SM490B Steel for Welded Structures

SM490B Steel for Welded Structures

SM490B Steel for Welded Structures - JIS G3106 LSAW Pipe Material Analysis

Comprehensive material data for SM490B steel according to JIS G3106, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, and physical performance for longitudinal submerged arc welded (LSAW) pipe applications.

Hot rolling, controlled rolling, normalizing, welding (SAW, LSAW)

SM490B Steel for Welded Structures Introduction

SM490B is a hot-rolled steel for welded structures standardized in JIS G3106. It offers a minimum yield strength of 325 MPa (for thickness ≤16 mm) and tensile strength in the range of 490–610 MPa. The material provides good weldability, excellent notch toughness at 0°C (min. 27 J), and is widely used for structural components including LSAW pipes. Its balanced composition ensures reliable performance in bridges, buildings, offshore structures, and pressure vessels. Controlled rolling or normalizing delivery conditions further enhance mechanical homogeneity.

SM490B Steel for Welded Structures Chemical Composition

Chemical requirements according to JIS G3106 for SM490B. Values are for product thickness ≤100 mm. Microalloying elements such as Nb, V, or Ti may be added for grain refinement.

  • For thickness ≤50 mm: C ≤0.18%, Mn ≤1.60%
  • For thickness >50–100 mm: C ≤0.20%, Mn ≤1.60%
ElementStandard Value (max, %)Remarks
C0.18 (≤50 mm); 0.20 (>50–100 mm)Heat analysis
Si0.55
Mn1.60
P0.035
S0.035
Nb, V, TiOptional additionGrain refinement elements
CEV (typical)≤0.44Carbon equivalent, for guidance

SM490B Steel for Welded Structures Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Physical properties are not mandated by JIS G3106 but are representative for SM490B type low-carbon low-alloy steel at ambient temperature (20°C). These values are suitable for engineering calculations.

  • Density and elastic moduli are standard for structural steel.
  • Thermal expansion and conductivity vary with temperature; values given for 20–100°C range.
PropertyTypical ValueUnitRemarks / Temperature
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20°C
Elastic Modulus (E)210GPa20°C
Shear Modulus (G)80GPa20°C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.320°C
Thermal Expansion (α)12.010⁻⁶/K20–100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)50W/(m·K)20°C
Specific Heat Capacity (c)460J/(kg·K)20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ)0.22μΩ·m20°C

SM490B Steel for Welded Structures Mechanical Properties

Transverse tensile properties and Charpy impact requirements as per JIS G3106. Tensile test specimens taken from the product.

  • Yield strength varies with thickness.
  • Elongation depends on thickness and specimen orientation.
  • Charpy V-notch test at 0°C, longitudinal direction, average ≥27 J.
PropertyStandard Required ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥325MPaThickness ≤16 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥315MPa16 < t ≤40 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥295MPa40 < t ≤75 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥295MPa75 < t ≤100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)490–610MPaThickness ≤100 mm
Elongation (A)≥22%Thickness ≤5 mm, JIS No.5 specimen
Elongation (A)≥17%5 < t ≤16 mm, JIS No.1A specimen
Elongation (A)≥21%16 < t ≤50 mm, JIS No.1A specimen
Elongation (A)≥23%>50 mm, JIS No.10 specimen (transverse)
Charpy Impact (KV2)≥27 (average)J0°C, longitudinal, 10x10 mm specimen

SM490B Steel for Welded Structures Fully Equivalent Material Standards & Substitute Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
JapanJIS G3106SM490BBase standard
EUEN 10025-2S355J0Tensile strength 490–630 MPa; 0°C impact
USAASTM A572/A572MGrade 50≥345 MPa yield; impact not mandatory
ChinaGB/T 1591Q345B≥345 MPa yield; 20°C impact, 27J
InternationalISO 630-2S355D≥355 MPa yield; -20°C impact, min 47J

SM490B Steel for Welded Structures Application Introduction

SM490B is designed for welded structures requiring medium strength and good low-temperature toughness. It adapts well to automated welding processes such as LSAW for large-diameter pipes. Typical application industries include:

Product Applications: Longitudinally submerged arc welded (LSAW) pipes, Welded H-beams, box columns, and built-up sections, Heavy plates for shipbuilding and offshore modules, Penstocks and spiral-welded pipes, Crane booms and earthmoving equipment frames

Processed into products: Pipe spools and fittings for high-pressure gas/oil lines, Bridge girder flanges and webs, Wind turbine tower flanges and connecting segments, Structural nodes in steel-frame buildings, Pressure vessel shells and heads (with additional normalizing if required)

Application industries: Civil engineering and construction (bridges, high-rise buildings, stadiums), Offshore and marine engineering (platforms, jackets, ship hulls), Oil & gas transmission (LSAW pipes for onshore and offshore pipelines), Automotive and railway vehicles (chassis, bogie frames), Pressure vessel and boiler manufacturing (up to moderate thickness)

SM490B Steel for Welded Structures Similar / Close Alternative Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
JapanJIS G3106SM490YAHigher yield, controlled Cu-Ni-Cr for weathering
JapanJIS G3106SM490C0°C impact, same strength, slightly lower CEV in some cases
EUEN 10025-2S355JRRoom temp impact, slightly lower toughness requirement
EUEN 10025-3S355NNormalized, fine grain, improved toughness for thicker sections
ChinaGB/T 1591Q345C0°C impact 34J, comparable strength
USAASTM A709/A709MGrade 50Bridge steel, similar strength, optional notch toughness

Notes:

For LSAW pipe production, SM490B plates are typically ordered with supplementary requirements such as ultrasonic testing (UT), through-thickness properties (Z35), or specific carbon equivalent limits. Always confirm the latest edition of JIS G3106 and any project-specific specifications.

  • Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) may affect mechanical properties; consult steel supplier for PWHT simulation data.
  • For sour service applications, additional HIC/SSC testing per NACE MR0175 is recommended.
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