GB/T700 Q235D Carbon Structural Steel Plate

GB/T700 Q235D Carbon Structural Steel Plate

GB/T700 Q235D Carbon Structural Steel Plate: Properties, Equivalents & Application Data

Comprehensive technical data sheet for Q235D carbon structural steel plate per GB/T 700, including chemical composition, mechanical and thermal properties, international cross-references, and processing guidelines.

Suitable for hot rolling, cold forming, cutting, welding (all common processes including SMAW, GMAW, SAW), machining, drilling, punching, and bending. Pre‑heating is generally not required for thicknesses up to 50 mm, but low‑hydrogen practices are recommended for heavy sections.

GB/T700 Q235D Carbon Structural Steel Plate Introduction

Q235D is a Chinese carbon structural steel grade defined in GB/T 700–2006, representing the highest quality level (D) within the Q235 series. This low‑carbon steel is characterized by a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa and ensures ductile behaviour at low temperature by requiring a minimum impact energy of 27 J at –20 °C. The controlled sulphur and phosphorus content provides good weldability, formability, and toughness, making the material suitable for general structural applications in building, bridge, and machinery manufacturing. The plate form is widely used in welded structures, pressure‑vessel components (non‑code), and engineering parts that operate under moderate loads and ambient to sub‑zero conditions.

GB/T700 Q235D Carbon Structural Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The chemical composition complies with GB/T 700–2006 for Q235D. Low carbon equivalent ensures good weldability. The maximum limits for phosphorus and sulphur are strictly controlled to enhance toughness and avoid hot shortness. No intentional addition of microalloying elements (Nb, V, Ti) is required; however, residual contents from the steelmaking process must not exceed the specified maxima.

ElementStandard Value (max unless range)Remarks
C (Carbon)≤ 0.17 %Ladle analysis; CEV typically ≤ 0.40 % for good weldability
Si (Silicon)≤ 0.35 %Deoxidation element
Mn (Manganese)≤ 1.40 %Increases strength and toughness
P (Phosphorus)≤ 0.035 %Strict limit for improved cold formability and low‑temperature toughness
S (Sulphur)≤ 0.035 %Controlled to avoid hot cracking during welding
Cr (Chromium) (residual)≤ 0.30 % (permitted residual)Not intentionally added; may be present from scrap
Ni (Nickel) (residual)≤ 0.30 % (permitted residual)Residual element; no specific requirement
Cu (Copper) (residual)≤ 0.30 % (permitted residual)Residual element; may improve atmospheric corrosion resistance slightly
N (Nitrogen)≤ 0.012 % (if applicable)Not always specified; controlled in modern steelmaking
CEV (Carbon Equivalent)Typically ≤ 0.40 %Calculated as C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15; ensures weldability without preheat for normal thicknesses

GB/T700 Q235D Carbon Structural Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for carbon‑manganese structural steel in the as‑rolled condition at ambient temperature. They are not part of the mandatory verification in GB/T 700 but are widely accepted references for design calculations. Slight variations may occur depending on the exact composition and processing route.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³At 20 °C
Modulus of elasticity (E)210GPaAt 20 °C, static test
Shear modulus (G)81GPaCalculated from E and ν
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.3In the elastic range
Coefficient of thermal expansion (α) ambient to 100 °C11.1 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹Mean linear expansion coefficient
Coefficient of thermal expansion (α) ambient to 300 °C12.9 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹Mean linear expansion coefficient
Thermal conductivity (λ) at 20 °C53W/(m·K)Typical for 0.15 % C steel
Specific heat capacity (cp) at 20 °C461J/(kg·K)Ambient temperature
Electrical resistivity (ρₑ) at 20 °C0.16Ω·mm²/mApproximate for mild steel
Melting point (range)1470 – 1520°CSolidus – liquidus

GB/T700 Q235D Carbon Structural Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are guaranteed for the as‑rolled delivery condition. The minimum yield strength and tensile strength depend on the nominal thickness. Elongation is measured on a gauge length of 5.65√So (proportional test piece). The impact energy requirement is the primary characteristic distinguishing Q235D from lower quality grades (A, B, C). All tests are performed on transverse specimens unless otherwise agreed.

PropertySpecified ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Upper yield strength (ReH) for thickness ≤ 16 mm≥ 235MPaRoom temperature
Upper yield strength (ReH) for thickness > 16 mm and ≤ 40 mm≥ 225MPaRoom temperature
Upper yield strength (ReH) for thickness > 40 mm and ≤ 60 mm≥ 215MPaRoom temperature
Upper yield strength (ReH) for thickness > 60 mm and ≤ 100 mm≥ 205MPaRoom temperature
Upper yield strength (ReH) for thickness > 100 mm and ≤ 150 mm≥ 195MPaRoom temperature
Tensile strength (Rm) thickness ≤ 100 mm370 – 500MPaRoom temperature
Tensile strength (Rm) thickness > 100 mm and ≤ 150 mm360 – 480MPaRoom temperature
Elongation after fracture (A) thickness ≤ 40 mm≥ 26%Gauge length Lo = 5.65√So
Elongation after fracture (A) thickness > 40 mm and ≤ 60 mm≥ 25%Gauge length Lo = 5.65√So
Elongation after fracture (A) thickness > 60 mm and ≤ 100 mm≥ 24%Gauge length Lo = 5.65√So
Elongation after fracture (A) thickness > 100 mm and ≤ 150 mm≥ 22%Gauge length Lo = 5.65√So
Charpy V‑notch impact energy (KV₂) longitudinal at –20 °C≥ 27 (average of three tests, one individual minimum 70 % of average)JCharpy V‑notch specimen; transverse testing may be agreed
Bend test (mandrel diameter) thickness ≤ 60 mm, 180° bendd = a (mandrel diameter = specimen thickness)No cracks on the tension side
Bend test (mandrel diameter) thickness > 60 mm and ≤ 100 mmd = 2a180° cold bend, no cracks

