GB/T 1591 Q460D High Strength Low Alloy Steel Material for SSAW Pipe

GB/T 1591 Q460D High Strength Low Alloy Steel Material for SSAW Pipe

GB/T 1591 Q460D High Strength Low Alloy Steel for SSAW Pipe - Properties & Applications

Explore the chemical, mechanical and physical properties of Q460D steel under GB/T 1591 standard. Find international equivalents, similar grades, and typical applications for spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes and structural engineering.

Hot rolling, cold forming, welding, bending, cutting, normalization, TMCP

GB/T 1591 Q460D High Strength Low Alloy Steel for SSAW Pipe Introduction

Q460D is a high-strength low-alloy structural steel specified in GB/T 1591-2018. It offers a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa, good weldability, and excellent low‑temperature toughness (impact tested at -20°C). The D variant ensures fine‑grain practice and is typically supplied in normalized or thermo‑mechanically controlled rolled (TMCP) condition. Widely used for heavy‑duty structures, the grade is particularly suitable for the manufacture of spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes employed in oil & gas transportation, water mains, piling, and structural columns. Its balanced alloy design with micro‑alloying elements (Nb, V, Ti) delivers superior strength without compromising ductility or formability.

GB/T 1591 Q460D High Strength Low Alloy Steel for SSAW Pipe Chemical Composition

Chemical composition of Q460D according to GB/T 1591-2018. Values are maximum unless a range is indicated. The steel is micro‑alloyed with elements such as Nb, V, Ti, Al to refine grain size and improve strength and toughness. The sum of Nb+V+Ti is typically controlled for optimal properties.

ElementStandard Value (wt%)Remarks
C≤0.18
Si≤0.60
Mn≤1.80
P≤0.030
S≤0.025
Nb≤0.11At least one of Nb, V, Ti shall be present; grain refiner
V≤0.12At least one of Nb, V, Ti shall be present
Ti≤0.20At least one of Nb, V, Ti shall be present
Cr≤0.30
Ni≤0.30
Cu≤0.40
Mo≤0.20
N≤0.015
Alt (total Al)≥0.015Optional but often used for deoxidation and grain refinement

GB/T 1591 Q460D High Strength Low Alloy Steel for SSAW Pipe Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Typical physical properties for Q460D low‑alloy steel at room temperature and ambient pressure. Values are representative for this class of steel; slight variations may occur depending on exact composition and heat treatment condition.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)190 – 210 (≈205)GPa20°C
Shear Modulus (G)≈80GPa20°C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3-20°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.5 – 12.5 (≈12.0)10⁻⁶/K20–100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)45 – 52 (≈50)W/(m·K)20°C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)450 – 480 (≈460)J/(kg·K)20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρe)0.20 – 0.30 (≈0.25)µΩ·m20°C

GB/T 1591 Q460D High Strength Low Alloy Steel for SSAW Pipe Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of Q460D as per GB/T 1591-2018. Values vary with product thickness. For SSAW pipe applications, the steel usually falls within the thickness range of 6–40 mm. The impact energy is measured on Charpy V‑notch specimens at -20°C.

PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥460MPat ≤ 16 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥450MPa16 < t ≤ 40 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥430MPa40 < t ≤ 63 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥410MPa63 < t ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)540 – 720MPat ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A)≥17%t ≤ 16 mm, gauge length L0 = 5.65√S0
Elongation (A)≥16%16 < t ≤ 40 mm
Elongation (A)≥15%40 < t ≤ 63 mm
Elongation (A)≥14%63 < t ≤ 100 mm
Charpy Impact Energy (KV2)≥47J-20°C; t ≤ 40 mm, longitudinal specimens
Charpy Impact Energy (KV2)≥47J-20°C; 40 < t ≤ 100 mm, longitudinal specimens
Bend Test (180°)d = 3a-t ≤ 16 mm, width ≥ 20 mm
Bend Test (180°)d = 4a-16 < t ≤ 40 mm
Bend Test (180°)d = 5a-40 < t ≤ 100 mm

GB/T 1591 Q460D High Strength Low Alloy Steel for SSAW Pipe Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeNotes
ChinaGB/T 1591-2018Q460DOriginal specification, normalized or TMCP
EuropeEN 10025-3:2019S460NNormalized, impact at -20°C, equivalent strength and toughness
InternationalISO 630-2:2011Fe 460DGrain refined steel, similar chemical and mechanical properties

GB/T 1591 Q460D High Strength Low Alloy Steel for SSAW Pipe Application Introduction

Q460D steel is tailored for heavy‑duty structural applications requiring high strength, good weldability, and reliable toughness at sub‑zero temperatures. Its main use in SSAW pipes covers oil & gas transportation, water supply lines, and foundation piling. The material can be welded using all common arc welding processes, and its fine‑grained structure allows thickness reductions compared to lower strength grades, saving weight.

Product Applications: SSAW spiral welded pipes, LSAW longitudinal pipes, Steel plate and coil for structural fabrication, Bridge and building frames, Crane beams and heavy equipment

Processed into products: Pipe bodies and pipe sections, Flanges, fittings, elbows, Piling and foundation tubes, Steel structural columns and girders, Weld neck flanges and connectors

Application industries: Oil & Gas (transmission pipelines), Water supply and sewage systems, Civil engineering and construction, Offshore and marine structures, Machinery manufacturing

GB/T 1591 Q460D High Strength Low Alloy Steel for SSAW Pipe Similar / Alternative Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeNotes
EuropeEN 10025-6S460QQuenched and tempered, higher strength but different delivery condition
USAASTM A572/A572MGrade 65 [450]Yield strength 450 MPa, slightly lower than Q460D, not specifically low‑temp tested
JapanJIS G 3106SM 570Yield ~450 MPa, tensile 570–720, suitable for welded structures but not identical properties

Notes:

Q460D is not intended for subsequent heat treatment (except stress relieving) by the purchaser. For SSAW pipe manufacturing, the base material often undergoes hot‑rolling and normalizing (or TMCP) to achieve the required properties. Welding consumables should be selected to match or slightly over‑match the strength level. Pre‑heating and post‑weld heat treatment are generally not required for thicknesses up to 40 mm, but may be recommended for thicker sections.

  • Share

Processing Services

BBN supplies steel raw materials and provides product processing services according to customer requirements. .

Get In Touch

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt dolore magna aliqua. Quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida.

Contact Us

Drop Us A Message