Q960F High-Strength Structural Steel Plate

Q960F High-Strength Structural Steel Plate

Q960F High-Strength Structural Steel Plate - GB/T 16270 Ultra-High Yield Strength Quenched & Tempered Grade

Comprehensive technical data for Q960F carbon and low-alloy high-strength steel plate to GB/T 16270, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, thermal and electrical physical properties, equivalent grades, and application guidance.

Hot rolling followed by quenching and tempering; suitable for cold forming, welding, and machining in accordance with supplier recommendations

Q960F High-Strength Structural Steel Plate Introduction

Q960F is a quenched and tempered high-strength structural steel plate specified in Chinese standard GB/T 16270. With a minimum yield strength of 960 MPa and excellent low-temperature impact toughness at -20°C, it is designed for demanding applications where weight reduction and high load-bearing capacity are critical. The steel offers a good combination of strength, weldability, and formability, making it suitable for heavy-duty machinery, bridges, and offshore structures.

  • Minimum yield strength: 960 MPa (thickness ≤50 mm)
  • Impact energy ≥34 J at -20°C
  • Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
  • Available in quenched and tempered condition

Q960F High-Strength Structural Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of Q960F steel conforms to GB/T 16270 requirements. The steel is microalloyed to achieve high strength through controlled rolling and subsequent heat treatment. Limits are given in percent by mass. Fine-grained practice and appropriate alloying elements ensure good toughness and weldability.
Note: Actual ladle analysis may show tighter ranges.

ElementStandard Value (%)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤ 0.20Ladle analysis limit
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.80Depending on thickness and deoxidation practice
Manganese (Mn)≤ 1.70Higher Mn may be used in combination with microalloying
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.020Strict control for low-temperature toughness
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.010Low sulfur ensures cleanliness and improves through-thickness properties
Chromium (Cr)≤ 1.50Optional; contributes to hardenability
Nickel (Ni)≤ 2.00Optional; improves toughness
Molybdenum (Mo)≤ 0.70Optional; enhances strength and temper resistance
Copper (Cu)≤ 0.50If added, residual limit
Niobium (Nb)≤ 0.06Microalloying for grain refinement
Vanadium (V)≤ 0.12Optional; precipitation strengthening
Titanium (Ti)≤ 0.05Grain refinement and nitrogen fixation
Boron (B)≤ 0.0050If added for hardenability
Nitrogen (N)≤ 0.015Combined with Al or Ti to form nitrides
Aluminum (Al total)≥ 0.015Fine-grain deoxidation

Q960F High-Strength Structural Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Physical properties are typical for low-alloy quenched and tempered steels and are valid at room temperature unless stated otherwise. These values are not specified in GB/T 16270 but are based on established materials science references for similar Cr-Mo-Ni grades. Variations may occur with specific alloy composition.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20 °C
Modulus of elasticity (E)210GPa20 °C, tensile
Shear modulus (G)81GPa20 °C, calculated from E and ν
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.320 °C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)11.5 × 10⁻⁶1/K20 – 100 °C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.5 × 10⁻⁶1/K20 – 300 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)35W/(m·K)20 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)35 – 42W/(m·K)100 – 300 °C
Specific heat capacity (cp)460J/(kg·K)20 °C
Electrical resistivity (ρe)0.25μΩ·m20 °C, approx.

Q960F High-Strength Structural Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of Q960F steel are determined in accordance with GB/T 228 and GB/T 229. The values below are minimum requirements for quenched and tempered plates, unless otherwise noted. Properties are valid for thicknesses up to 50 mm. For thicker sections, properties may be slightly reduced as per standard.
The steel exhibits high yield and tensile strength with adequate elongation and excellent low-temperature impact toughness.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 960MPat ≤ 50 mm, transverse
Tensile Strength (Rm)980 – 1150MPat ≤ 50 mm, transverse
Elongation after fracture (A)≥ 10%Gauge length 5.65√So (L0=50 mm)
Reduction of area (Z)≥ 40%For information; not always specified
Impact energy (KV2)≥ 34J-20 °C, longitudinal, V-notch
Bend test (d= bending mandrel diameter; a= specimen thickness)No cracks180° bend with d=3a (transverse)
Hardness≤ 360HBWTypical as-delivered Q+T condition

Q960F High-Strength Structural Steel Plate Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Replaceable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB/T 16270Q960FOriginal specification; quenched and tempered, -20°C impact
EuropeEN 10025-6S960QLMinimum yield 960 MPa, impact at -40°C (QL); slight differences in alloy limits but technically equivalent
InternationalISO 4950-2E960QLHigh yield strength structural steel 960 MPa class, QL quality
Germany (superseded)DIN EN 10025-6S960QLEquivalent to EN version
Japan (similar)JIS G 3128SHY685 (modified)Approximate; SHY685 is lower strength but can be used as an alternative with design adjustment

Q960F High-Strength Structural Steel Plate Application Introduction

Q960F steel is engineered for ultra-high strength structural applications where weight savings and reliability under severe loading conditions are essential. It is weldable with proper low-hydrogen procedures and preheating, and can be cold formed within recommended limits.
Typical usage includes:

Product Applications: Welded and bolted structural frameworks, Mobile crane telescopic booms and outriggers, Offshore platform legs and deck structures, Heavy-duty dump truck bodies, Bridge girders (especially long-span or movable bridges), High-strength machinery frames

Processed into products: Crane boom sections and lattice elements, Hydraulic excavator arms and loading buckets, Shipbuilding stiffeners and reinforcement parts, Wind turbine tower adapters and flanges (where applicable), Mixing drums, concrete pump booms, Undercarriage parts for tracked vehicles

Application industries: Construction and Bridge Engineering, Mining and Heavy Earthmoving Equipment, Offshore and Marine Structures, Crane and Material Handling, Transportation and Truck Manufacturing, Pressure Vessel and Storage Tank (with additional requirements)

Q960F High-Strength Structural Steel Plate Similar/Compatible Material Alternatives

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB/T 16270Q890C/Q890DSlightly lower strength grades (890 MPa min) but similar fabrication characteristics
EuropeEN 10025-6S960QSame strength class but without guaranteed impact temperature (Q); may be substituted if low-temperature toughness not critical
USAASTM A514Grade SYield 690 MPa; lower strength but high hardenability; can be used for less demanding designs
SwedenSSABStrenx 960ECommercial brand with guaranteed Charpy at -40°C; excellent equivalent to Q960F
ChinaGB/T 28909Q960E (steel for construction machinery)Similar mechanical properties, tailored for structural components

Notes:

Additional considerations: Welding should be performed using low-hydrogen consumables (AWS E11018-M or equivalent) with appropriate preheat and interpass temperatures (typically 100–150 °C) to avoid hydrogen-induced cracking. Post-weld heat treatment is generally not required but may be applied for stress relief.
For thicknesses above 50 mm, the minimum yield strength may be slightly reduced (e.g., 920 MPa for 50–100 mm); refer to the standard for exact reductions. Always consult the mill certificate for the specific heat's actual properties.
The steel meets the requirements of Chinese safety regulations for high-strength structural steel; supplementary testing for Z-direction properties (through-thickness) can be conducted per GB/T 5313 if specified.

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