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
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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.
| Element | Standard Value (%) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.18 | Plate thickness dependent |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.50 | For deoxidation |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.00 – 1.50 | Contributes to strength and toughness |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035 | Maximum |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 | Maximum |
| Aluminum (Al) | ≥ 0.020 | Acid soluble, for fine grain |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.020 | Maximum |
| Niobium (Nb) | ≤ 0.05 | Optional microalloy |
| Vanadium (V) | ≤ 0.10 | Optional microalloy |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.05 | Optional microalloy |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.25 | Residual element; may be specified for weathering |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.35 | Residual; enhances weathering resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.30 | Residual |
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.
| Property | Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | At 20°C |
| Modulus of Elasticity (E) | 210 | GPa | At 20°C |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 81 | GPa | At 20°C |
| Poisson's Ratio (ν) | 0.3 | - | At 20°C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 11.1 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20 – 100°C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 12.1 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20 – 200°C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 12.9 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20 – 300°C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 50 | W/(m·K) | At 20°C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 48 | W/(m·K) | At 200°C |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 460 | J/(kg·K) | At 20°C |
| Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e) | 0.25 | µΩ·m | At 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).
| Property | Value | Unit | Test Condition / Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 285 | MPa | t ≤ 16 mm |
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 275 | MPa | 16 mm < t ≤ 35 mm |
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 265 | MPa | 35 mm < t ≤ 50 mm |
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 255 | MPa | 50 mm < t ≤ 80 mm |
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 245 | MPa | 80 mm < t ≤ 100 mm |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 430 – 570 | MPa | t ≤ 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) | ≥ 27 | J | -20°C, Charpy-V notch |
DIN 17102 WStE285 Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN 10025-3 | S275N / S275NL | Normalized 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 10113-2 | S275N | Superseded by EN 10025-3, but equivalent in concept. |
| Germany (DIN) | DIN 17100 | St 52-3 | Not 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/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A588 / A709 Gr 36 | Grade B / 36 | Weathering steel with min. yield 290 MPa (42 ksi) for thickness ≤ 100 mm. Higher mechanical properties but similar corrosion resistance. |
| USA | ASTM A572 | Grade 42 | High-strength low-alloy structural steel, yield 290 MPa, but not weathering. |
| Japan | JIS G 3114 | SMA400AW/BW/CW | Weather-resistant hot-rolled steel for welded structures; min. yield 235 MPa, lower strength. |
| China | GB/T 4171 | Q355NH | Weathering structural steel with min. yield 355 MPa, higher strength than WStE285. |
| Europe | EN 10025-2 | S275J0 / J2 | Non-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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