?
  • Structural Steel Standards
  • Different Shapes of Structural cold formed steel
  • Strength-Weight Ratio of Structural Steel
  • Structural Steel vs Stainless Steel
  • Yield Strength of Structural cold formed steel
  • Tensile Strength of Structural beam
  • Chemical Composition of Structural Steels
  • E250 material Chemical Composition
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of structural galvanized steel
  • Benefits of Structural Steel Hollow Sections
  • Characteristic of AISI 304 & 316
  • S235 Steel Hollow Section Square Weight Chart
  • S355 Steel Density kg/m3
  • Mechanical Properties of Steel Grade E350
  • E350 steel Chemical Composition
  • Inspection Checklist of S235 Grade
  • Structural Steel and Reinforcement Steel Difference
  • Applications of S420 Material

What is Structural Steel?

Aspect Details
Purpose Construction material in various shapes
Profiles I-beams, channels, angles, hollow sections
Fabrication Methods – Hot Rolling: Shaping with heat
– Cold Rolling: Shaping at room temperature
– Welding: Joining sections
– Bending: Creating curves
Applications Buildings, bridges, roads, infrastructure projects

Producing & Testing of Structural Steel

Aspect Details
Composition Alloy of iron and carbon
Production Methods – Recycled Steel: Melting and refining
– Raw Materials: Extraction from iron ore
Iron Extraction – Process: Grinding taconite, magnetic separation
– Iron Ore Characteristics: Raw ore is soft; carbon adds strength
Iron-Carbon Alloy Production – Reduction Process: Heating coke with iron ore to bond carbon with oxygen
– Carbon Content: Below 2.1% to form steel; structural steel has 0.05-0.25% carbon
Properties of Structural Steel High strength-to-weight ratio
100% recyclable
Cost-effective
Grades Various grades with slight composition differences for specific needs

Check Structural Steel Grade E250 Properties

Due to its remarkable properties as given below, it has become a premium construction material for infrastructure and skylines manufacturing. Find below the key points that define what properties it provides to products made using structural steel grade E250.

Properties of Grade E250

  • Good weldability
  • Good formability
  • Good dimensional accuracy
  • Toughness
  • Heat treatable
  • Sturdy construction

Mechanical Properties of SS Grade E250

Property Value
Yield Strength 250 N/mm²
Tensile Strength 410 N/mm²
Elongation 23% minimum

View the Standard Structural Steel Materials and Standards

Structural steel is a versatile and durable material, making it highly valuable in the construction industry. Its unique combination of properties makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. When selecting structural steel for a particular project, engineers consider the material's properties to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

The following details about structural steel will provide you with comprehensive information about its characteristics and uses.

Structural material grades Types

Steel Type Key Features Common Uses
Carbon Steels No major alloys; Cu ≤ 0.6%, Mn ≤ 1.6%, Si ≤ 0.6% Structural pipes and tubing
High-Strength, Low-Alloy Steels Mn up to 2%; trace Cr, Ni, Mo, etc. Structural shapes and plates
Forged Steels Uniform grain structure; enhanced strength High-strength applications
Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steels Heat and rapid cooling; tough and strong High-strength structural uses

What are The Different Grades of Structural Steel ?

Steel Type Key Features Common Uses
A36 Steel – Low-carbon & Good weldability
– Yield strength: 36,000 PSI
Construction, bridges
A572 Steel – High-strength low-alloy
– Yield strength: 50,000 PSI
Bridges, offshore platforms
A992 Steel – Higher strength than A36
– Yield strength: 50,000 PSI
Commercial buildings, bridges
A500 Steel – Yield strength: 46,000 PSI
– Tensile strength: 62,000 PSI
Building frames, columns
A514 Steel – High-strength
– Yield strength: 100,000 PSI
Heavy machinery, mining equipment
A516 Steel – Yield strength: 38,000 PSI
– Tensile strength: 70,000 PSI
Pressure vessels, boilers
A242 Steel – Low-alloy high-strength
– Yield strength: 50,000 PSI
Outdoor structures, marine applications
A588 Steel – Yield strength: 50,000 PSI
– Excellent corrosion resistance
Bridges, infrastructure
A709 Steel – High-strength low-alloy
– Yield strength: 50,000 PSI
Bridges, buildings
A913 Steel – High-strength low-alloy
– Yield strength: 50,000 PSI
Bridges, buildings

Structural Steel Standards

ASTM Standards of Structural Steel

  • ASTM A36
  • ASTM A500
  • ASTM A572
  • ASTM A588
  • ASTM A709
  • ASTM A992
  • ASTM A285
  • ASTM A514
  • ASTM A516

