Q235C Carbon Structural Steel for LSAW Pipe

Q235C Carbon Structural Steel for LSAW Pipe

Q235C Carbon Structural Steel for LSAW Pipe: GB/T 700 Grade Analysis

In-depth material data for Q235C carbon structural steel according to GB/T 700, used for LSAW pipes. Includes chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, equivalent materials, and application guidance.

Welding, hot rolling, cold forming, machining, cutting

Q235C Carbon Structural Steel for LSAW Pipe Introduction

Q235C is a Chinese carbon structural steel grade specified in GB/T 700. It features moderate strength, excellent weldability, good plasticity, and guaranteed impact toughness at 0 °C. With a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa for thin sections, it is widely utilized in welded structures, bridges, buildings, and manufacturing of longitudinal submerged arc welded (LSAW) pipes. Its balanced composition (low carbon, controlled sulfur and phosphorus) ensures reliable cold forming and hot working characteristics. The material is delivered in hot-rolled, normalized, or as-rolled conditions, making it a cost-effective choice for general engineering applications where toughness at low ambient temperatures is not required below 0 °C.

Q235C Carbon Structural Steel for LSAW Pipe Chemical Composition

Chemical composition limits according to GB/T 700-2006 for Q235C. Values depend on product thickness (t) in the as-delivered condition. Elements not listed, such as Cr, Ni, Cu, are residual and generally not specified unless agreed upon.

ElementStandard ValueRemarks
C≤0.17 (t ≤ 16 mm); ≤0.20 (16 < t ≤ 40 mm)Lower carbon ensures good weldability
Mn0.35 – 0.80All thickness ranges
Si≤0.35
P≤0.035Phosphorus control for toughness
S≤0.035Sulfur control for hot workability
Alt≥0.015 (if added)Optional, for grain refinement; not required by standard but often present
Cr, Ni, Cu≤0.30 each (residual)Residual elements; may be specified in contract

Q235C Carbon Structural Steel for LSAW Pipe Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

These typical physical properties are not part of GB/T 700 but are commonly referenced for Q235 carbon steel. They apply at room temperature unless noted. Properties may vary with processing and testing conditions.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20 °C
Modulus of elasticity (E)200 – 210GPaRoom temperature
Shear modulus (G)79 – 81GPaEstimated
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.27 – 0.30-Elastic range
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.0 – 12.510⁻⁶/K20–100 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)51.9 – 48.5W/(m·K)At 100 °C and 200 °C respectively
Specific heat capacity (c)~486J/(kg·K)Room temperature
Electrical resistivity (ρ_e)0.15 – 0.1810⁻⁶ Ω·mAt 20 °C

Q235C Carbon Structural Steel for LSAW Pipe Mechanical Properties

Selected mechanical properties from GB/T 700-2006 for Q235C. Yield strength and elongation depend on thickness (t). Impact test required at 0 °C. Bend test acceptable without cracking when bending around a mandrel with diameter related to thickness.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield strength (ReH)≥235MPat ≤ 16 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥225MPa16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥215MPa40 mm < t ≤ 60 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥215MPa60 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥195MPa100 mm < t ≤ 150 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥185MPa150 mm < t ≤ 200 mm
Tensile strength (Rm)370 – 500MPaAll thicknesses
Elongation after fracture (A)≥26%t ≤ 40 mm, L₀ = 5.65√S₀
Elongation after fracture (A)≥25%40 mm < t ≤ 60 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥24%60 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥22%100 mm < t ≤ 150 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥21%150 mm < t ≤ 200 mm
Impact energy (KV)≥27JLongitudinal, 0 °C
Bend test (mandrel diameter)d = a (≤60 mm) / d = 2a (>60–100 mm)-t ≤ 60 mm / 60–100 mm, 180° bending

Q235C Carbon Structural Steel for LSAW Pipe Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Substitute Grades

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB/T 700Q235CDirect match, 0 °C impact requirement
European UnionEN 10025-2S235J0 (1.0114)Equivalent yield strength and impact at 0 °C (27J)
InternationalISO 630-2E235BSimilar to S235J0, comparable properties
RussiaGOST 380St3ps (or St3sp for enhanced toughness)Grade with impact at 0 °C, but check exact specification
JapanJIS G3101SS400No impact requirement; only approximate equivalent when impact is not critical

Q235C Carbon Structural Steel for LSAW Pipe Application Introduction

Q235C is extensively used in welded structural applications that demand moderate strength and dependable impact toughness at 0 °C. Its excellent weldability allows it to be formed into LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded) pipes for fluid transmission and structural pilings. The material is suitable for both static and dynamically loaded components in civil engineering, shipbuilding, and machinery.
Manufacturing processes: hot rolling, cold bending, stamping, and welding. It is recommended to preheat thick sections before welding and to apply post-weld stress relief if service conditions are severe.

Product Applications: LSAW steel pipes (long-distance oil/gas, water pipelines), Hot-rolled sections (I-beams, channels, angles for structural frames), Steel plates for bridges and building columns, Cold-formed hollow sections (square/rectangular tubes), Welded structural assemblies (crane booms, storage tanks)

Processed into products: Pipe spools and fittings (flanges, elbows, reducers), Structural columns and beams, Heavy equipment chassis, Storage tank shells, Ship hull stiffeners

Application industries: Construction and infrastructure (buildings, bridges, towers), Oil and gas (pipeline systems, LSAW pipes for transportation), Shipbuilding (hulls, decks, structural elements), Machinery (frames, supports, agricultural equipment), Transportation (vehicle chassis, railway components), Energy (wind turbine towers, thermal power structures)

Q235C Carbon Structural Steel for LSAW Pipe Similar or Alternative Materials Recommendation

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB/T 700Q235BImpact at +20 °C (lower toughness requirement)
ChinaGB/T 700Q235DImpact at -20 °C (higher toughness)
EUEN 10025-2S235JR (1.0038)Impact at +20 °C, close to Q235B
EUEN 10025-2S235J2 (1.0117)Impact at -20 °C, similar to Q235D
USAASTM A36/A36MA36No impact requirement; used when toughness is not specified
USAASTM A283/A283MGrade CSimilar tensile properties, no impact specified
JapanJIS G3106SM400AWelded structural steel, some grades with impact; similar strength

Notes:

Additional information: Q235C is typically supplied in hot-rolled condition. When used for LSAW pipe manufacturing, the strip or plate is formed and welded longitudinally under a flux blanket, providing high penetration and quality. Pipe dimensions and pressure ratings must be designed according to relevant pipeline standards (e.g., API 5L for line pipe, though Q235C is often used for structural pipe rather than sour service). Post-weld heat treatment may be required for thick-walled pipes or demanding applications.
For critical applications requiring guaranteed through-thickness properties, specify Q235C-Z15/Z25/Z35 according to GB/T 5313.

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