EN10219 S460NLH ERW Pipe

EN10219 S460NLH ERW Pipe

EN10219 S460NLH ERW Pipe: High-Strength Normalized Fine-Grain Structural Hollow Section for Low Temperatures

Detailed material data for S460NLH steel according to EN10219 standard: cold-formed welded structural hollow sections with minimum yield strength 460 MPa and guaranteed impact energy at -50°C. Covers chemical, mechanical, thermal, electrical properties, equivalent grades, and application guidance.

Electric Resistance Welding (ERW), cold forming, bending, cutting, drilling, hot-dip galvanizing, normalizing (optional)

EN10219 S460NLH ERW Pipe Introduction

S460NLH is a normalized fine-grain structural steel grade intended for cold-formed and welded hollow sections, specified in EN 10219. The designation S460NLH indicates: S for structural steel, 460 for the minimum yield strength of 460 MPa (for thickness ≤ 16 mm), N for normalized or normalized rolled delivery condition, L for low-temperature impact toughness (test temperature -50°C), and H for hollow section. This steel offers a balanced combination of high strength, excellent weldability, and reliable toughness in service temperatures as low as -50°C. The ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) pipes and hollow sections made from this grade are used in demanding structural applications such as bridges, offshore platforms, wind towers, heavy machinery, and construction where weight reduction and low-temperature toughness are critical. The chemical composition is controlled with maximum limits on carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur, along with microalloying elements (Nb, V, Al, Ti) to ensure fine grain structure and improved toughness. Mechanical properties vary with thickness, and the steel meets strict Charpy V-notch energy requirements. This material is primarily supplied in the cold-formed and welded condition, sometimes with subsequent normalizing treatment depending on customer requirements and product dimensions.

EN10219 S460NLH ERW Pipe Chemical Composition

The table below shows the chemical requirements for S460NLH grade according to EN 10219-1:2006, Table 2. Maximum limits are given unless a range is specified. Aluminium is required as grain refiner. The steel is fully killed and fine-grain treated.

ElementSpecified ValueRemarks
Carbon (C)≤ 0.20Max
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.60Max
Manganese (Mn)≤ 1.70Max
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.025Max
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.020Max
Nitrogen (N)≤ 0.025Max
Aluminium (Al total)≥ 0.020Min
Niobium (Nb)≤ 0.05Max
Vanadium (V)≤ 0.12Max
Titanium (Ti)≤ 0.05Max
Nickel (Ni)≤ 0.80Max
Molybdenum (Mo)≤ 0.20Max
Copper (Cu)≤ 0.55Max
Chromium (Cr)≤ 0.30Max
Ceq (CEV)Typically ≤ 0.45Product analysis based on EN 10219-1

EN10219 S460NLH ERW Pipe Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Typical physical properties for structural steel similar to S460NLH at room temperature and elevated temperatures. These values are not part of EN 10219 but are representative for low-alloy fine-grain steels. Actual values may vary slightly with exact composition and heat treatment.

PropertySpecified ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20°C
Young's modulus (E)210GPa20°C
Shear modulus (G)≈ 81GPa20°C
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.30–20°C (elastic range)
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)11.1 x 10⁻⁶K⁻¹20–100°C
Thermal conductivity (λ)51.9W/(m·K)20°C
Specific heat capacity (cp)460J/(kg·K)20°C
Electrical resistivity (ρₑ)0.18 x 10⁻⁶Ω·m20°C

EN10219 S460NLH ERW Pipe Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties for S460NLH hollow sections at room temperature, in accordance with EN 10219-1:2006, Table 3. Yield strength depends on nominal thickness (t in mm). The impact test is performed on longitudinal test pieces at -50°C with a minimum average absorbed energy of 27 J. All properties are minimum values unless otherwise stated.

PropertySpecified ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)460MPat ≤ 16 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)440MPa16 < t ≤ 40 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)420MPa40 < t ≤ 65 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)400MPa65 < t ≤ 80 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)380MPa80 < t ≤ 100 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)360MPa100 < t ≤ 120 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)540 – 720MPat < 3 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)540 – 720MPa3 ≤ t ≤ 100 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥ 14%t < 3 mm, gauge length 5.65√S₀
Elongation after fracture (A)≥ 17%3 ≤ t ≤ 40 mm, gauge length 5.65√S₀
Elongation after fracture (A)≥ 17%40 < t ≤ 100 mm, gauge length 5.65√S₀
Charpy V-notch impact energy (KV)≥ 27 (avg), min. 20 individuallyJ-50°C, longitudinal

EN10219 S460NLH ERW Pipe Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
European UnionEN 10210S460NLHHot-finished hollow sections. Same steel chemistry and mechanical properties, but different manufacturing route. Can be substituted if product form and tolerances are compatible.
European UnionEN 10025-3S460NLPlate steel for welded structures. Used to fabricate welded hollow sections; not a direct hollow section standard but same base material.

EN10219 S460NLH ERW Pipe Application Introduction

S460NLH hollow sections are designed for highly loaded structures that must withstand dynamic loads and low temperatures. The combination of high strength, good weldability, and excellent notch toughness down to –50°C makes this grade ideal for heavy-duty applications where safety and weight saving are crucial. Typical applications include bridge components, offshore platform legs, wind turbine tower sections, crane booms, and heavy construction frames. The material can be processed by cutting, drilling, bending, and galvanizing. Strict adherence to welding procedures (preheat, interpass temperature, hydrogen control) is necessary for thick sections.

Product Applications: Welded bridge beams and arches, Offshore jacket legs and braces, Wind turbine tubular towers and foundations, Heavy-duty crane booms and jibs, High-capacity storage rack uprights, Piling for quay walls and harbors

Processed into products: Circular hollow section (CHS) columns and chords, Rectangular hollow section (RHS) truss members, Transition cones in monopile foundations, Bolted flange connections for tubular structures, Welded nodes in space frames, Bending stiffeners and gussets

Application industries: Bridge & Infrastructure Construction, Offshore & Marine Engineering, Wind Energy (Tower Structures), Heavy Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing, Structural Steelwork for Industrial Buildings

EN10219 S460NLH ERW Pipe Similar / Alternative Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASTM A1085Grade 46SImproved weldability hollow sections with 315 MPa min yield; only comparable if strength reduction is acceptable. Not suitable for -50°C.
JapanJIS G3466STKN490BCarbon steel square tubes, yield 325 MPa min; lower strength class but similar use in structural frames. Impact properties not guaranteed at -50°C.
ChinaGB/T 1591Q460DHigh-strength low-alloy structural steel with –20°C impact; not a direct hollow section grade, but can be used for welded tubes. Low-temperature toughness differs.
European UnionEN 10219S460MHThermomechanically rolled fine-grain steel with similar strength but impact test at –20°C only. Alternative for less severe low-temperature requirements.

Notes:

Welding: The carbon equivalent (CEV) is typically ≤ 0.45%. Preheat may be necessary depending on thickness and combined thickness; follow EN 1011-2 recommendations. Tolerances: Dimensional and form tolerances are in accordance with EN 10219-2. Surface condition: Unless otherwise specified, hollow sections are supplied in the as-welded condition, with a thin mill scale layer. Corrosion protection: Suitable for hot-dip galvanizing; the chemistry satisfies requirements for good zinc adherence. Certification: Inspection documents according to EN 10204, usually type 3.1.

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