Gnee is a globally recognized manufacturer and exporter of structural steel plates, supplying high-quality BS EN 10025-2 S355JR structural steel plates for construction, bridges, heavy machinery, shipbuilding, and offshore engineering projects worldwide.
Manufactured in accordance with BS EN 10025-2 / DIN EN 10025-2, S355JR steel plates offer an excellent balance of strength, weldability, and impact toughness at +20°C, making them one of the most widely used structural steels in Europe and international markets.
This article provides a comprehensive technical overview of BS EN 10025-2 S355JR structural steel plates, covering chemical composition, mechanical properties, thickness tolerance, equivalent grades, fabrication performance, and typical applications-serving as a practical reference for engineers, fabricators, and procurement specialists.
Introduction to DIN EN 10025-2 Standard
DIN EN 10025-2 specifies the technical delivery conditions for hot-rolled non-alloy structural steels supplied as plates, sections, and flat products. It is the German adoption of the European standard EN 10025-2, while BS EN 10025-2 represents the British implementation.
The standard includes the following commonly used grades:
EN 10025-2 S235JR / J0 / J2
EN 10025-2 S275JR / J0 / J2
EN 10025-2 S355JR / J0 / J2 / K2
EN 10025-2 S355JR+N
EN 10025-2 S450J0
Among them, EN 10025-2 S355JR is the most popular grade due to its higher yield strength, fine grain structure, good machinability, and guaranteed impact energy at +20°C, making it suitable for load-bearing structural components subjected to static and moderate dynamic loads.
Gangsteel produces EN 10025-2 S355JR steel plates strictly in accordance with the standard, ensuring full traceability, CE marking, and EN 10204 certification for global engineering projects.
EN 10025-2 S355JR Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of EN 10025-2 S355JR is carefully controlled to achieve a balance between strength, toughness, and weldability.
Typical Chemical Composition (Heat Analysis, % max)
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.24 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.60 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.55 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.55 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.012 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Key Technical Notes:
Carbon (≤0.24%) ensures good weldability and reduces the risk of cold cracking
Manganese (≤1.60%) improves strength and toughness without sacrificing ductility
Low P and S levels enhance impact toughness and structural reliability
Silicon and copper improve atmospheric corrosion resistance, beneficial for outdoor and offshore structures
Gangsteel conducts spectrometric chemical analysis for every heat and can provide additional testing, including ultrasonic inspection, upon request.
EN 10025-2 S355JR Mechanical Properties
EN 10025-2 S355JR delivers robust mechanical performance suitable for structural engineering applications.
Mechanical Properties (Plate Thickness ≤ 16 mm)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH, min) | 355 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 470 – 630 MPa |
| Elongation (A, min) | 20% |
| Impact Energy (Charpy V) | 27 J at +20°C |
| Typical Hardness | 150 – 200 HB |
Performance Highlights:
High yield strength (355 MPa) supports heavy loads and long-span structures
Wide tensile range ensures resistance to both static and dynamic stresses
20% elongation enables forming, rolling, and welding without cracking
Impact toughness at +20°C (JR) suits standard structural environments
Compared with lower grades such as S275JR (275 MPa) or S235JR (235 MPa), S355JR allows reduced plate thickness and weight savings while maintaining structural integrity.
EN 10025-2 S355JR Thickness Tolerance (EN 10029)
Thickness tolerances for S355JR plates are governed by EN 10029, which applies to hot-rolled plates with thickness ≥ 3 mm.
EN 10029 – Class A Thickness Tolerance
| Nominal Thickness (mm) | Tolerance (± mm) |
|---|---|
| t ≤ 3 | 0.3 |
| 3 < t ≤ 5 | 0.4 |
| 5 < t ≤ 8 | 0.5 |
| 8 < t ≤ 15 | 0.6 |
| 15 < t ≤ 25 | 0.8 |
| 25 < t ≤ 40 | 1.0 |
| 40 < t ≤ 80 | 1.2 |
| 80 < t ≤ 100 | 1.4 |
| 100 < t ≤ 150 | 1.8 |
| 150 < t ≤ 200 | 2.2 |
| 200 < t ≤ 250 | 2.6 |
Notes:
Class A is the default tolerance unless otherwise specified
Measurements are taken at least 100 mm from trimmed edges
Gangsteel can supply Class B / C / D tolerances for precision fabrication
EN 10025-2 S355JR Equivalent Material Grades
S355JR has multiple international equivalents, facilitating global sourcing.
| Standard / Country | Equivalent Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM (USA) | A572 Grade 50 | Slightly lower yield, similar performance |
| DIN (Germany) | ST52-3 | Comparable toughness at +20°C |
| JIS (Japan) | SM490A | Structural steel equivalent |
| GB (China) | Q345B | Closest Chinese equivalent |
| AFNOR (France) | E36-2 | Similar construction use |
| ISO | FE510B | General structural grade |
| BS (UK) | 50B | Comparable legacy grade |
Note: While equivalents are close, chemical limits and testing requirements may vary. Final selection should always be verified against project specifications.
EN 10025-2 S355JR Key Benefits
High strength-to-weight ratio, enabling lighter structural designs
Reliable toughness at +20°C, suitable for standard service environments
Excellent weldability, often without preheating for plates ≤25 mm
Good atmospheric corrosion resistance, suitable for outdoor structures
Cost-effective alternative to higher alloy or normalized grades
Full compliance with BS EN / DIN EN 10025-2 and CE marking
Weldability and Fabrication Performance
EN 10025-2 S355JR is well suited for common fabrication processes:
Welding Methods: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, SAW
Preheating: Generally not required up to 25 mm thickness
PWHT: Optional for thick plates (>40 mm)
Filler Materials: E7018, ER70S-6 or equivalent
Forming: Suitable for bending, rolling, and cold forming
Gangsteel can supply normalized (+N) condition plates upon request for enhanced grain refinement.
Typical Applications
EN 10025-2 S355JR structural steel plates are widely used in:
Bridges and building structures
Offshore platforms and wind turbine towers
Heavy machinery and cranes
Ship hulls and superstructures
Energy facilities, pipelines, and storage tanks
Gnee supplies S355JR plates in 6–300 mm thickness, with cut-to-size, beveling, and cladding services available.
