JIS G3114 SMA490BW Weather Resistant Steel

JIS G3114 SMA490BW Weather Resistant Steel

JIS G3114 SMA490BW Weather Resistant Steel: Full Data Sheet & International Cross-Reference

Comprehensive technical profile of SMA490BW hot-rolled atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel plate according to JIS G3114, with chemical composition, mechanical properties at various thicknesses, physical data, global equivalents, and application guidance.

Hot rolling, cold forming, welding, machining, drilling, cutting

JIS G3114 SMA490BW Weather Resistant Steel Introduction

SMA490BW is a hot-rolled atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel for welded structures, standardized under JIS G3114. It belongs to the SMA series, offering a minimum tensile strength of 490 MPa with guaranteed impact toughness at 0°C (BW class). The addition of copper, chromium, and nickel forms a dense, protective oxide layer that significantly retards further atmospheric corrosion, eliminating the need for painting in many environments. Typical applications include bridges, buildings, railway vehicles, and port structures.
Key characteristics:

  • Atmospheric corrosion resistance: stable patina formation reduces maintenance
  • Good weldability: controlled carbon equivalent ensures reliable fabrication
  • Guaranteed notch toughness: Charpy V-notch energy ≥ 47 J at 0°C
  • Varied thickness ranges: yield strength and elongation values tailored for plates up to 100 mm
  • Typical delivery condition: as-rolled, normalized rolling, or thermomechanical controlled processing

JIS G3114 SMA490BW Weather Resistant Steel Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of SMA490BW is designed to provide excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance while maintaining good weldability. Copper, chromium, and nickel are the primary alloying elements that promote a protective patina. Phosphorus and sulfur are kept low to ensure toughness and weld quality. Carbon equivalent (CEV) or cold-cracking parameter (PCM) is often agreed upon at the time of ordering to match the intended welding procedure.

ElementStandard Value (wt%)Remarks
C≤ 0.18Carbon
Si0.15 – 0.65Silicon, for deoxidation and strength
Mn0.90 – 1.40Manganese, for strength and hardenability
P≤ 0.035Phosphorus, controlled for toughness
S≤ 0.035Sulfur, controlled for ductility
Cu0.30 – 0.50Copper, key element for atmospheric corrosion resistance
Cr0.45 – 0.75Chromium, enhances patina formation and strength
Ni0.05 – 0.30Nickel, improves toughness and balances copper's effects
OthersAgreed between producer and purchaser (e.g., V, Nb, Ti)Microalloying elements may be added for grain refinement and precipitation strengthening

JIS G3114 SMA490BW Weather Resistant Steel Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for low-alloy weather-resistant steels and are suitable for design calculations. These values are not specified in JIS G3114 but are based on published data for comparable structural steels. Slight variations may occur depending on exact composition and processing.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7850kg/m³At 20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)205GPaAt 20°C, dynamic method
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaAt 20°C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3At 20°C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (α)12.0 × 10⁻⁶1/KBetween 20°C and 100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)45W/(m·K)At 20°C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)470J/(kg·K)At 20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ)0.16µΩ·mAt 20°C

JIS G3114 SMA490BW Weather Resistant Steel Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties depend on plate thickness. Yield strength decreases slightly as thickness increases, while elongation requirements become more stringent. The Charpy impact test is mandatory for the BW suffix, with a minimum absorbed energy of 47 J at 0°C on longitudinal specimens. Bending tests ensure formability with a mandrel diameter related to plate thickness.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 365MPaPlate thickness t ≤ 16 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 355MPa16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 335MPa40 mm < t ≤ 75 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 325MPa75 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)490 – 610MPaAll thicknesses (t ≤ 100 mm)
Elongation (A)≥ 15%No.5 specimen, t ≤ 5 mm, gauge length 50 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 17%No.1A specimen, 5 mm < t ≤ 16 mm, gauge length 200 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 21%No.1A specimen, t > 16 mm, gauge length 200 mm
Bend Test (180°)No cracksMandrel diameter: 1.5 × t for t ≤ 16 mm; 2.0 × t for 16 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Charpy Impact (KV2)≥ 47J0°C, V-notch, longitudinal specimen

