S235J2W Weathering Steel Plate Technical Specifications
- Sep 14, 2026
Knowledge
S235J2W Weathering Steel Plate Technical Specifications
1. Basic Information
| Grade | Specification |
|---|---|
| Grade | S235J2W |
| Standard | EN 10025-5 |
| Material Number | 1.8958 |
| Steel Grade | Weathering Structural Steel / Atmospheric Corrosion-Resistant Steel |
| Yield Strength Grade | 235 MPa |
| Impact Grade | J2 |
| Impact Test Temperature | -20°C |
| Minimum Impact Energy | 27 J |
| Elongation | ≥ 24 % |
| CEV | ≤ 0.44% |
| Steel Plate Thickness | 6.0 - 150.0 mm |
| Steel Plate Width | 1,500.0 - 4,050.0 mm |
| Steel Plate Length | 3,000.0 - 15,000.0 mm |
| Delivery Conditions | Hot-rolled (+AR), normalized (+N), etc.; specific conditions are subject to the order and manufacturer’s agreement. |
| Typical Products | Steel plates, steel strips, structural steel, bars |
2. Chemical Composition
S235J2W is a typical Cu-Cr weathering steel, and the control of its chemical composition is essential for the formation of a stable protective rust layer.
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.13 % |
| Si | ≤ 0.40 % |
| Mn | 0.20 - 0.60 % |
| P | ≤ 0.035 % |
| S | ≤ 0.030 % |
| Cr | 0.40 - 0.80 % |
| Cu | 0.25 - 0.55 % |
| Ni | ≤ 0.65 % |
*Data represents typical values from thermal analysis; the manufacturer’s Material Test Certificate (MTC) shall prevail.
Carbon Equivalent
CEV ≤ 0.44%
According to the IIW formula: CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15
1) A lower carbon equivalent indicates relatively good weldability.
2) During actual welding, specific procedures should still be determined based on plate thickness, welding heat input, preheating temperature, ambient temperature, and welding procedure qualification (WPS/PQR); the need for preheating should not be judged solely based on CEV.
3. Mechanical Properties
| Thickness (t) | Yield Strength (ReH) | Tensile Strength (Rm) | Elongation (A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| t ≤ 16 mm | ≥ 235 MPa | 360 - 510 MPa | ≥ 24 % |
| 16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm | ≥ 225 MPa | 360 - 510 MPa | ≥ 24 % |
| 40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm | ≥ 215 MPa | 360 - 510 MPa | ≥ 23 % |
| 63 mm < t ≤ 80 mm | ≥ 215 MPa | 360 - 510 MPa | ≥ 22 % |
| 80 mm < t ≤ 100 mm | ≥ 215 MPa | 360 - 510 MPa | ≥ 22 % |
| 100 mm < t ≤ 150 mm | ≥ 195 MPa | 350 - 500 MPa | ≥ 22 % |
* Note: As thickness increases, the minimum yield strength permitted by the standard decreases.
4 Impact Properties
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Impact Test | Charpy V-notch |
| Impact Test Temperature | –20 °C |
| Impact Energy | ≥ 27 J |
| Specimen Orientation | Longitudinal |
* For products thinner than 6 mm, the standard provides an exemption from the dimensional requirements for impact testing; for products thicker than 12 mm, a standard 10 × 10 mm Charpy V-notch specimen is typically used.
5. Weathering Performance
The primary difference between S235J2W weathering-resistant structural steel and standard S235 structural steel is its resistance to atmospheric corrosion.
Alloying elements in the steel, such as Cu and Cr, promote the formation of a denser, more stable protective rust layer. Under suitable atmospheric conditions, as the steel ages, the surface typically evolves from initial rusting into a more stable oxide protective layer, thereby reducing the rate of further corrosion.
Therefore, S235J2W weathering steel plates are particularly suitable for:
1) Bridge structures
2) Railroad and transportation infrastructure
3) Building facades
4) Steel structural frames
5) Outdoor equipment
6) Containers and transportation facilities
7) Industrial plants
8) Landscape steel structures
9) Outdoor storage and transportation facilities
However, it is important to note that weathering steel is not “completely rust-free” like stainless steel. The formation of its protective rust layer requires suitable wet-dry cycles and atmospheric conditions. When exposed to standing water, high humidity, or environments with very high salt content for extended periods, its weathering advantages may be significantly reduced.
6. Welding Performance
S235J2W has good weldability; however, weathering steel must not be treated solely as ordinary S235 structural steel during welding.
Welding procedures must take the following into account:
1) Plate thickness
2) Carbon equivalent
3) Welding heat input
4) Preheating temperature
5) Interpass temperature
6) Welding consumable compatibility
7) Weathering performance of the welded joint
EN 10025-5 specifically notes that weathering steel is not universally applicable to all welding processes; post-welding performance depends on factors such as the steel’s dimensions, shape, manufacturing process, and service conditions.
Therefore, if a project requires the weld zone to possess weathering performance matching that of the base metal, appropriate weathering steel welding consumables should be selected.
7. Delivery Conditions
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Hot-rolled (+AR) | The steel plate is delivered directly in the hot-rolled condition after rolling and is suitable for certain conventional structural applications. |
| Normalized (+N) | The microstructure and properties are more uniform, making it more suitable for structural components with higher requirements for toughness and microstructural stability. |
* Specific delivery conditions are subject to the terms of the order.
8. Dimensions and Thickness
For steel plate products, the applicable thickness for S235J2W as specified in EN 10025-5:2019 can reach 150 mm.
The standard also specifies different dimensional ranges for different product forms.
Common supply specifications include:
Thickness: 6 - 150 mm
Width: As per rolling mill capabilities and order requirements
Length: Cut to length as per project requirements
Surface: Hot-rolled surface, shot-blasted/shot-peened surface, etc.
Specific dimensional tolerances should generally be determined based on the product type and corresponding standards.
9. Test Items
The factory quality certificate for S235J2W steel plates typically covers the following:
1) Chemical composition analysis
2) Yield strength
3) Tensile strength
4) Elongation after fracture
5) Charpy V impact energy at -20°C
6) Dimensional and thickness tolerances
7) Surface quality
8) Ultrasonic testing (if required by the order)
9) Delivery condition
10) Furnace batch number and steel plate serial number
If the project has higher internal quality requirements, specifications such as ultrasonic testing in accordance with EN 10160 may be added to the purchase contract.
10. Typical Applications
S235J2W is primarily suitable for steel structures requiring a certain level of resistance to atmospheric corrosion, such as:
1) Architectural Steel Structures
a) Exposed architectural steel structures
b) Landscape steel structures
c) Outdoor steel components
2) Bridge Engineering
a) Bridge components
b) Bridge deck substructures
c) Outdoor load-bearing components
3) Railway Engineering
a) Railway facilities
b) Railway bridge components
c) Outdoor steel structures
4) Industrial facilities
a) Outdoor equipment support structures
b) Material storage facilities
c) Steel frames
5) Landscape engineering
a) Landscape walls
b) Sculptures and decorative steel structures
c) Outdoor artistic structures
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