GB/T 4171 Q460NH Weather Resistant Steel Plate

GB/T 4171 Q460NH Weather Resistant Steel Plate

GB/T 4171 Q460NH Weather Resistant Steel Plate - High-Strength Atmospheric Corrosion Resistant Steel

Q460NH is a high-strength atmospheric corrosion resistant structural steel specified in Chinese standard GB/T 4171. It develops a protective patina for extended service life in outdoor environments without painting.

Hot rolling, cold forming, welding, cutting, machining

GB/T 4171 Q460NH Weather Resistant Steel Plate Introduction

Q460NH weather resistant steel plate, governed by GB/T 4171, is a high-strength low-alloy structural steel designed for superior resistance to atmospheric corrosion. By adding alloying elements such as copper, chromium, and nickel, a dense, adherent oxide layer (patina) forms on the surface, significantly slowing further corrosion and eliminating the need for protective coatings in many applications. With a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa, it provides excellent structural integrity while reducing maintenance costs.

  • Excellent corrosion resistance in unpainted conditions
  • High strength-to-weight ratio
  • Good weldability and formability
  • Long-term durability in harsh weather

Typical applications include bridges, building structures, railway vehicles, containers, and towers.

GB/T 4171 Q460NH Weather Resistant Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of Q460NH in accordance with GB/T 4171-2008 is presented below. Alloying elements like Cu, Cr, and Ni provide atmospheric corrosion resistance. Residual elements P and S are strictly controlled. Microalloying with Nb, V, Ti may be added for grain refinement and strengthening, but must be within the allowed limits.

ElementStandard ValueRemarks
Carbon (C)≤0.12Max 0.12%
Silicon (Si)≤0.50
Manganese (Mn)≤1.00
Phosphorus (P)≤0.020
Sulfur (S)≤0.015
Copper (Cu)0.20 - 0.55Essential for weather resistance
Chromium (Cr)0.30 - 1.25Enhances patina formation
Nickel (Ni)≤0.65Improves toughness and corrosion resistance
Niobium (Nb)≤0.060Grain refiner, optional
Vanadium (V)≤0.12Optional microalloying
Titanium (Ti)≤0.10Optional microalloying
Aluminum (Al)≥0.020For deoxidation, if added
Nitrogen (N)≤0.012Max

GB/T 4171 Q460NH Weather Resistant Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The physical properties below are typical values for Q460NH weather resistant steel at room temperature, based on general data for low-alloy weathering steels. These are not specified in GB/T 4171 but are provided for engineering reference. Slight variations may occur depending on exact chemical composition and heat treatment.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³At 20 °C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)200 - 210GPaAt 20 °C
Shear Modulus (G)79 - 81GPaAt 20 °C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3-At 20 °C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.0 - 12.0µm/(m·K)20 °C to 100 °C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)30 - 40W/(m·K)At 20 °C
Specific Heat Capacity450 - 490J/(kg·K)At 20 °C
Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e)0.18 - 0.25µΩ·mAt 20 °C

GB/T 4171 Q460NH Weather Resistant Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

The following mechanical properties are minimum required values according to GB/T 4171 for Q460NH in the as-delivered condition, depending on plate thickness. Test specimen orientation is transverse.

  • Yield strength (ReH) is valid for thicknesses up to 150 mm.
  • Tensile strength (Rm) and elongation (A) after fracture are tested on standard round or flat specimens.
  • Charpy impact energy (KV) is determined at 0°C for standard V-notch specimens.
PropertySpecified ValueUnitTest Condition / Thickness Range
Yield Strength (ReH)≥460MPat ≤ 16 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥450MPa16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥440MPa40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥430MPa63 mm < t ≤ 80 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥420MPa80 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥410MPa100 mm < t ≤ 150 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)570 - 730MPat ≤ 16 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)560 - 720MPa16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)550 - 710MPa40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)540 - 700MPa63 mm < t ≤ 80 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)530 - 690MPa80 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)520 - 680MPa100 mm < t ≤ 150 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥15%L0=5.65√S0, transverse, t ≤ 16 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥15%L0=5.65√S0, transverse, 16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥14%L0=5.65√S0, transverse, 40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥14%L0=5.65√S0, transverse, 63 mm < t ≤ 80 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥14%L0=5.65√S0, transverse, 80 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥14%L0=5.65√S0, transverse, 100 mm < t ≤ 150 mm
Impact Energy (KV)≥47J0°C, V-notch, longitudinal
Impact Energy (KV)≥27J0°C, V-notch, transverse

GB/T 4171 Q460NH Weather Resistant Steel Plate Full Equivalent Material Standards and Alternative Grade Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-5:2019S460W (1.8957)Closest fully equivalent weathering steel grade with minimum yield 460 MPa, similar chemistry and corrosion class.
GermanyDIN EN 10025-5S460WIdentical to European standard.
UKBS EN 10025-5S460WIdentical to European standard.
FranceNF EN 10025-5S460WIdentical to European standard.
ItalyUNI EN 10025-5S460WIdentical to European standard.
SpainUNE EN 10025-5S460WIdentical to European standard.

GB/T 4171 Q460NH Weather Resistant Steel Plate Application Introduction

Q460NH weather resistant steel is ideal for structures exposed to the atmosphere without protective coatings, relying on a naturally formed stable oxide layer for corrosion protection. It is widely used in civil engineering, transportation, and industrial facilities.

Product Applications: Unpainted steel bridges, High-rise building frames, Freight train carriages and hopper cars, Shipping containers, Highway guardrails and sign supports, Chimney stacks and flue ducts, Sculptures and architectural cladding

Processed into products: Bridge girders, diaphragms, and stiffeners, Welded beams and columns for building frames, Railcar side frames, bolsters, and end structures, Container corner castings, side plates, and roof panels, Transmission tower legs, cross-arms, and bracings, Boom and chassis components of excavators and cranes, Exhaust stacks, ducting, and air preheater casings

Application industries: Bridge engineering, Architectural and structural engineering, Railway vehicle manufacturing, Container and shipbuilding (for non-marine atmospheres), Power transmission towers and poles, Mining and earthmoving equipment, Offshore structural components

GB/T 4171 Q460NH Weather Resistant Steel Plate Similar / Alternative Weather Resistant Steel Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
JapanJIS G3114:2004SMA570WHot-rolled atmospheric corrosion resisting steel for welded structure; yield ≥460 MPa for thickness ≤40 mm, higher Ni content, close welding performance.
USAASTM A588/A588MGrade EHigh-strength low-alloy weathering steel; min yield 345 MPa (50 ksi) up to 100 mm, but 460 MPa class requires thicker sections; strength slightly lower but equivalent corrosion resistance.
USAASTM A242/A242MType 1Weathering steel with min yield 345 MPa (50 ksi), lower strength but similar corrosion resistance.
InternationalISO 4952:2003Fe510W (S460W)Weather resistant steel with minimum yield 460 MPa, similar composition and properties; directly corresponding to EN S460W.
RussiaGOST 19281-8916G2AFDLow-alloy steel with added Cu, Cr for weather resistance, approximate yield >440 MPa, not identical but often used in similar applications.
ChinaGB/T 4171Q415NH / Q500NHWithin the same standard: Q415NH offers lower strength, Q500NH offers higher strength, both with similar weathering characteristics.

Notes:

Q460NH may be supplied with enhanced notch toughness (e.g., KV at -20°C) upon agreement. Pre-heating before welding is recommended for heavy sections. For severely corrosive environments or permanent immersion, a protective coating is still required. Always refer to the latest revision of GB/T 4171 for exact limits.

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