EN10025-2 S355K2 Steel

EN10025-2 S355K2 Steel

EN10025-2 S355K2 Steel: Properties, Composition and SSAW Pipe Applications

Comprehensive material data for S355K2 structural steel conforming to EN 10025-2, including chemical analysis, mechanical and physical properties. Widely utilized in spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes for oil, gas and water transmission.

Hot rolling, normalizing, cold forming, welding

EN10025-2 S355K2 Steel Introduction

S355K2 is a non-alloy structural steel grade defined in EN 10025-2. It is characterized by a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa and guaranteed impact toughness of 40 J at -20 °C (K2 quality). The steel offers excellent weldability and cold forming properties, making it suitable for heavy welded structures. Typical delivery conditions are as-rolled (+AR) or normalized (+N).

  • High strength combined with good low-temperature toughness
  • Supplied as plates, strips and wide flats, often used for spiral welded pipes
  • Sulfur and phosphorus contents are tightly controlled to enhance ductility and weldability

EN10025-2 S355K2 Steel Chemical Composition

Ladle analysis limits according to EN 10025-2:2019 for grade S355K2. Values are maximum except where a range is given. Elements not listed may be controlled to achieve the required mechanical properties.

  • Low carbon content ensures good weldability.
  • Phosphorus and sulfur are kept low to improve ductility and impact toughness.
  • Carbon equivalent (CEV) is limited for thick products to avoid hardening during welding.
ElementStandard Value max. %Remarks
C0.20For product thickness ≤ 40 mm; for t > 40 mm max. 0.22
Mn1.60–
Si0.55–
P0.025For long products P max. 0.030
S0.025For long products S max. 0.030
N0.012Nitrogen limit; higher N is allowed if sufficient nitride-forming elements are present
Cu0.55Copper limit; may be adjusted for specific applications
CEV0.45Max. carbon equivalent value (CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15) for t ≤ 40 mm; 0.47 for 40 < t ≤ 63 mm

EN10025-2 S355K2 Steel Physical, Thermal and Electrical Properties

Typical values for non-alloy structural steel at room temperature (20 °C) and under standard conditions. These properties are not mandatory according to EN 10025-2 but are commonly used for design calculations.

  • Thermal expansion is linear up to approx. 100 °C.
  • Thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature.
PropertyTypical ValueUnitNotes / Test Condition
Density (ρ)7850kg/m³At 20 °C
Modulus of elasticity (E)200GPaTension, 20 °C
Shear modulus (G)approx. 80GPaCalculated from E and Poisson's ratio
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.3–Elastic deformation
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)11.7 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹20–100 °C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.5 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹20–200 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)52W/(m·K)At 20 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)48W/(m·K)At 200 °C
Specific heat capacity (Cp)460J/(kg·K)At 20 °C
Electrical resistivity (ρₑ)0.16µΩ·mAt 20 °C

EN10025-2 S355K2 Steel Mechanical Properties

Tensile and impact test values at ambient temperature as required by EN 10025-2 for grade S355K2. The impact test temperature is -20 °C, minimum average absorbed energy 40 J for full-size specimens (longitudinal direction). Bending test is performed at 180° with specified mandrel diameter.

  • Yield strength decreases with increasing product thickness.
  • Elongation values apply to longitudinal test pieces with gauge length L0 = 5.65 √S0.
PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition / Thickness
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 355MPat ≤ 16 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 345MPa16 < t ≤ 40 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 335MPa40 < t ≤ 63 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 325MPa63 < t ≤ 80 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 315MPa80 < t ≤ 100 mm
Tensile strength (Rm)470–630MPa3 ≤ t ≤ 100 mm
Tensile strength (Rm)510–680MPat < 3 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 22%3 ≤ t ≤ 40 mm, L₀=5.65√S₀
Elongation (A)≥ 21%40 < t ≤ 63 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 20%63 < t ≤ 80 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 20%80 < t ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 19%2.5 < t < 3 mm
Impact energy (KV)≥ 40 (longitudinal)J-20 °C, V-notch, t ≥ 6 mm
Bend test (180°)d = 2a–t ≤ 16 mm (mandrel diameter = 2 × sample thickness)
Bend test (180°)d = 2a–16 < t ≤ 40 mm
Bend test (180°)d = 3a–40 < t ≤ 80 mm