European (EN) Standards of Structural Steel

  • S235JR – EN 1.0038
  • S275J2 – EN 1.0145
  • S355JR – EN 1.0045
  • S235J2 – EN 1.0117
  • S275JR – EN 1.0044
  • S355J0 – EN 1.0553
  • S420M – EN 1.8827
  • S355J2 – EN 1.0577

US Standards of Structural Steel

  • A283C
  • A570Gr40
  • A572Gr50

Different Shapes of Structural cold formed steel

  shapes of structural steel

Shape Description Common Uses
L-Shape Corner section; resembles the letter "L" Construction, industry, mining
U-Shape Two parallel sides; resembles the letter "U" High durability applications
C-Shape Cross-section resembles the letter "C" Purlins below roofs
Z-Shape Cross-section resembles the letter "Z" Purlins, similar uses to C-shape
Tubular Hollow Cross-Section Tubular with hollow cross-section Multi-axis constructions
Flatform Plates used for attachment Enhances bearing strength in construction
Rectangular Hollow Cross-Section Rectangular open cross-section Mechanical and construction industries
Square Hollow Cross-Section Square open cross-section Columns or pillars
Taper-Shaped Beams and Columns Tapered shape Industrial prefabricated steel buildings

S235 Steel Are Designed to Have Good Strength / Weight Ratio

This structural steel grade is known for offering a good strength-to-weight ratio. Its yield strength of 235MPa means it can withstand significant loads without permanent damage. This balance between strength and weight makes it ideal for applications where reducing weight is crucial without compromising durability or performance.

Strength-Weight Ratio of Structural Steel

Aspect Description
Strength-to-Weight Ratio Strength divided by density; indicates material efficiency.
Purpose Categorizes materials based on their suitability for specific uses.
Example: Concrete – High compression strength-to-weight ratio.
– Less effective in tension strength.
– Ideal for compression-focused applications.
Usage Helps determine material suitability for various structural needs.

  structural steel vs stainless steel

Structural Steel vs Stainless Steel

Aspect Structural Steel Stainless Steel
Materials Iron + <1.5% carbon Iron + Chromium, sometimes Nickel, Titanium
Common Uses Beams in high rises, structural applications Cutlery, medical materials, decorative plates
Strength & Hardness Higher iron content; very hard Slightly weaker; more malleable at room temperature
Ductility Less ductile compared to stainless steel Higher ductility due to added nickel
Cost Less expensive More expensive due to alloying elements and production
Magnetism Generally magnetic Typically non-magnetic; some grades may be magnetic
Temperature Higher melting point Lower melting point, but overlap with structural steel

Yield Strength of Structural cold formed steel

Grade

Minimum Yield Strength

N/mm2 (MPa) PSI
S235 235 N/mm2 33 000
S275 275 N/mm2 36 000
S355 355 N/mm2 50 000

Tensile Strength of Structural beam

Grade Tensile Strength MPa
S235 360 – 510 MPa
S275 370 – 530 MPa
S355 470 – 630 MPa

Chemical Composition of Structural Steels

EU Grade Mn% C% Si% S% P%
S235 1.60 max 0.22 max 0.05 max 0.05 max 0.05 max
S275 1.60 max 0.25 max 0.05 max 0.05 max 0.04 max
S355 1.60 max 0.23 max 0.05 max 0.05 max 0.05 max
Structural Steel Grade E350 Have a Carbon Content Between 0.1 and 0.3%

E250 material Chemical Composition

Grade C S Mn P Si Carbon Equivalent (CE), Max
IS 2062 E350 0.20 0.045 1.50 0.045 0.45 0.42
S420 Steel Material is Very Durable and is Resistant to Mold, Moisture

This grade of structural steel is known for its durability and resistance against moisture conditions where its shape might otherwise be affected. Due to its chemical composition, it offers this protective feature, making it highly applicable for long-term construction applications where durability is essential.

Advantages and Disadvantages of structural galvanized steel

Advantags Disadvantages
Higher strength/weight ratio Susceptible to corrosion
High durability High fire resistance cost
Versatility due to good ductility high maintenance costs
Sustainability Buckling is an issue

Benefits of Structural Steel Hollow Sections

Aspect Details
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio – Economical due to structural efficiencies.
– High radii of gyration enhance compression performance and reduce weight.
Aesthetic Appeal – Favored for architectural use.
– Smooth sides, rounded corners, and closed sections are ideal for exposed structures.
Less Surface Area for Coatings – Rectangular and square HSS have ~2/3 the surface area of open sections with similar capacity.
– Reduces surface preparation, painting material, labor, and fireproofing.
Closed Section – Effective at resisting torsional loads.
– Minimal surfaces collect dust and debris, suitable for clean environments.

