S355J0W Weather Resistant Steel Coil EN 10155-1993

S355J0W Weather Resistant Steel Coil EN 10155-1993

S355J0W Weather Resistant Steel Coil EN 10155-1993: High-Strength Structural Steel with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance

S355J0W weather resistant steel according to EN 10155-1993. Technical data including chemical composition, mechanical properties, thermal and electrical physical properties, international equivalents, and application guidelines.

Hot rolling, cold forming, bending, shearing, welding (all common methods), oxy-fuel and plasma cutting

S355J0W Weather Resistant Steel Coil EN 10155-1993 Introduction

S355J0W is a hot-rolled weather-resistant structural steel defined in the European standard EN 10155:1993 (now partially superseded by EN 10025-5). The designation 'S' stands for structural steel, '355' indicates the minimum yield strength of 355 MPa for thicknesses up to 16 mm, 'J0' specifies that the steel must guarantee an impact energy of at least 27 J at 0°C (longitudinal), and 'W' denotes improved atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering steel).
This steel relies on the formation of a stable, adherent oxide layer (patina) when exposed to alternating wet and dry cycles, which significantly reduces the corrosion rate compared to ordinary carbon steel. Typical applications include bridges, building facades, railway vehicles, and transmission towers, often used in unpainted condition to exploit the aesthetic patina. The steel offers good weldability and forming properties, making it suitable for demanding structural projects where durability and low maintenance are priorities.

S355J0W Weather Resistant Steel Coil EN 10155-1993 Chemical Composition

Typical chemical composition according to EN 10155:1993 for grade S355J0W. The steel is alloyed with copper, chromium, and nickel to enhance atmospheric corrosion resistance. Microalloying elements such as niobium, vanadium, or titanium may be added for grain refinement and strength. The carbon equivalent (CEV) is controlled to ensure good weldability.

ElementStandard Value (max or range)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤ 0.16%If applicable, the value may be lowered for improved toughness and weldability
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.50%Deoxidizer and strength contributor
Manganese (Mn)0.50 – 1.50%Important for strength and hardenability; upper limit depends on thickness
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.030%Controlled to low level to avoid cold shortness
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.030%Low sulfur content for improved formability and toughness
Aluminium (Al, total)≥ 0.020%Fine grain practice, usually minimum required
Chromium (Cr)0.40 – 0.80%Key element for corrosion resistance, promotes dense patina
Copper (Cu)0.25 – 0.55%Essential for weathering properties; excess may cause hot shortness
Nickel (Ni)≤ 0.65%Adds strength and corrosion resistance, balances copper effects
Nitrogen (N)≤ 0.009%For Al-killed fine grain steels, limited to avoid strain aging
Others (Nb,V,Ti)Microalloying possibleOften present for grain refinement and precipitation strengthening

S355J0W Weather Resistant Steel Coil EN 10155-1993 Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Physical properties are not directly specified in EN 10155 but represent typical values for low-alloy structural steels. These values assist in design calculations for thermal expansion, heat conduction, and electrical conductivity. Actual values may vary slightly with specific heat treatment and composition.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Reference
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20°C
Elastic modulus (E)210GPa20°C, tensile
Shear modulus (G)81GPa20°C, calculated from E and ν
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.30-Elastic range, 20°C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.0×10⁻⁶/K20–100°C, average linear
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.5×10⁻⁶/K20–200°C, average linear
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)13.0×10⁻⁶/K20–300°C, average linear
Thermal conductivity (λ)42W/(m·K)20°C
Specific heat capacity (c)460J/(kg·K)20–100°C
Electrical resistivity (ρ_e)0.25µΩ·m20°C

S355J0W Weather Resistant Steel Coil EN 10155-1993 Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties specified in EN 10155:1993 for S355J0W plates and wide flats. The minimum impact energy is guaranteed for longitudinal V-notch Charpy specimens at 0°C (J0 classification). Values vary with material thickness; thicker sections exhibit lower strength and elongation.

PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition / Thickness Range
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 355MPat ≤ 16 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 345MPa16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 335MPa40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 325MPa63 mm < t ≤ 80 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 315MPa80 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Tensile strength (Rm)470 – 630MPat ≤ 100 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥ 22%t ≤ 40 mm (longitudinal)
Elongation after fracture (A)≥ 21%40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm (longitudinal)
Elongation after fracture (A)≥ 20%63 mm < t ≤ 100 mm (longitudinal)
Impact energy (KV, 0°C)≥ 27JLongitudinal Charpy V-notch, average of 3 specimens
Impact energy (KV, 0°C)≥ 40JMinimum single value allowed (if not specified otherwise)
Bend test (mandrel diameter)3t (t ≤ 16 mm)-180° bend, specimen width ≥ 50 mm
Bend test (mandrel diameter)3t (16 < t ≤ 40 mm)-180° bend, specimen width ≥ 50 mm
Bend test (mandrel diameter)4t (40 < t ≤ 60 mm)-180° bend, specimen width ≥ 50 mm

