SM520B ERW Steel Pipe

SM520B ERW Steel Pipe

SM520B ERW Pipe Steel: JIS G3106 High-Strength Structural Material Data

Comprehensive material properties and data for SM520B steel according to JIS G3106, designed for manufacturing electric resistance welded (ERW) pipes used in structural and heavy-duty applications.

Electric resistance welding (ERW), hot rolling, cold forming, cutting, bending, welding, machining

SM520B ERW Steel Pipe Introduction

SM520B is a high-strength, weldable structural steel grade specified in JIS G3106, intended for rolled steel plates, sheets, strips, and sections used in welded structures. The material is designated for the production of electric resistance welded (ERW) pipes when formed from hot-rolled coil. SM520B provides minimum yield strength of 365 MPa and tensile strength in the range of 520–640 MPa, delivering excellent weldability, good toughness at 0°C (Charpy impact energy ≥ 27 J), and reliable formability. It is widely applied in building construction, bridges, offshore platforms, and general structural fabrications. The steel is typically supplied in the as-rolled or normalized condition and exhibits uniform mechanical properties suitable for tubular components that require robust performance under static and dynamic loading.

SM520B ERW Steel Pipe Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of SM520B is defined by JIS G3106 for ladle analysis. The steel is characterized by controlled carbon and manganese levels to ensure high strength and good weldability. Phosphorus and sulfur are limited to improve toughness and reduce cracking susceptibility.

ElementSpecified ValueRemarks
C (Carbon)≤ 0.20Max
Si (Silicon)≤ 0.55Max
Mn (Manganese)≤ 1.60Max
P (Phosphorus)≤ 0.035Max
S (Sulfur)≤ 0.035Max

SM520B ERW Steel Pipe Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for carbon-manganese structural steels like SM520B. These values serve as engineering references and are not specified in JIS G3106. They may vary slightly depending on exact composition and processing conditions.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³At room temperature
Elastic Modulus (E)205GPaAt room temperature
Shear Modulus (G)79.3GPaCalculated from E and ν
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3-At room temperature
Thermal Expansion (α)12.0x10⁻⁶/K20°C – 100°C
Thermal Expansion (α)12.8x10⁻⁶/K20°C – 200°C
Thermal Expansion (α)13.5x10⁻⁶/K20°C – 300°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)52W/(m·K)At room temperature
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)0.47J/(g·K)At room temperature
Electrical Resistivity (ρe)0.22µΩ·mAt 20°C

SM520B ERW Steel Pipe Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are specified according to JIS G3106 for as-rolled or normalized condition. The values vary with product thickness. Tensile test specimens are taken in the transverse direction for plates and strips, and in the longitudinal direction for sections. Charpy impact testing is performed at 0°C on longitudinal V-notch specimens for grades requiring guaranteed toughness.

PropertySpecified RequirementUnitTest Condition / Thickness Range
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 365MPaThickness ≤ 16 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 355MPaThickness > 16 mm and ≤ 40 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 335MPaThickness > 40 mm and ≤ 75 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 325MPaThickness > 75 mm and ≤ 100 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 305MPaThickness > 100 mm and ≤ 160 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 295MPaThickness > 160 mm and ≤ 200 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)520 – 640MPaAll thicknesses
Elongation (A)≥ 15%Thickness ≤ 5 mm (No.5 test piece)
Elongation (A)≥ 19%Thickness > 5 mm and ≤ 16 mm (No.1A test piece)
Elongation (A)≥ 26%Thickness > 16 mm and ≤ 50 mm (No.1A test piece)
Elongation (A)See standard%Thickness > 50 mm (No.4 test piece, based on thickness)
Bend Test (Bend Angle 180°)d = 2.0a-Thickness ≤ 16 mm
Bend Test (Bend Angle 180°)d = 2.5a-Thickness > 16 mm and ≤ 100 mm
Charpy Impact (KV2, V-notch)≥ 27JLongitudinal, 0°C

SM520B ERW Steel Pipe Completely Equivalent Standards and Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
JapanJIS G3106SM520BOriginal specification for plates and strips used in ERW pipe manufacture
JapanJIS G3444STK540Steel tubes for general structural purposes; chemical and mechanical requirements may align but differ in product form and test conditions

SM520B ERW Steel Pipe Application Introduction

SM520B steel in the form of ERW pipes is extensively used in demanding structural environments where high strength, weldability, and moderate toughness are essential. The tubular format enables efficient load-bearing in compression, bending, and torsion. Typical applications span infrastructure, industrial facilities, and heavy equipment. Components manufactured from SM520B ERW pipes include columns, trusses, piles, crane booms, and pressure vessels. The steel is suitable for both shop fabrication and field welding, provided proper preheating and consumables are used for thicker sections.

Product Applications: Steel pipe piles, Structural hollow sections (square, rectangular, round), Welded steel tubes for general structures, Bridge girders and supports, Offshore platform legs and bracings, Tower cranes and derrick components, Piping systems for industrial plants

Processed into products: Building columns and beam columns, Roof trusses and space frames, Pile foundations and retaining wall tubes, Offshore jacket legs and braces, Crane booms and chassis frames, Industrial racks and conveyor systems, Wind turbine tower sections (inner structural elements), Automotive chassis and trailer frames (heavy-duty)

Application industries: Construction and civil engineering, Bridge and highway structures, Offshore and marine engineering, Shipbuilding, Heavy machinery and equipment, Energy transmission and utility structures

SM520B ERW Steel Pipe Similar and Alternative Materials

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
JapanJIS G3106SM520CHigher Charpy requirement (47 J at 0°C); otherwise similar strength and chemistry
JapanJIS G3101SS490Lower tensile strength (490–610 MPa) and lower yield; general structural steel, not fully equivalent
EuropeEN 10025-2S355J2Yield min 355 MPa, tensile 470–630 MPa; –20°C impact 27 J; slightly lower yield but widely interchangeable
USAASTM A572Grade 50Yield min 345 MPa, tensile min 450 MPa; lower strength; often used for structural shapes but not direct substitute

Notes:

ERW pipes manufactured from SM520B strip must conform to the applicable pipe standard such as JIS G3444 or agreed specifications. The weld zone shall maintain adequate strength and toughness; in most cases, the seam is normalized by post-weld heat treatment during the ERW process. Users should verify if supplementary requirements for chemical composition, carbon equivalent (CE), or impact testing at lower temperatures are needed for critical applications.

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