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Technical Specifications for S355J2WP Weathering Steel Plate

S355J2WP is a hot-rolled structural steel resistant to atmospheric corrosion, as defined in the European standard EN 10025-5, with the material designation 1.8946. The designation “WP” refers to a series of weathering steels with a higher phosphorus content, which are suitable for forming a protective rust layer through natural oxidation, thereby enhancing corrosion resistance in atmospheric environments.

1. Basic Technical Specifications

ItemTechnical Specifications
GradeS355J2WP
Material Number1.8946
Applicable StandardEN 10025-5
Steel GradeWeathering Structural Steel / Atmospheric Corrosion-Resistant Steel
Thickness6.0 - 200.0 mm
Width1,500.0 - 4,050.0 mm
Length3,000.0 – 15,000.0 mm
Yield Strength≥ 355 MPa (thickness ≤ 16 mm)
Impact Test Temperature-20°C
Impact Energy≥ 27 J
Elongation≥ 22 %
Production ProcessHot-rolled
Delivery ConditionHot-rolled (+AR); other specified conditions may also be provided according to contractual requirements
Forms of DeliveryHot-rolled steel plates, steel strips, structural sections, etc.
Design FeaturesHigh strength and resistance to atmospheric corrosion
Typical ApplicationsBridges, building structures, outdoor steel structures, railway and transportation facilities, landscape structures, etc.


* EN 10025-5 specifically defines the technical delivery conditions for hot-rolled steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance; S355J2WP weathering steel plates belong to the WP series within this standard.


2. Meaning of Grade Designations

CharacterMeaningDescription
SStructural steelSteel for structural applications
355Minimum yield strengthYield strength (ReH) ≥ 355 MPa (thickness ≤ 16 mm);
the yield value for thick plates decreases with plate thickness
J2Impact toughness gradeImpact Energy: ≥27 J at -20 °C (Charpy V-notch impact test)
WWeathering steelSteel resistant to atmospheric corrosion
PHigh phosphorus contentHigh-phosphorus weathering steel, accelerates rust layer formation.


3. Chemical Composition

ElementContent
C≤ 0.12 %
Si≤ 0.75 %
Mn≤ 1.0 %
P0.06–0.15 %
S≤ 0.030 %
Cr0.30–1.25 %
Cu0.25–0.55 %


4. Mechanical Properties

Thickness (t)Yield Strength (ReH)Tensile Strength (Rm)Elongation (A)
t ≤ 16 mm≥ 355 MPa470 - 630 MPa≥ 20 %
16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm≥ 345 MPa470 - 630 MPa≥ 20 %
40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm≥ 335 MPa470 - 630 MPa≥ 20 %
63 mm < t ≤ 80 mm≥ 325 MPa470 - 630 MPa≥ 20 %
80 mm < t ≤ 100 mm≥ 315 MPa470 - 630 MPa≥ 20 %
100 mm < t ≤ 150 mm≥ 295 MPa450 - 600 MPa≥ 20 %


5. Impact Properties

ItemRequirements
Impact TestCharpy V-notch
Impact Temperature- 20 °C
Impact Energy≥ 27 J
Specimen OrientationLongitudinal


6. Delivery Conditions

Common delivery conditions for S355J2WP:

ConditionDescription
+ARHot-rolled
+NNormalized or normalized-rolled
TMCPThermomechanically Controlled Rolling


7. Weathering Performance Characteristics

In a suitable outdoor atmospheric environment, the steel plate surface undergoes the following evolution: initial rusting → development of an oxide layer → formation of a dense, stable rust layer.

This stable rust layer effectively slows down subsequent corrosion processes; therefore, under appropriate usage conditions, traditional coating maintenance can be reduced or eliminated.

However, it should be noted that weathering steel is not “completely rust-free.” If exposed for extended periods to persistent moisture, standing water, high salt fog, or high chloride ion environments, its weathering performance may significantly deteriorate; S355J2WP steel should not be treated as stainless steel.

The EN 10025-5 standard contains specific provisions regarding the operating environment, manufacturing processes, and welding requirements for weathering steel.


8. Welding and Fabrication

S355J2WP weathering steel plates can be welded using conventional welding methods; however, because they contain weathering alloying elements such as Cu, Cr, and P, welding parameters (including plate thickness, carbon equivalent, preheating temperature, heat input, selection of welding consumables, and interpass temperature) must be determined comprehensively based on specific conditions.

It is important to note that the weathering performance of the weld and the heat-affected zone is not automatically equivalent to that of the base metal. In weathering steel projects, welding materials and processes that match the weathering grade of the base material should be selected.

Furthermore, EN 10025-5 imposes restrictions on the subsequent heat treatment of S355J2WP weathering steel plates. The standard stipulates that, except for specified stress-relief treatments, heat treatment should generally not be performed after delivery; improper high-temperature or prolonged stress relief may result in a decline in mechanical properties.


9. Typical Applications

S355J2WP weathering steel plates are primarily suitable for applications requiring structural strength and resistance to atmospheric corrosion, such as:

1) Bridge and railway bridge structures

2) Outdoor steel structures

3) Architectural steel structures

4) Railway rolling stock and vehicle structures

5) Containers and transportation equipment

7) Power transmission towers

8) External structures of industrial equipment

9) Landscape architecture and architectural decorative structures

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