JIS G3106 SM490C Steel for SSAW Pipe

JIS G3106 SM490C Steel for SSAW Pipe

JIS G3106 SM490C Steel for SSAW Pipe - Weldable Structural Grade

Detailed material data for JIS G3106 SM490C steel used in spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes, covering chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalents, and applications.

Welding (especially SSAW), cutting, bending, machining, and cold forming

JIS G3106 SM490C Steel for SSAW Pipe Introduction

SM490C is a weldable structural steel grade specified in JIS G3106, primarily supplied as hot-rolled plates, sheets, and strips. It is designed for welded structures such as bridges, ships, and construction machinery. When formed into SSAW (Spiral Submerged Arc Welded) pipes, SM490C provides excellent strength and toughness, making it suitable for high-pressure fluid transport, piling, and structural columns.
The steel offers a minimum yield strength of 325 MPa (for thickness ≤16 mm) and tensile strength between 490 and 610 MPa. It guarantees impact energy of at least 47 J at 0°C, ensuring reliable performance in moderate-temperature environments. With good weldability and formability, SM490C is a cost-effective solution for large-diameter, thick-wall welded pipes.

JIS G3106 SM490C Steel for SSAW Pipe Chemical Composition

The chemical composition conforms to JIS G3106. SM490C is a low-carbon steel with controlled additions of manganese and silicon to achieve required strength and weldability. Phosphorus and sulfur are kept low to ensure toughness and cleanliness.
Optional microalloying elements (e.g., Nb, V, Ti) may be added at the manufacturer's discretion to refine grain size and improve mechanical properties.

ElementStandard ValueRemarks
C (Carbon)≤ 0.18Heat analysis
Si (Silicon)≤ 0.55Heat analysis
Mn (Manganese)≤ 1.65Heat analysis
P (Phosphorus)≤ 0.035Heat analysis
S (Sulfur)≤ 0.035Heat analysis
Other elementsMay include Nb, V, Ti (optional)For grain refinement and strength

JIS G3106 SM490C Steel for SSAW Pipe Thermal & Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for carbon structural steels and can be used for design calculations. These values are not mandated by JIS G3106 but are representative for SM490C material.
Actual values may vary slightly depending on exact composition and processing.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³At 20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)206GPaAt 20°C
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaCalculated
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3—At 20°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.7 (10⁻⁶/K)K⁻¹Range 20–100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)53W/(m·K)At 20°C
Specific Heat Capacity460J/(kg·K)At 20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e)0.16μΩ·mAt 20°C

JIS G3106 SM490C Steel for SSAW Pipe Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties depend on the thickness of the hot-rolled base material. The values below apply to the steel before pipe forming; however, SSAW pipe mechanical requirements follow the same standard unless otherwise specified.
Testing is performed on standard specimens: tensile test (JIS Z 2241) with gauge length 50 mm or 200 mm depending on thickness, Charpy impact test (JIS Z 2242) at 0°C, and bend test (JIS Z 2248) with 180° bending.
All values are minimum unless a range is given.

PropertyStandard ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 325MPaThickness ≤ 16 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 315MPaThickness 16–40 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 295MPaThickness 40–75 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 295MPaThickness 75–100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)490–610MPaAll thicknesses
Elongation (A)≥ 17%Thickness ≤ 16 mm, gauge length 50 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 21%Thickness 16–40 mm, gauge length 200 mm (No. 5 test piece)
Elongation (A)≥ 23%Thickness > 40 mm, gauge length 200 mm (No. 5 test piece)
Bend Test180° bend, no cracks—Inside radius = 1.0×thickness (t ≤ 25 mm); 1.5×thickness (t > 25 mm)
Charpy Impact (KV₂)≥ 47 (longitudinal)JAt 0°C, V-notch (JIS No. 4 test piece)

JIS G3106 SM490C Steel for SSAW Pipe Exact Equivalent Standards & Replaceable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-2S355J0Comparable tensile/yield strength, 0°C impact (27 J min vs. 47 J for SM490C). Slightly lower toughness guarantee.
ChinaGB/T 1591Q355CSimilar yield and tensile strength, 0°C impact 34 J minimum; check thickness ranges.
USAASTM A572/A572MGrade 50 [345]Yield 345 MPa (50 ksi), tensile 450 MPa; impact properties optional; not directly equivalent without supplementary requirements.
InternationalISO 630-2S355J0Closely aligned with EN 10025-2, offers 0°C impact energy 27 J.

JIS G3106 SM490C Steel for SSAW Pipe Application Introduction

SM490C SSAW pipe, fabricated from JIS G3106 hot-rolled coils, is ideal for large-diameter, high-pressure fluid transportation and structural applications. Its combination of strength, weldability, and adequate toughness at 0°C makes it a workhorse for infrastructure projects.
Key advantages:

  • Cost-effective spiral welding process for long-distance pipelines
  • Good base material formability allows pipe diameters up to 3000 mm
  • Proven performance in seismic and moderate-temperature environments

Product Applications: Spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes, Long-distance cross-country pipelines, Structural columns and piles, Water main distribution pipes, Penstocks for hydropower plants, Offshore platform legs and braces

Processed into products: Pipe sections for oil and gas trunklines, Caissons and jacket legs for offshore platforms, Bridge arch ribs and towers, Steel pipe piles for deep foundations, Wind turbine tower sections (if diameter/thickness permits), Dredging and slurry transport pipes

Application industries: Oil & Gas Transmission, Water Supply and Sewage, Civil Engineering and Construction, Marine and Offshore Structures, Bridge Building, Piling and Foundation Works

JIS G3106 SM490C Steel for SSAW Pipe Similar or Alternative Materials

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
JapanJIS G3106SM490A / SM490BLower toughness (A: no impact; B: 0°C but lower energy). SM490C is preferred for demanding applications.
JapanJIS G3101SS490General structural steel, no specified impact properties; not recommended for dynamic loads.
EuropeEN 10025-2S355J2Higher toughness grade (−20°C, 27 J); excellent alternative if better low-temperature performance is needed.
USAASTM A709/A709MGrade 50Structural steel for bridges; similar strength but impact testing is optional.
ChinaGB/T 1591Q355DLow-temperature impact (−20°C) for demanding structural applications.

Notes:

For SSAW pipes, the final pipe properties may be influenced by the welding procedure and post-weld heat treatment. Users should reference API 5L or other pipe-specific standards for finished product requirements. SM490C is not designed for elevated temperature service above 400°C.
The information provided is based on the latest edition of JIS G3106:2015. Always verify with the actual material certificate.

  • 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