GB/T700 Q235D Carbon Structural Steel Plate Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country / RegionStandardGrade / DesignationRemarks
European UnionEN 10025‑2:2019S235J2 (1.0117)Comparable strength and toughness at –20 °C (minimum 27 J). Chemical composition and thickness‑dependent properties should be cross‑checked.
United StatesASTM A36 / A36MA36 (with supplementary Charpy requirement)Yield strength 250 MPa (36 ksi) typically; does not mandate impact testing unless specified. May be used as alternative if toughness is qualified.
InternationalISO 630‑2:2011S235DStructural steel with minimum 235 MPa yield and 27 J at –20 °C. Direct equivalent in terms of mechanical requirements.
JapanJIS G3101:2015SS400 (with additional agreement for impact properties)SS400 tensile strength 400‑510 MPa; impact properties not required by base standard. For Q235D direct substitution, Charpy requirement must be ensured.
ChinaGB/T 1591‑2018Q235D (identical to GB/T 700)The same grade also appears in the structural steel standard for low‑alloy high‑strength steels. The requirements are harmonized.

GB/T700 Q235D Carbon Structural Steel Plate Application Introduction

Q235D plate is designed for general structural applications with moderate strength requirements where guaranteed toughness at –20 °C is essential. Typical processing includes flame cutting, cold forming, and welding. Because of its low carbon equivalent, pre‑heating is usually unnecessary for thicknesses below 30 mm, simplifying fabrication. For severe forming or cold bending, minimum bend radii of 1.0–1.5 times the plate thickness are recommended to avoid cracking. The material is often supplied in blast‑cleaned and primed condition for immediate use in outdoor structures.

Product Applications: Welded H‑beams, box columns, and built‑up sections, Bridge deck plates and stiffening ribs, Flanges and webs for plate girders, Wind turbine tower internal platforms and flanges (non‑fatigue critical), Heavy‑duty shelving and racking systems, Excavator and crane booms (structural parts), Modular building panels and container frames

Processed into products: Base plates and anchor plates for steel columns, Gusset plates and splice plates in truss connections, Flange plates for welded beams and crane runway beams, End plates for moment‑resisting connections, Stiffeners and diaphragm plates in box girders, Support brackets and cantilever arms, Mounting plates for heavy machinery and equipment

Application industries: Building and civil infrastructure (columns, beams, trusses), Bridge engineering (main girders, cross‑frames, stiffeners), Transmission towers and telecommunication masts, Railway vehicle underframes and wagon components, Agricultural and forestry machinery frames, General mechanical engineering (machine bases, supports, brackets), Storage and silo fabrication (non‑pressurized tanks), Shipbuilding (secondary structures, non‑classified parts)

GB/T700 Q235D Carbon Structural Steel Plate Similar / Analogue Materials with Close Performance

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks / Comparison
European UnionEN 10025‑2:2019S235JR (1.0038)Similar strength but lower toughness (only +20 °C impact). Suitable for ambient‑temperature applications only; not a substitute for Q235D at low temperature.
United StatesASTM A572 / A572MGrade 42 (Type 1)Minimum yield 290 MPa; higher strength, but impact toughness must be specified separately. May be used for heavier sections where strength governs.
Russian FederationGOST 380‑2005St3sp (Ст3сп)Quiet steel with similar carbon content; typical yield ~245 MPa. Impact toughness at –20 °C is often available and comparable to Q235D when properly deoxidized.
IndiaIS 2062:2011E250 Grade C (Fe 410 W C)250 MPa minimum yield, 410 MPa tensile; Charpy at 0 °C standard, can be produced for –20 °C by agreement. Close match with slight yield advantage.
Germany (historical)DIN 17100:1980 (withdrawn)St37‑2 (RSt37‑2)Older designation; replaced by S235JR/J2. RSt37‑2 represents rimmed or capped steel, not recommended for low‑temperature service.

Notes:

  • Weldability: Excellent. All common arc welding processes are applicable. For thick plates (>50 mm), a preheat of 100–150 °C and low‑hydrogen consumables are recommended to avoid hydrogen cracking.
  • Corrosion protection: Q235D has no inherent atmospheric corrosion resistance; therefore, protective coatings (paint, galvanizing, metallization) are necessary for outdoor exposure.
  • Cold forming: Suitable for cold bending with a minimum inside radius of 1.0 t up to 20 mm thickness. For greater thicknesses, 1.5 t is advised to prevent cracking.
  • Ordering remarks: When placing an order to GB/T 700 for Q235D, the impact test temperature (–20 °C) and test direction (longitudinal or transverse) should be explicitly stated if different from the standard default. Dimensional tolerances should refer to GB/T 709 or agreed specification.
  • Documentation: Inspection certificate type 3.1 according to EN 10204 is typically provided, including chemical analysis, tensile, and Charpy impact results.
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