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The welding characteristics of SPA-H Atmospheric Corrosion Resistant Structural Steel Sheet

Sep 24, 2025 Leave a message

Products Description

 

SPA-H Atmospheric Corrosion Resistant Structural Steel Sheet is a high-strength weathering structural steel specifically designed for applications requiring superior atmospheric corrosion resistance without protective coatings.

SPA H

This advanced steel grade forms a stable protective oxide layer that significantly reduces corrosion rates, making it ideal for exposed structural applications in harsh environmental conditions.

 

Chemical Composition

 

Element (Symbol and Name) Percentage Range (%)
C (Carbon) 0.12 - 0.20
Mn (Manganese) 0.50 - 1.50
P (Phosphorus) ≤ 0.04
S (Sulfur) ≤ 0.03
Cu (Copper) 0.25 - 0.55
Cr (Chromium) 0.20 - 0.50
Ni (Nickel) 0.30 - 0.50

The primary role of key alloying elements in SPA H Steel includes:
- Copper: Enhances corrosion resistance by promoting the formation of a protective patina.
- Chromium: Increases hardness and strength while improving resistance to oxidation.
- Nickel: Enhances toughness and ductility, particularly at lower temperatures.

 

Mechanical Properties

 

Property Condition/Temper Test Temperature Typical Value/Range (Metric) Typical Value/Range (Imperial) Reference Standard for Test Method
Tensile Strength As Rolled Room Temp 490 - 620 MPa 71 - 90 ksi ASTM E8
Yield Strength (0.2% offset) As Rolled Room Temp 355 - 450 MPa 51 - 65 ksi ASTM E8
Elongation As Rolled Room Temp 20 - 25% 20 - 25% ASTM E8
Hardness (Brinell) As Rolled Room Temp 150 - 200 HB 150 - 200 HB ASTM E10
Impact Strength (Charpy) -40°C -40°C 27 J 20 ft-lbf ASTM E23

The combination of these mechanical properties allows SPA H Steel to withstand significant mechanical loads while maintaining structural integrity, making it suitable for applications such as bridges and buildings.

 

Processing Characteristics

 

SPA-H weathering steel plates have high strength and hardness, with a yield strength of 325–420 MPa and a tensile strength of 470–600 MPa, though their plasticity is slightly lower than general structural steel.

 

During processing, SPA-H plates need to be preheated to reduce the risk of cold cracking. The typical preheating temperature is 150–200°C, adjusted according to plate thickness (usually 4–25 mm) and process requirements.

 

For cold forming, care should be taken to ensure the bending radius is at least 3–5 times the plate thickness to avoid cracking or surface wrinkling.

 

For large-scale bending or complex shape processing, experimental verification is recommended beforehand to ensure stresses and deformations remain within safe limits.

 

Welding Characteristics

 

SPA-H steel plates can be welded using manual arc welding, submerged arc welding, gas-shielded welding, and other common methods.

 

Before welding, the steel surface must be thoroughly cleaned to remove oil, oxides, and other impurities to ensure weld quality.

 

During welding, SPA-H plates generally require preheating, typically controlled at 100–150°C, with specific parameters selected according to plate thickness and welding method.

 

Cooling rates of the weld should be controlled within 15–25°C/min to reduce the risk of cracking.

 

After welding, slag removal and thermal shock treatment should be performed in time. The weld joint typically achieves strength comparable to the base metal, meeting general structural requirements.

 

SPA-H plates

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