DIN 17102 WStE285

DIN 17102 WStE285

DIN 17102 WStE285 Weather-Resistant Fine-Grain Structural Steel Plate for Welded Construction

DIN 17102 WStE285 is a normalized, weldable fine-grain structural steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance, offering a minimum yield strength of 285 MPa for thicknesses up to 16 mm. Ideal for bridges, buildings, and heavy-duty welded structures.

Normalized rolling, normalizing heat treatment; suitable for welding, bending, cold forming

DIN 17102 WStE285 Introduction

DIN 17102 WStE285 is a German standard weather-resistant, weldable fine-grain structural steel delivered in the normalized condition. The prefix "W" denotes enhanced resistance to atmospheric corrosion (weathering steel). This steel exhibits a minimum yield strength of 285 MPa for plates and sections up to 16 mm in thickness, combined with good toughness at low temperatures (typically -20°C). It is fully killed, aluminum-treated for fine grain practice, and optionally microalloyed with niobium, vanadium, or titanium to achieve the required mechanical properties.

  • Excellent weldability due to controlled carbon equivalent
  • Improved corrosion resistance for outdoor, unpainted applications
  • Guaranteed impact energy at sub-zero temperatures

DIN 17102 WStE285 Chemical Composition

Chemical composition according to DIN 17102 for weather-resistant WStE285. The steel is fully killed and aluminum-fine-grained. Microalloying elements may be added to achieve specified mechanical properties. Maximum limits are given unless a range is indicated.

ElementStandard Value (%)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤ 0.18Plate thickness dependent
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.50For deoxidation
Manganese (Mn)1.00 – 1.50Contributes to strength and toughness
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.035Maximum
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.030Maximum
Aluminum (Al)≥ 0.020Acid soluble, for fine grain
Nitrogen (N)≤ 0.020Maximum
Niobium (Nb)≤ 0.05Optional microalloy
Vanadium (V)≤ 0.10Optional microalloy
Titanium (Ti)≤ 0.05Optional microalloy
Chromium (Cr)≤ 0.25Residual element; may be specified for weathering
Copper (Cu)≤ 0.35Residual; enhances weathering resistance
Nickel (Ni)≤ 0.30Residual

DIN 17102 WStE285 Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The physical properties are typical for weldable fine-grain structural steel. Actual values may vary slightly depending on exact composition and heat treatment. Density is assumed 7.85 g/cm³. Thermal and electrical data are estimated for temperatures up to 300°C.

PropertyValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³At 20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)210GPaAt 20°C
Shear Modulus (G)81GPaAt 20°C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3-At 20°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.110⁻⁶/K20 – 100°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.110⁻⁶/K20 – 200°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.910⁻⁶/K20 – 300°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)50W/(m·K)At 20°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)48W/(m·K)At 200°C
Specific Heat Capacity460J/(kg·K)At 20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e)0.25µΩ·mAt 20°C

DIN 17102 WStE285 Mechanical Properties

Minimum yield strength and tensile strength as specified in DIN 17102, depending on product thickness. The values given apply for the normalized (+N) delivery condition. Impact energy is measured on Charpy-V specimens (transverse) at -20°C.

  • Yield strength (ReH) decreases with increasing thickness.
  • Elongation is based on gauge length L₀ = 5.65√S₀ (A5).
PropertyValueUnitTest Condition / Thickness
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 285MPat ≤ 16 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 275MPa16 mm < t ≤ 35 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 265MPa35 mm < t ≤ 50 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 255MPa50 mm < t ≤ 80 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 245MPa80 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)430 – 570MPat ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A5, longitudinal)≥ 19%t ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A5, transverse)≥ 18%t ≤ 100 mm
Bend Test (mandrel diameter)2a-t ≤ 16 mm, 180° bend
Bend Test (mandrel diameter)3a-16 mm < t ≤ 35 mm, 180° bend
Impact Energy (KV, transverse)≥ 27J-20°C, Charpy-V notch

DIN 17102 WStE285 Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-3S275N / S275NLNormalized fine-grain steel; S275NL has guaranteed low-temperature impact properties at -50°C. The yield strength is 275 MPa, slightly lower but widely accepted as equivalent.
Europe (historical)EN 10113-2S275NSuperseded by EN 10025-3, but equivalent in concept.
Germany (DIN)DIN 17100St 52-3Not a fine-grain steel but provides similar tensile strength and some weather resistance; not fully equivalent.

DIN 17102 WStE285 Application Introduction

This steel is designed for heavy-duty welded structures where improved atmospheric corrosion resistance reduces maintenance costs. It is typically used without protective coatings, relying on a stable patina that forms on exposure to the atmosphere.

  • Preheating may be required for thicker sections before welding.
  • Heat treatment after welding is not usually necessary.
  • Good formability allows bending and cold forming.

Product Applications: Welded bridge girders, Architectural exposed steel frames, Storage tanks and silos, Railroad wagons and passenger coaches, Telecommunication lattice towers, Offshore platform substructures, Wind turbine towers (non-critical parts)

Processed into products: Flanges and webs of plate girders, Welded box sections, Bolted or welded connections, Corrosion-resistant cladding and facades, Structural nodes and stiffeners, Beams and columns in building frames

Application industries: Bridge construction, Building and civil engineering, Offshore and marine structures, Rolling stock and railway vehicles, Power transmission towers, Container and tank fabrication

DIN 17102 WStE285 Similar or Alternative Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASTM A588 / A709 Gr 36Grade B / 36Weathering steel with min. yield 290 MPa (42 ksi) for thickness ≤ 100 mm. Higher mechanical properties but similar corrosion resistance.
USAASTM A572Grade 42High-strength low-alloy structural steel, yield 290 MPa, but not weathering.
JapanJIS G 3114SMA400AW/BW/CWWeather-resistant hot-rolled steel for welded structures; min. yield 235 MPa, lower strength.
ChinaGB/T 4171Q355NHWeathering structural steel with min. yield 355 MPa, higher strength than WStE285.
EuropeEN 10025-2S275J0 / J2Non-weathering structural steel with min. yield 275 MPa; can be an alternative if corrosion resistance is not required.

Notes:

Welding guidelines: Carbon equivalent (CEV) typically ≤ 0.45, ensuring good weldability without extensive preheating.

  • For thicknesses above 30 mm, preheating to 100–150°C may be beneficial.
  • Low hydrogen welding consumables are recommended.
  • When exposed to aggressive environments (marine splash zones, heavy industrial pollution), a protective coating may still be advisable.
  • The weathering patina develops slowly; initial wash-off may cause staining of surrounding materials—proper detailing is required.
  • This product is no longer actively revised under DIN 17102; refer to EN 10025-3 for new projects.
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