Structural Steel - Data and Specifications
Overview of Structural Steel
Structural steel is a hot-rolled, non-alloy steel extensively used in construction, industrial fabrication, and mechanical engineering. It combines high strength, toughness, ductility, and excellent weldability, making it ideal for load-bearing and structural applications.
Structural Steel
Structural steel is supplied in multiple forms and shapes, each designed for
specific requirements. The main types include:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Hot Rolled Mild Steel Plate | Flat plates for fabrication, bridges, and structural bases. |
| Universal Beams (UB) | I-shaped beams for longitudinal load support in frames and floors. |
| Universal Columns (UC) | Heavier H/I-shaped sections for vertical load-bearing applications. |
| Mild Steel Tubes | Round tubes for mechanical and structural use. |
| Circular Hollow Sections (CHS) | Hollow round sections for columns and trusses. |
| Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS) | Rectangular hollow sections for frames and structural members. |
| Square Hollow Sections (SHS) | Square hollow sections for columns, trusses, and supports. |
| Mild Steel Flats | Rectangular flat bars for brackets, fabrication, and general reinforcement. |
| Mild Steel Channels (C-Section) | C-shaped sections for secondary structural supports. |
| Mild Steel Square Bars | Solid square bars for shafts, supports, and fabricated components. |
| Equal Angle (L-Shaped) | Symmetrical angles for bracing, frames, and reinforcements. |
| Unequal Angle (L-Shaped) | Asymmetrical angles for structural framing and reinforcement in irregular layouts. |
Notes:
- All grades are weldable and formable.
- Charpy impact testing can be applied at +20 °C, 0 °C, or −20 °C depending on design requirements.
Standard Grades
Chargentum supplies S275 and S355 structural steels suitable for general
engineering and heavy-duty applications:
| Grade | Description | Minimum Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S235 | General structural steel | 235 | 360–510 | Light construction, non-critical members |
| S275 | General-purpose structural steel | 275 | 410–530 | Bridges, industrial structures, medium-duty fabrication |
| S355 | High-strength structural steel | 355 | 510–680 | Heavy-duty beams, columns, crane rails, bridge |
Chemical Composition
(Typical Maximum % by Mass)
| Element | S275 | S355 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.21 | 0.24 | Higher carbon reduces weldability |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.5 | 1.6 | Improves strength and toughness |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.035 (P) | 0.035 | Lowers brittleness |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.035 | 0.035 | Lowers brittleness |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.50 | 0.55 | Assists deoxidation |
| Other Alloying Elements | ≤0.05 | ≤0.05 | Trace elements depending on mill |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | S275 | S355 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Yield Strength | 275 MPa | 355 MPa | Stress at which permanent deformation occurs |
| Tensile Strength | 410–530 MPa | 510–680 MPa | Maximum load before failure |
| Elongation | ≥23% | ≥22% | Ductility before fracture |
| Charpy Impact Energy | 27 J at +20 °C | 27 J at −20 °C | Resistance to brittle fracture |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 210,000 MPa | 210,000 MPa | Material stiffness |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.30 | 0.30 | Lateral contraction vs longitudinal extension |
| Density | 7,850 kg/m³ | 7,850 kg/m³ | Mass per cubic meter |
Delivery Conditions
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| As-Rolled | Standard hot-rolled plates and sections |
| Normalized | Heat-treated for uniform mechanical properties |
| Charpy Tested | Toughness tested at +20 °C, 0 °C, or −20 °C |
| Surface Finish | Mill finish; shot-blasted or primed available on request |
| Dimensional Tolerances | EN 10029 for plates, EN 10034 for beams/columns |
Physical & Design Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7,850 kg/m³ | Typical for structural steels |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 210,000 MPa | Stiffness under load |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 12 ×10⁻⁶ /°C | Linear expansion per °C |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 120–160 HB | Typical for hot rolled steel |
| Electrical Conductivity | 10–12 % IACS | Minor for structural applications |
Metal Types & Applications
Hot Rolled Mild Steel Plate
Hot Rolled Plates are flat steel sheets for fabrication, bridges, and structural bases, available
in S275 and S355, 1.5–25 mm thickness, widths up to 2000 mm.
| Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1000 | S275, S355 | Light fabrication |
| 6 | 1250 | S275, S355 | General structural use |
| 8 | 1500 | S275, S355 | Industrial plates |
| 10 | 2000 | S275, S355 | Construction plates |
| 15 | 2000 | S275, S355 | Fabrication floors |
| 18 | 2500 | S275, S355 | Bridge components |
| 20 | 2500 | S275, S355 | Structural bases |
| 22 | 3000 | S275, S355 | Medium load applications |
| 25 | 3000 | S275, S355 | Large structures |
| 30 | 4000 | S275, S355 | Heavy industrial |
| 35 | 4000 | S275, S355 | Mega-scale applications |
Physical & Design Properties
Universal Beams are primarily for horizontal load-bearing applications such as floors,
bridges, mezzanines, and structural frameworks.
Chargentum supplies UBs in a comprehensive size range: 127 x 76 x 13 kg/m up to
914 x 419 x 388 kg/m. Most beam serial sizes are available in multiple weight variants per
metre to meet structural load calculations. Grades include S275 and S355.
| Depth (mm) | Flange Width (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 127 | 76 | 13 | S275, S355 | Light floor beams |
| 152 | 89 | 18 | S275, S355 | Mezzanine supports |
| 178 | 102 | 23 | S275, S355 | Residential frames |
| 203 | 102 | 27 | S275, S355 | Industrial floors |
| 229 | 146 | 36 | S275, S355 | Medium-duty bridges |
| 254 | 146 | 40 | S275, S355 | Heavy floors |
| 305 | 165 | 55 | S275, S355 | Factory structures |
| 356 | 171 | 69 | S275, S355 | Warehouse supports |
| 406 | 178 | 79 | S275, S355 | Crane rails & beams |
| 457 | 191 | 92 | S275, S355 | Large span floors |
| 508 | 191 | 112 | S275, S355 | Structural frameworks |
| 914 | 419 | 388 | S275, S355 | Mega-scale industrial |
Universal Columns (UC)
Universal Columns are heavier vertical load-bearing sections, often used in multi-storey buildings, industrial frameworks, crane rails, and bridges. They are designed to support high axial loads and can be integrated into structural frames with Universal Beams for complete load distribution.
Chargentum can supply Universal Columns in a comprehensive size range:
152 x 152 x 23 kg/m up to 356 x 406 x 634 kg/m. Most columns are available in several different weights per serial size to meet specific structural requirements. Grades include S275 and S355, and all columns can be cut to size, primed, and delivered across the UK.
| Depth (mm) | Flange Width (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 152 | 152 | 23 | S275, S355 | Light columns |
| 203 | 203 | 37 | S275, S355 | Medium support |
| 254 | 254 | 57 | S275, S355 | Industrial columns |
| 305 | 305 | 78 | S275, S355 | Factory structures |
| 356 | 356 | 95 | S275, S355 | Warehouse verticals |
| 406 | 406 | 120 | S275, S355 | Crane & heavy floors |
| 457 | 457 | 145 | S275, S355 | Bridge supports |
| 508 | 508 | 170 | S275, S355 | Mega columns |
| 610 | 610 | 220 | S275, S355 | Structural frameworks |
| 711 | 711 | 280 | S275, S355 | High-rise structures |
| 813 | 813 | 330 | S275, S355 | Heavy-duty industrial |
| 914 | 914 | 388 | S275, S355 | Mega-scale vertical |
Mild Steel Tubes
Mild Steel Tubes are widely used in structural, mechanical, and hydraulic applications. They provide excellent strength-to-weight ratios, weldability, and dimensional accuracy. Chargentum supplies hot-rolled, cold-finished, circular hollow sections (CHS), and cold drawn seamless tubes (CDS) in S275 and S355 grades. These tubes are ideal for structural frames, trusses, hydraulic cylinders, machine components, and industrial equipment.