JIS G3114 SMA490BW Weather Resistant Steel Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Substitute Grades

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
JapanJIS G3114SMA490BWOriginal standard grade – welded structures, 0°C impact
InternationalISO 4952-1E355DDThermo-mechanically rolled structural weathering steel – comparable mechanical properties
ChinaGB/T 4171Q355NHDHot-rolled atmospheric corrosion resisting steel – yield 355 MPa, tensile 490–630 MPa, -20°C impact typical; closest Chinese equivalent
USAASTM A588/A588MGrade BHigh-strength low-alloy structural steel with atmospheric corrosion resistance – yield ≥345 MPa, tensile ≥485 MPa; similar patina formation
EuropeEN 10025-5S355J2WHot rolled products of structural steels – improved atmospheric corrosion resistance, J2 guarantees 27 J at -20°C, tensile 470–630 MPa, comparable weldability

JIS G3114 SMA490BW Weather Resistant Steel Application Introduction

SMA490BW is ideally suited for load-bearing structures exposed to the atmosphere where painting is either difficult or maintenance costs must be reduced. The stable oxide layer (patina) develops over time and protects the steel from further corrosion. It is extensively used in civil engineering and transportation infrastructure. When welding, appropriate low-hydrogen processes and preheating may be required based on thickness and carbon equivalent. Designers should consider the eventual colour and texture of the patina for aesthetic applications.

Product Applications: Uncoated bridge girders and trusses, Weathering steel bridge decks, Architectural cladding and green bridges, Container chassis and corner castings, Railway wagon side frames and bolsters, Transmission line towers, Permanent shoring and retaining wall elements

Processed into products: Welded I-beams and box girders, Bridge bearings and expansion joints, Tubular lattice sections for towers, Formed plates for ship unloaders and cranes, Stiffened plate panels for caissons, Flanges and web plates for built-up sections, Brackets and connecting plates in structural frameworks

Application industries: Bridge engineering (road and railway bridges), Architectural and public buildings (stadiums, towers, facades), Railway vehicle manufacturing (carriages, underframes), Container and freight frame production, Port and marine infrastructure (piers, jetties, breakwater gates), Electric power transmission (lattice towers and poles), Mining and material handling equipment

JIS G3114 SMA490BW Weather Resistant Steel Similar / Closely-Related Material Recommendations

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
JapanJIS G3114SMA490AWSame strength class, atmosphere resistance, but without mandatory impact test (A class)
JapanJIS G3114SMA490BPSame strength class, for painted structures (P), impact test optional or 0°C not guaranteed
JapanJIS G3106SM490A/B/CNon-weathering structural steel with similar strength, no Cu-Cr-Ni; requires painting
ChinaGB/T 4171Q355NHWeathering steel with similar composition, 0°C impact may be specified, tensile 490–630 MPa
EuropeEN 10025-5S355J0WAtmospheric corrosion resistant steel, 0°C impact at 27 J, tensile 470–630 MPa, widely used in welded structures
USAASTM A588/A588MGrade AEquivalent strength class, slight composition variation, widely used for bridge and building applications

Notes:

  • Welding: Low hydrogen electrodes (AWS E7018 or equivalent) are recommended. Preheat and interpass temperature should be controlled based on plate thickness and carbon equivalent; typically preheat to 50–150°C for thicknesses > 25 mm to avoid hydrogen cracking.
  • Patina development: Uniform dark brown appearance forms after 2–5 years of exposure in most non‑marine atmospheres. In coastal or heavy industrial environments, performance should be evaluated case‑by‑case.
  • Detailing: To ensure uniform wet/dry cycles, design details should avoid water traps (e.g., flat horizontal surfaces, constant damp areas). Drainage and ventilation are critical for durable patina.
  • Bending: The material can be cold‑formed with a minimum inside radius of 3 to 4 times thickness, depending on thickness and bending direction relative to rolling direction.
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