GB/T 1591 Q390D High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Coil

GB/T 1591 Q390D High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Coil

Q390D High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Coil per GB/T 1591

Q390D is a Chinese standard high-strength low-alloy structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa, offering good weldability, formability, and low-temperature toughness (impact tested at -20°C). Commonly supplied as coil, it is widely used in heavy structures, bridges, and machinery.

Hot rolling, controlled rolling, normalizing, thermomechanical processing, welding, bending, forming, machining, thermal cutting

GB/T 1591 Q390D High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Coil Introduction

Q390D is a grade defined in the Chinese standard GB/T 1591 for high-strength low-alloy structural steels. It features a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa for thicknesses up to 16 mm and is designated with quality D, indicating guaranteed Charpy V-notch impact energy of at least 47 J at -20°C.

Key attributes include:

  • Excellent combination of high strength and good ductility
  • Good weldability with appropriate preheating and filler metals
  • Suitable for cold forming processes
  • Often delivered in hot-rolled or normalized condition to meet toughness requirements
  • Widely available as coils, plates, and sections

This steel is a popular choice in structural engineering, heavy machinery, and construction due to its balanced properties and cost-effectiveness.

GB/T 1591 Q390D High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Coil Chemical Composition

The following chemical composition limits apply to Q390D steel as specified in GB/T 1591-2018 for thicknesses up to 250 mm. Values are maximum unless a range is given. Microalloying elements such as Nb, V, Ti may be used singly or in combination to achieve the required mechanical properties.

Chemical ElementStandard Value (mass %)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤ 0.20Heat analysis
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.55Heat analysis
Manganese (Mn)1.00 - 1.70Heat analysis
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.025For Quality D
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.015For Quality D
Niobium (Nb)≤ 0.07Optional microalloy element
Vanadium (V)≤ 0.20Optional microalloy element
Titanium (Ti)≤ 0.20Optional microalloy element
Chromium (Cr)≤ 0.30Residual or optional
Nickel (Ni)≤ 0.50Residual or optional
Copper (Cu)≤ 0.30Residual or optional
Molybdenum (Mo)≤ 0.10Residual or optional
Nitrogen (N)≤ 0.015For normalized products
Aluminium (Altot)≥ 0.015Minimum total aluminium required for fine grain practice

GB/T 1591 Q390D High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Coil Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Physical properties are not specified in the standard but are provided as typical values for low-alloy structural steels at room temperature unless otherwise noted. These may vary with exact composition and heat treatment condition.

PropertyStandard ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.83g/cm³20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)206GPaRoom temperature
Shear Modulus (G)79GPaRoom temperature, estimated from E and Poisson ratio
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.30Room temperature
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.510⁻⁶/K20–100°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.510⁻⁶/K20–200°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)13.510⁻⁶/K20–400°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)47W/(m·K)20°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)43W/(m·K)100°C
Specific Heat Capacity (c)460J/(kg·K)20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρe)0.2310⁻⁶ Ω·m20°C

GB/T 1591 Q390D High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Coil Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are derived from GB/T 1591-2018 and are valid for hot-rolled or normalized condition. The values vary with product thickness. Impact test is performed on Charpy V-notch specimens at -20°C. Bend test is 180° around a mandrel with specified diameter.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 390MPaThickness ≤ 16 mm, transverse
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 370MPaThickness > 16 mm ≤ 40 mm, transverse
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 350MPaThickness > 40 mm ≤ 63 mm, transverse
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 330MPaThickness > 63 mm ≤ 80 mm, transverse
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 310MPaThickness > 80 mm ≤ 100 mm, transverse
Tensile Strength (Rm)490 - 650MPaAll thicknesses, transverse
Elongation (A)≥ 20%Thickness ≤ 40 mm, gauge length 5.65√So
Elongation (A)≥ 19%Thickness > 40 mm ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 18%Thickness > 100 mm ≤ 250 mm
Charpy Impact Energy (KV₂)≥ 47JLongitudinal, -20°C, V-notch
Bend Test (180°)d = 2aThickness ≤ 16 mm, a = specimen thickness
Bend Test (180°)d = 3aThickness > 16 mm ≤ 40 mm
Bend Test (180°)d = 3.5aThickness > 40 mm ≤ 63 mm

GB/T 1591 Q390D High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Coil Closest Equivalent International Standards and Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-3S420NYield 420 MPa, -20°C impact, fine grain normalized; slightly higher strength
EuropeEN 10149-2S390MCThermomechanically rolled, high yield for cold forming, -20°C variant available, suitable for coil
USAASTM A572Grade 60 [415 MPa] or Grade 65 [450 MPa]Yield strength overlaps; Charpy requirements can be specified supplementary; closest match may be Grade 60 with notch toughness
JapanJIS G3106SM490YAYield 365 MPa for ≤16 mm; -20°C impact option (YB) gives similar toughness but lower strength
InternationalISO 4950-2E390DDesignation with 390 MPa yield and -20°C impact; partly aligned

GB/T 1591 Q390D High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Coil Application Introduction

Q390D steel is engineered for heavy-duty structural applications that demand high static and dynamic loads combined with reliable low-temperature toughness. Its balanced chemistry permits easy processing, and the material is a standard choice for critical construction projects.

Typical industries, products, and components are listed below.

Product Applications: Steel coils and cut-to-length sheets, Hot-rolled plates and strips, Structural sections (H-beams, I-beams, channels, angles), Welded beams and box girders, Pressure vessel shells, Tubular structures and hollow sections, Prefabricated building frames and modules

Processed into products: Bridge girders, diaphragms, and stiffeners, Offshore jacket legs and topside structure members, Crane booms, jibs, and outriggers, Excavator arms and bulldozer blades, Heavy-duty vehicle chassis and frames, Wind turbine tower shells and flanges, Ship hull plates and stiffeners, Boiler drums and pressure vessel heads, Mining dump truck bodies, Transmission line poles and lattice towers

Application industries: Civil engineering and construction, Bridge and highway engineering, Heavy machinery and equipment manufacturing, Shipbuilding and marine structures, Offshore platforms and wind energy towers, Mining and earthmoving equipment, Pressure vessel and boiler fabrication, Railway vehicle and rolling stock, Crane and lifting industries, Pipe line and structural tubing

GB/T 1591 Q390D High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Coil Similar or Substitute Materials in Neighboring Strength Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB/T 1591Q390B/Q390C/Q390EDifferent impact test temperatures (B=+20°C, C=0°C, E=-40°C), otherwise same base composition and strength
ChinaGB/T 1591Q420DHigher strength (420 MPa) with similar low-temperature toughness; often interchangeable with design adjustments
ChinaGB/T 1591Q345D (Grade S355 equivalent)Lower strength (345 MPa), widely used; may be considered for downgrading if stresses allow
EuropeEN 10025-2S355J2+NNormally used as closest European structural steel, but yield is 355 MPa; often used in similar applications

Notes:

Welding: Q390D can be welded by all common processes. Preheating (50–150°C depending on thickness) and low-hydrogen electrodes are recommended to avoid cold cracking.

Forming: Suitable for cold bending with appropriate radius (≥2t for thin gauges).

Traceability: Mill test certificates (EN 10204 type 3.1 or 3.2) should be requested to confirm impact values and chemical composition.

Corrosion protection: As a low-alloy steel, surface coating (painting, galvanizing) is required for outdoor exposure.

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