Mild Steel Tubes - Structural (Hot Rolled)
| Outer Diameter (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 2 | 1.2 | S275, S355 | Light structural use |
| 25 | 3 | 2.0 | S275, S355 | Frames & supports |
| 32 | 3 | 2.6 | S275, S355 | Medium load applications |
| 40 | 4 | 4.0 | S275, S355 | Structural frames |
| 50 | 4 | 5.0 | S275, S355 | Industrial supports |
| 60 | 5 | 6.8 | S275, S355 | Crane bases |
| 76 | 6 | 9.5 | S275, S355 | Bridge trusses |
| 89 | 6 | 11.0 | S275, S355 | Factory columns |
| 100 | 8 | 15.5 | S275, S355 | High-load trusses |
| 114 | 8 | 18.0 | S275, S355 | Mega structures |
| 140 | 10 | 25.0 | S275, S355 | Heavy industrial |
| 168 | 12 | 35.0 | S275, S355 | Large-scale construction |
Hollow Sections - Rectangular, Circular, and Square:
Hollow sections are widely used in construction, industrial frames, trusses, and mechanical structures. They offer high strength-to-weight ratios, excellent weldability, and versatility for columns, beams, frames, and supports. Chargentum supplies Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS), Circular Hollow Sections (CHS), and Square Hollow Sections (SHS) in S275 and S355 grades, with multiple standard dimensions available for UK structural applications.
Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS)
| Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 25 | 3 | 3.6 | S275, S355 | Light frames |
| 50 | 50 | 4 | 6.2 | S275, S355 | Medium supports |
| 75 | 50 | 4 | 7.8 | S275, S355 | Floor framing |
| 100 | 50 | 5 | 10.2 | S275, S355 | Industrial frames |
| 100 | 100 | 6 | 16.3 | S275, S355 | Columns & trusses |
| 125 | 75 | 6 | 19.2 | S275, S355 | Heavy-duty frames |
| 150 | 100 | 8 | 27.4 | S275, S355 | Crane bases |
| 200 | 100 | 8 | 35.6 | S275, S355 | Factory structures |
| 200 | 150 | 10 | 52.1 | S275, S355 | Bridge supports |
| 250 | 150 | 12 | 63.0 | S275, S355 | Mega-scale industrial |
| 300 | 200 | 12 | 82.0 | S275, S355 | High-load columns |
| 400 | 200 | 16 | 112.0 | S275, S355 | Heavy structural support |
Circular Hollow Sections (CHS)
| Outer Diameter (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 2 | 1.2 | S275, S355 | Light columns |
| 25 | 3 | 2.3 | S275, S355 | Medium columns |
| 32 | 3 | 2.8 | S275, S355 | Frames & trusses |
| 40 | 4 | 4.0 | S275, S355 | General structural |
| 50 | 4 | 5.0 | S275, S355 | Industrial supports |
| 60 | 5 | 6.8 | S275, S355 | Heavy-duty frames |
| 76 | 6 | 9.5 | S275, S355 | Crane and bridge |
| 89 | 6 | 11.0 | S275, S355 | Factory columns |
| 100 | 8 | 15.5 | S275, S355 | High-load trusses |
| 114 | 8 | 18.0 | S275, S355 | Mega structures |
| 140 | 10 | 25.0 | S275, S355 | Heavy industrial |
| 168 | 12 | 35.0 | S275, S355 | Large-scale construction |
Square Hollow Sections (SHS)
| Width (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 2 | 1.5 | S275, S355 | Light columns |
| 25 | 3 | 2.6 | S275, S355 | Frames & supports |
| 30 | 3 | 3.1 | S275, S355 | Small structural members |
| 40 | 4 | 5.2 | S275, S355 | Medium frames |
| 50 | 4 | 6.5 | S275, S355 | Industrial supports |
| 60 | 5 | 9.0 | S275, S355 | Crane bases |
| 75 | 6 | 13.0 | S275, S355 | Heavy structural frames |
| 80 | 6 | 14.0 | S275, S355 | Factory columns |
| 90 | 8 | 18.5 | S275, S355 | Bridge supports |
| 100 | 8 | 21.0 | S275, S355 | Large-scale construction |
| 125 | 10 | 30.5 | S275, S355 | Heavy industrial |
| 150 | 12 | 42.0 | S275, S355 | Mega-scale structures |
Mild Steel Flats
Mild Steel Flats are rectangular solid bars widely used for brackets, machine bases, reinforcement, fabrication, and general structural applications. Their high strength, toughness, and weldability make them ideal for both light and heavy-duty engineering projects. Chargentum supplies Mild Steel Flats in a variety of widths, thicknesses, and lengths, available in S275 and S355 grades. Flats can be cut to size, drilled, welded, and machined for bespoke structural solutions.
