S235J2 is a European standard (EN 10025-2) non-alloy structural steel, known for its good weldability, low-temperature toughness (impact tested at -20°C), and minimum yield strength of 235 N/mm², making it suitable for construction, machinery, shipbuilding, and bridges where reliability and formability are key. The 'S' denotes structural steel, '235' its minimum yield strength, and 'J2' indicates the low-temperature impact test at -20°C.
Key Characteristics:
Type: Non-alloy carbon structural steel.
Standard: EN 10025-2 standard.
Strength: Minimum yield strength of 235 MPa (N/mm²).
Toughness: Good impact toughness at -20°C (minimum 27 Joules).
Weldability: Excellent, due to low carbon content.
Applications: Building structures, bridges, freight cars, machinery, offshore platforms, and general engineering.
Composition & Properties:
Low Carbon: Enhances weldability and toughness.
Mechanical Properties: Vary with thickness and heat treatment, but offer good cold-forming properties.
Equivalent: Can be considered equivalent to Chinese grade Q235D.
Variations:
Can come in various finishes like black painted, galvanized, or PE coated.
Also seen as S235J2+N for normalized conditions in pipes.
The minimum yield strength (ReH) of S235J2 is 235 megapascals (MPa) for the most common product forms with a nominal thickness ≤ 16 mm.
Important Technical Specification (EN 10025-2):
This minimum yield strength value decreases for thicker material, as specified in the standard:
For nominal thickness ≤ 16 mm: 235 MPa
> 16 mm to 40 mm: 225 MPa
> 40 mm to 63 mm: 215 MPa
> 63 mm to 80 mm: 215 MPa
> 80 mm to 100 mm: 205 MPa
In summary: While S235J2 is primarily defined by its impact toughness at -20°C, its strength designation follows the same pattern as other S235 grades. For standard plates, sections, and bars up to 16 mm thick, the guaranteed minimum yield strength is 235 MPa (approximately 34,000 psi). Engineers must refer to the relevant thickness range for accurate design values.
Mechanical Properties
| S235J2 Yield Strength (≥ N/mm2); Dicke (d) mm | ||||||||
| Steel | Quality grade (Steel number) | d≤16 | 16< d ≤40 | 40< d ≤60 | 60< d ≤100 | 100< d ≤150 | 150< d ≤200 | 200< d ≤250 |
| S235 | S235J2 (1.0117) | 235 | 225 | 215 | 215 | 195 | 185 | 175 |
| S235J2 Tensile Strength (≥ N/mm2) | |||||
| Steel | Quality grade (Steel number) | d<3 | 3 ≤ d ≤ 100 | 100 < d ≤ 150 | 150 < d ≤ 250 |
| S235 | S235J2 (1.0117) | 360-510 | 360-510 | 350-500 | 340-490 |
| Elongation (≥%); Thickness (d) mm | ||||||
| Steel | Quality grade (Steel number) | d≤40 | 40< d ≤63 | 63 < d ≤100 | 100 < d ≤ 150 | 150 < d ≤ 250 |
| S235 | S235J2 (1.0117) | 24 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 21 |
Equivalent Grade
| Carbon Steel S235J2 Equivalent Grade | |||||||||||
| European Union | US | ISO | Japan | China | Indian | ||||||
| Standard | Steel Grade (Steel Number) | Standard | Grade | Standard | Grade | Standard | Grade | Standard | Grade | Standard | Grade |
| EN 10025-2 | S235J2 (1.0117); S235J2G3; S235J2G4 |
ASTM A36; ASTM A283M |
A36; Grade D |
ISO 630-2 | S235D | JIS G3106 | SM400A | GB/T 700 | Q235D | IS 2062 | E250 |
1. What is S235J2 steel?
S235J2 is a non-alloy structural steel grade per EN 10025-2, with a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa and guaranteed impact toughness at -20°C.
2. What does the 'J2' in S235J2 mean?
The 'J2' indicates Charpy V-notch impact testing at -20°C, with a minimum absorbed energy of 27 Joules, ensuring toughness in cold conditions.
3. What is the difference between S235JR and S235J2?
The key difference is the impact test temperature: S235JR is tested at +20°C, while S235J2 is tested at -20°C, making J2 suitable for colder environments.
4. What are the typical applications of S235J2?
It is used in structures exposed to low temperatures, such as outdoor bridges, storage tanks, offshore platforms, and industrial equipment in cold climates.
5. What is the chemical composition of S235J2?
It typically contains max 0.17% C, 1.40% Mn, 0.035% P, 0.035% S, and is killed/fine-grain treated for improved toughness.
6. Is S235J2 weldable?
Yes, S235J2 has good weldability using common methods, but preheating or controlled procedures may be required for thick sections or very cold ambient conditions.
7. What is the yield strength of S235J2?
The minimum yield strength is 235 MPa for thicknesses ≤ 16 mm, decreasing slightly for thicker sections as per EN 10025-2.
8. Is S235J2 equivalent to ASTM A36?
No, while strength is similar, S235J2 includes mandatory low-temperature impact requirements, unlike standard A36, making it a closer match to grades like ASTM A709 Gr. 36.
9. How does S235J2 compare to S355J2?
S355J2 has a higher minimum yield strength (355 MPa) but similar impact toughness at -20°C, making it stronger for cold-weather applications.
10. Is S235J2 corrosion resistant?
No, it is not corrosion-resistant and requires protective coatings (e.g., painting, galvanizing) for outdoor or corrosive environments.
Full specification and details are available on request. The above information is provided for guidance purposes only. For specific design requirements please contact our technical sales staff.