EN10025-2 S355K2 Steel Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
European UnionEN 10025-2:2019S355K2Original specification; covers hot-rolled non-alloy structural steel
InternationalISO 630-2:2021S355K2Technically identical to EN 10025-2, same chemical and mechanical requirements
GermanyDIN EN 10025-2S355K2Adopted European standard without modification
United KingdomBS EN 10025-2S355K2Same as EN 10025-2
FranceNF EN 10025-2S355K2Same as EN 10025-2
ItalyUNI EN 10025-2S355K2Same as EN 10025-2
ChinaGB/T 1591-2018Q355DChemical composition (P/S limits) and impact test (-20 °C, 40 J longitudinal) are comparable; verify full equivalence for critical applications

EN10025-2 S355K2 Steel Application Introduction

S355K2 is specifically selected for applications requiring a combination of high strength, excellent weldability and guaranteed toughness at sub-zero temperatures (-20 °C). Its tight sulfur and phosphorus control plus the fine-grain practice ensure reliable performance in demanding structural and pressure-containing components.

  • Widely used for spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes in oil & gas transmission, water mains and piling.
  • Suitable for heavy welded frameworks, bridges, offshore platforms and crane booms.
  • Can be delivered in normalized or as-rolled condition depending on thickness and toughness requirements.

Product Applications: Spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes, Longitudinally welded (LSAW) pipes, Welded I-beams, H-beams and box columns, Storage tank shells, Offshore platform jackets and decks, Piling pipes and foundation piles

Processed into products: Pipe body and connectors for high-pressure pipelines, Flanges, fittings and elbows in pipeline systems, Bridge main girders and cross beams, Wind turbine tower sections, Crane main chords and boom sections, Heavy-duty structural nodes and gusset plates

Application industries: Oil & gas transportation (pipeline systems), Water supply and sewage infrastructure, Structural engineering and construction, Bridge and highway construction, Offshore and marine engineering, Heavy machinery and crane manufacturing

EN10025-2 S355K2 Steel Similar / Alternative Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeComparative Notes
EUEN 10025-2S355J2Same strength, but impact test at +20 °C instead of -20 °C; not suitable where low-temperature toughness is required
EUEN 10025-3S355NLNormalized fine-grain steel with improved toughness down to -50 °C; often interchangeable with S355K2 when better notch toughness is needed
EUEN 10025-4S355MLThermo-mechanically rolled, low-temperature toughness up to -50 °C; similar strength, better weldability for thick sections
USAASTM A572/A572MGrade 50 [345]Yield strength 345 MPa, similar chemistry; does not inherently guarantee impact toughness at -20 °C, supplementary requirement S5 can add KV test
USAASTM A709/A709MGrade 50W [345W]Weathering steel with 345 MPa yield; impact toughness optional; suitable for bridges where atmospheric corrosion resistance is needed
JapanJIS G3106SM490YBYield strength 365 MPa (t≤16mm); weldable structural steel; impact test not mandatory unless specified; check temperature requirement

Notes:

Welding: S355K2 exhibits excellent weldability with all common methods. Preheating may be required for thicker sections (above 40 mm) or when the carbon equivalent exceeds 0.43. Cold forming: Suitable for cold bending and flanging; a slightly larger mandrel diameter than the standard bend test is recommended for severe forming. Delivery conditions: The +AR (as-rolled) route is permissible only when the steelmaker demonstrates sufficient toughness at -20 °C; normalized (+N) condition is often preferred for thick plates and critical applications. Certification: Inspection documents according to EN 10204 type 3.1 or 3.2 are typically supplied. SSAW pipe specifics: For spiral welded pipes, the steel must satisfy both the plate/skelp requirements and the final pipe mechanicals; a hoop tensile test and weld procedure qualification are necessary.

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