| Width (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Length (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 5 | 6000 | 0.39 | S275, S355 | Light fabrication |
| 20 | 5 | 6000 | 0.78 | S275, S355 | Brackets, supports |
| 25 | 6 | 6000 | 1.18 | S275, S355 | Small frames |
| 30 | 8 | 6000 | 1.88 | S275, S355 | General reinforcement |
| 40 | 10 | 6000 | 3.12 | S275, S355 | Heavy-duty fabrication |
| 50 | 12 | 6000 | 4.71 | S275, S355 | Machine bases |
| 60 | 12 | 6000 | 5.65 | S275, S355 | Structural components |
| 75 | 15 | 6000 | 9.44 | S275, S355 | Industrial frames |
| 80 | 20 | 6000 | 12.6 | S275, S355 | Medium-load structures |
| 100 | 20 | 6000 | 15.8 | S275, S355 | Large-scale fabrication |
| 125 | 25 | 6000 | 24.5 | S275, S355 | Heavy structural reinforcement |
| 150 | 30 | 6000 | 35.3 | S275, S355 | Mega industrial applications |
Mild Steel Channels (C-Section)
Hollow sections are widely used in construction, industrial frames, trusses, and mechanical structures. They offer high strength-to-weight ratios, excellent weldability, and versatility for columns, beams, frames, and supports. Chargentum supplies Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS), Circular Hollow Sections (CHS), and Square Hollow Sections (SHS) in S275 and S355 grades, with multiple standard dimensions available for UK structural applications.
| Depth (mm) | Flange Width (mm) | Web Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 25 | 3 | 3.5 | S275, S355 | Light support |
| 65 | 33 | 3 | 4.8 | S275, S355 | Medium loads |
| 75 | 40 | 4 | 6.3 | S275, S355 | Floor joists |
| 90 | 46 | 4 | 7.8 | S275, S355 | Industrial frames |
| 100 | 50 | 5 | 10.2 | S275, S355 | Heavy-duty support |
| 120 | 60 | 5 | 12.5 | S275, S355 | Crane bases |
| 140 | 70 | 6 | 17.0 | S275, S355 | Bridge supports |
| 160 | 75 | 6 | 19.8 | S275, S355 | Factory structures |
| 180 | 80 | 8 | 26.0 | S275, S355 | Large industrial frames |
| 200 | 90 | 8 | 30.5 | S275, S355 | High-load structures |
| 220 | 100 | 10 | 40.0 | S275, S355 | Mega-scale construction |
| 250 | 120 | 12 | 55.0 | S275, S355 | Heavy engineering |
Mild Steel Square Bars
Mild Steel Square Bars are solid, uniform sections used for shafts, supports, fabricated components, and general structural reinforcement. They are easy to cut, drill, and weld, making them ideal for mechanical, construction, and industrial applications. Chargentum supplies Square Bars in S275 and S355 grades, with a variety of sizes and lengths to suit different engineering requirements.