S355J0W Weather Resistant Steel Coil EN 10155-1993 Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country/RegionStandard & GradeMaterial Number / DesignationRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-5:2019 S355J0W1.8959Direct successor to EN 10155; identical chemical and mechanical requirements
GermanyDIN EN 10155 S355J0WS355J0WNational adoption of the European standard
UKBS EN 10155 S355J0WS355J0WBritish adoption, identical requirements
SwedenSS-EN 10155 S355J0WS355J0WSwedish implementation
FranceNF EN 10155 S355J0WS355J0WFrench implementation
ItalyUNI EN 10155 S355J0WS355J0WItalian implementation
SpainUNE EN 10155 S355J0WS355J0WSpanish implementation
InternationalISO 4952:2003 Fe 490WDFe 490WDSimilar weathering steel, but verification of equivalence is required

S355J0W Weather Resistant Steel Coil EN 10155-1993 Application Introduction

S355J0W is engineered for structures exposed to the atmosphere where reduced maintenance and long service life are critical. The steel develops a dense, protective oxide layer (patina) that inhibits further corrosion when subjected to natural wet-dry cycles. This allows its use without protective paint coatings in many environments, offering aesthetic and economic advantages.
The steel is suitable for:

  • Unpainted or 'rusty look' architectural applications
  • High-cycle fatigue environments such as bridges and crane structures
  • Welded fabrications requiring good low-temperature toughness (0°C impact guarantee)
  • Components formed by cold bending and press braking

Welding should follow established procedures for weathering steel, using matching or slightly over-alloyed filler metals to preserve corrosion resistance. Design details must ensure proper drainage to avoid prolonged wetness that could lead to accelerated corrosion.

Product Applications: Welded plate girders for bridges, Rolled beam and column sections for building frameworks, Weathering steel cladding panels and screens, Container corner castings and box beams, Railway carriage underframes and body structures, Lattice transmission towers and pole structures

Processed into products: Bridge main girders and cross beams, Stiffeners and gusset plates, Flange and web plates for welded beams, Cold-formed lipped channels and Z-sections, Laser/plasma cut brackets and connectors, Pressed and welded pipe sections, Anchor boxes and base plates

Application industries: Civil engineering and infrastructure (bridges, viaducts, overpasses), Architecture and building construction (facades, canopies, sculptures), Railway industry (rail cars, freight wagons, bogie frames), Shipping and container manufacturing (ISO container corners, structural frames), Energy and utilities (transmission towers, wind turbine towers, chimney stacks), Mining and heavy machinery (structural parts exposed to outdoor climate)

S355J0W Weather Resistant Steel Coil EN 10155-1993 Similar or Alternative Weather Resistant Steel Grades with Comparable Performance

Country/RegionStandard & GradeNominal SpecificationRemarks
USAASTM A588/A588M Grade AMinimum yield 345 MPa, tensile 485 MPaSimilar weathering properties; thicker sections may have lower strength; check toughness level (no J0 requirement)
JapanJIS G3114 SMA490AWMinimum yield 365 MPa (t≤16 mm), tensile 490–610 MPaClosest Japanese equivalent; often considered interchangeable; 0°C impact not always mandatory
ChinaGB/T 4171 Q355NHDMinimum yield 355 MPa, tensile 470–630 MPaChinese weathering steel with similar composition; J0 equivalent must be specified separately
EuropeEN 10025-5 S355J2WMinimum yield 355 MPa, impact at -20°CHigher toughness class (J2) for more demanding applications; otherwise identical chemistry
EuropeEN 10025-5 S355K2WMinimum yield 355 MPa, impact at -20°C with higher average (40J)Superior toughness; suitable for severely cold climates; same corrosion resistance
RussiaGOST R 55374 15HSNDAYield ≥ 345 MPa, tensile ≥ 490 MPaCommonly used weathering steel in Russia; contains Cr, Ni, Cu; verify mechanical properties for substitution

Notes:

Weathering behaviour: Optimal patina formation requires exposure to alternating wet and dry periods and avoidance of constant humidity or de-icing salt spray. In marine environments or heavily industrial atmospheres, additional protection may be required.
Weldability: The carbon equivalent (CEV) typically around 0.40–0.44 ensures good weldability with low-hydrogen processes. Preheating may be necessary for thick sections according to EN 1011-2.
Formability: Suitable for cold forming with minimum bend radii as per EN 10155. Hot forming may alter mechanical properties and require re-normalizing.
Certification: When ordering to EN 10155, specify inspection document type (e.g., 3.1 according to EN 10204) and any special requirements, such as normalizing rolling or improved flatness for laser cutting.

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