Structural Steel: Introduction, Grades and Applications -

Structural Steel: Introduction, Grades and Applications

What is Structural Steel?

A standard construction material made from specific grades of steel and formed in a range of industry-standard cross-sectional shapes. Their design enables them to formulate chemical composition and mechanical properties according to different practical applications.

What are European Steel Grades?

There are a lot of different steel grades used in Europe. Examples may include, S190, S235, S275 and S355. Out of them, the latter 3 are most widely used in the whole of Europe. The standard way of nomenclature in European Steel is as follows-

There are a lot of different steel grades used in Europe. Examples may include, S190, S235, S275 and S355. Out of them, the latter 3 are most widely used in the whole of Europe. The standard way of nomenclature in European Steel is as follows-
S represents the structural steel
‘190’, ‘235’ etc. represent the maximum yield strength of the steel
‘J2’, ‘K2’, ‘JR’, and ‘JO’ all demonstrate the material toughness in relation to the Charpy impact or ‘V’ notch test methodology
‘W’ refers to weathering steel
‘Z’ represents structural steel with improved strength perpendicular to the surface
‘C’ implies cold-formed

What are its equivalent grades in the US?

EU	US
S235	A283C
S275	A570Gr40
S355	A570Gr40

What are the chemical compositions of EU grades Structural Steel?

EU Grade	C%	Mn%	P%	S%	Si%
S235	0.22	1.60	0.05	0.05	0.05
S275	0.25	1.60	0.04	0.05	0.05
S355	0.23	1.60	0.05	0.05	0.05

What are the mechanical properties of EU grades Structural Steel?

EU	Maximum Yield Strength MPa(at 16mm)	Tensile Strength MPa(at 16mm)
S235	235	360-510
S275	275	370-530
S355	355	470-630

Common Cross section of Structural Steel

I-beams, Z-beams, box lintels, hollow structural section (HSS), L-shaped and steel plate