Characteristic of AISI 304 & 316

Characteristics 304 stainless steel 316 stainless steel
Weldability High Good
Corrosion resistance Excellent Even better
Magnetic No No
Hardens during cold forming Yes Yes
Machinability (annealed) Fair, but better than 316 Fair
Resists elevated temperatures High High
Formability Very good Good
Maximum intermittent service temperature 1562°F 1562°F

  Structural Steel Hollow Section Square

S235 Steel Hollow Section Square Weight Chart

Section Index Weight Area Sizes Corner Radius Axis 1-1 Axis 2-2
Depth Width Thickness ra ri Ix Sx rx ly Sy ry Vpy Vpz
Ax d bf tf tw
(lb/ft) (in2) (in) (in) (in) (in) (in) (in) (in 4) (in2) (in) (in 4) (in2) (in) (in) (in)
HSSQ22x22x0,875 244 7/8 67 2/7 22 22 4/5 4/5 4/5 1 5/8 4970 530 8 3/5 4970 530 8 3/5 11 11
HSSQ20x20x0,75 4/7 191 52 3/5 20 20 2/3 2/3 2/3 1 2/5 3230 378 7 5/6 3230 378 7 5/6 10 10
HSSQ22x22x0,75 212 58 1/5 22 22 2/3 2/3 2/3 1 2/5 4350 462 8 2/3 4350 462 8 2/3 11 11
HSSQ20x20x0,875 221 60 4/5 20 20 4/5 4/5 4/5 1 5/8 3670 433 7 7/9 3670 433 7 7/9 10 10
HSSQ20x20x0,625 161 2/5 44 2/7 20 20 4/7 4/7 4/7 1 1/6 2750 320 7 7/8 2750 320 7 7/8 10 10
HSSQ20x20x0,5 130 1/2 35 4/5 20 20 1/2 1/2 1/2 1 2260 261 8 2260 261 8 10 10

S355 Steel Density kg/m3

Material Property Value
Density ρ ≈ 7850 kg/m3
Unit weight γ ≈ 78.5 kN/m3
Modulus of elasticity E
(Young’s modulus)
210000 MPa
Shear modulus G G = E / [2 ⋅ (1 + ν) ] ≈ 81000 MPa
Poisson’s ratio in elastic range ν 0.30
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion α 12 ×10-6 °K-1

Mechanical Properties of Steel Grade E350

Tensile Strength in Mpa 490 min.
Yield Strength in Mpa 320 min.
Hardness in BHN 170 – 207
Elongation in % 22 min.
Reduction of Area in % –
Impact in Joule –

E350 steel Chemical Composition

Carbon C % 0.200 max.
Phosphorus P % 0.045 max.
Silicon Si % 0.450 max.
Manganese Mn % 1.550 max.
Sulphur S % 0.045 max.
Iron Fe % Balance

Inspection Checklist of S235 Grade

  • Design code
  • Purchase order specification
  • Steel Structure Manufacture Quality Control Plan
  • Steel Structure Inspection and test plan
  • Steel Structure Data Sheet
  • Steel Structure Approved Drawings
  • Steel Structure Strength calculation sheets
  • Steel Structure Material Test Reports
  • Certificate No.
  • Heat or cast No.
  • Chemical composition.
  • Mechanical properties.
  • Heat treated condition.
  • NDE applied and results.
  • Welders properly qualified
  • Test coupons compiled where necessary
  • Dimensional check on pre-drilled parts
  • Correct fastening being used
  • Protection of protruding parts
  • Shipping and other marks

Structural Steel and Reinforcement Steel Difference

 Structural Steel and Reinforcement Steel

Aspect Structural Steel Reinforced Steel
Primary Use Forming the frames of buildings and structures Reinforcing concrete and masonry structures
Materials Various types of steel, including carbon-manganese, high-strength low-alloy Hot rolled deformed bars, mild steel plain bars, cold worked steel reinforcements
Forms Beams, braces, plates, columns in various shapes (S, L, H, C, I, HSS, T, Pipe) Steel bars (rebar) in various forms and treatments (hot rolled, cold worked, etc.)
Shapes Defined by cross-sectional shapes such as S, L, H, C, I, HSS, T, Pipe Typically round or square bars, not defined by cross-sectional shapes
Key Characteristics High strength, flexibility Provides tensile strength to complement concrete’s compressive strength
Typical Applications Used in constructing beams, columns, bridges Used within concrete to handle tensile stresses, e.g., in slabs, beams
Strength Focus Focuses on overall structural strength and load-bearing capacity Focuses on tensile strength and reinforcing

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