| Side Length (mm) | Length (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 6000 | 0.62 | S275, S355 | Light components |
| 12 | 6000 | 0.89 | S275, S355 | Small supports |
| 16 | 6000 | 1.58 | S275, S355 | Brackets & frames |
| 20 | 6000 | 2.47 | S275, S355 | Medium reinforcement |
| 25 | 6000 | 3.87 | S275, S355 | Industrial components |
| 32 | 6000 | 5.98 | S275, S355 | Heavy-duty shafts |
| 40 | 6000 | 9.40 | S275, S355 | Structural bases |
| 50 | 6000 | 14.7 | S275, S355 | Fabrication frames |
| 63 | 6000 | 21.9 | S275, S355 | Mechanical supports |
| 75 | 6000 | 30.9 | S275, S355 | Crane and bridge frames |
| 95 | 6000 | 44.2 | S275, S355 | Large-scale reinforcement |
| 100 | 6000 | 54.8 | S275, S355 | Mega industrial applications |
Mild Steel Equal Angles (L-Shaped)
Equal Angles are symmetrical L-shaped sections with equal legs, widely used for bracing, frames, reinforcement, and general structural support. Their uniform geometry allows for even load distribution, making them ideal for frames, shelving, trusses, and structural brackets. Chargentum supplies Equal Angles in S275 and S355 grades, available in multiple thicknesses and leg sizes, with cut-to-size and priming services.
| Leg Length (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Length (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 3 | 6000 | 1.1 | S275, S355 | Light bracing |
| 32 | 3 | 6000 | 1.4 | S275, S355 | Small frames |
| 40 | 4 | 6000 | 2.0 | S275, S355 | Reinforcement |
| 50 | 5 | 6000 | 3.2 | S275, S355 | Structural support |
| 63 | 6 | 6000 | 4.9 | S275, S355 | Industrial frames |
| 75 | 6 | 6000 | 5.8 | S275, S355 | Floor bracing |
| 80 | 8 | 6000 | 8.0 | S275, S355 | Medium load frames |
| 90 | 8 | 6000 | 9.0 | S275, S355 | Warehouse structures |
| 100 | 10 | 6000 | 12.6 | S275, S355 | Heavy-duty frames |
| 125 | 12 | 6000 | 18.9 | S275, S355 | Crane supports |
| 150 | 15 | 6000 | 27.5 | S275, S355 | Bridge bracing |
| 200 | 20 | 6000 | 48.0 | S275, S355 | Mega-scale reinforcements |
Mild Steel Unequal Angles (L-Shaped)
Unequal Angles have asymmetrical legs, allowing for structural framing in layouts where space, load distribution, or fit require non-uniform geometry. They are commonly used in frames, brackets, gantries, and reinforcement where a larger leg supports higher loads. Chargentum supplies Unequal Angles in S275 and S355 grades, with multiple leg lengths and thicknesses, all cut-to-size and primed for immediate installation.
| Short Leg (mm) | Long Leg (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Length (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 40 | 3 | 6000 | 1.6 | S275, S355 | Light frames |
| 32 | 50 | 3 | 6000 | 2.0 | S275, S355 | Small structural members |
| 40 | 63 | 4 | 6000 | 3.2 | S275, S355 | Reinforcement |
| 50 | 75 | 5 | 6000 | 4.9 | S275, S355 | Industrial brackets |
| 63 | 90 | 6 | 6000 | 7.0 | S275, S355 | Medium load frames |
| 75 | 100 | 6 | 6000 | 8.5 | S275, S355 | Floor bracing |
| 80 | 125 | 8 | 6000 | 12.6 | S275, S355 | Structural reinforcement |
| 90 | 150 | 8 | 6000 | 15.0 | S275, S355 | Heavy-duty frames |
| 100 | 175 | 10 | 6000 | 21.0 | S275, S355 | Gantry and crane structures |
| 125 | 200 | 12 | 6000 | 31.0 | S275, S355 | Bridge reinforcement |
| 150 | 225 | 15 | 6000 | 45.0 | S275, S355 | Mega industrial |
| 200 | 250 | 20 | 6000 | 72.0 | S275, S355 | High-load structures |
Download Full Structural Steel Datasheet
Download the complete technical datasheet for Structural Steel (S275 & S355) including:
- Chemical and mechanical properties
- Delivery conditions, tolerances, and finishes
- Full dimension, weight, and grade tables for plates, beams, columns, hollow sections, flats, channels, square bars, and angles
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