Q355GNH Weathering Steel

Q355GNH is a Chinese standard weathering steel (GB/T 4171) with enhanced phosphorus content for improved atmospheric corrosion resistance. With higher strength than Q295GNH, it is widely used in railway rolling stock, containers, bridges, and structural applications requiring good weldability and formability.

Chemical Composition (heat analysis, %)

Grade C Si Mn P S Cu Cr Ni Others*
Q355GNH ≤0.12 0.25–0.75 ≤1.00 0.07–0.15 ≤0.020 0.25–0.55 0.30–1.25 ≤0.65 ①,②

📌 Notes on chemical composition:

  • ① Micro-alloying: may contain Nb (0.015–0.060%), V (0.02–0.12%), Ti (0.02–0.10%), Alt ≥0.020%. At least one element meets lower limit; total Nb+V+Ti ≤0.22%.
  • ② Optional: Mo ≤0.30%, Zr ≤0.15% may be added by agreement.
  • ③ Permissible deviations for product analysis according to GB/T 222. Sulphur can be agreed ≤0.008%.
  • ④ Through negotiation, Ni lower limit may be waived, or C ≤0.15% upon request.
  • ⑤ Smelting: converter or electric furnace, fully killed steel. Delivery states: hot-rolled / controlled-rolled / normalized.

Mechanical Properties & Bending Test

Grade Lower yield strength ReL (≥ MPa) Tensile strength Rm (MPa) Elongation after fracture A/% ≥ 180° Bending
mandrel diameter
≤16 >16-40 >40-60 >60 N/mm²  ≤16 >16-40 >40-60 >60 ≤6 >6-16 >16
Q355GNH 355 345 490 – 630 22 22 a 2a 3a
355/345 = Yield strength by thickness (MPa) — = not applicable for >40mm 490-630 = Tensile strength range (MPa) a/2a/3a = Bending mandrel diameter (a = specimen thickness)

Note: 'a' = specimen thickness. Rp0.2 applies if no yield plateau. Bending specimen width b=35mm for arbitration. "—" indicates the property is not specified for that thickness range.

Smelting & Delivery Conditions

  • 🔹 7.1.2 – Permissible deviations for product analysis per GB/T 222.
  • 🔹 7.2 – Steelmaking: converter or electric furnace, fully killed. Method at supplier's option unless specified.
  • 🔹 7.3 – Delivery: hot-rolled, controlled-rolled, or normalized condition. Cold-rolled sheets generally delivered in annealed condition.
  • 🔹 Fabrication: Excellent weldability and cold forming. Preheating (100–150°C) recommended for thickness >25 mm.
355
Min Yield (MPa) ≤16mm
490–630
Tensile Rm (MPa)
22%
Elongation A (≤40mm)
0.07–0.15
Phosphorus P %

🌉 Typical Applications & Properties

Q355GNH features enhanced phosphorus content for improved atmospheric corrosion resistance. It forms a dense protective patina, eliminating the need for painting in many environments. With higher strength than Q295GNH, it is suitable for:

🚆 Railway rolling stock 📦 Containers 🌉 Bridges 🏭 Industrial buildings ⚡ Transmission towers 🚧 Highway structures

Available thickness: 2mm to 40mm (typical). Mill test certificates (EN 10204 3.1) supplied.


© Q355GNH technical data sheet — Based on GB/T 4171:2008 & amendments. Always verify with mill certificate.