ASTM A588 (Corten) vs S235JR: 58% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
ASTM A588 (Corten) vs S235JR
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
ASTM A588 (Corten)
High-strength low-alloy weathering steel. Forms a stable protective rust patina eliminating the need for paint. Cu-Cr-Ni-V composition provides 4-8x atmospheric corrosion resistance vs carbon steel. Used for unpainted bridges, architectural facades, sculptures, outdoor structures, and freight cars.
S235JR
1.0038
General-purpose structural steel with minimum yield strength of 235 MPa. The most common structural steel grade in Europe for general construction, frames, and non-critical structural applications.
| ASTM A588 (Corten) | S235JR | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | 1.0038 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | ASTM A588 | EN 10025-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | ASTM A588 (Corten) | S235JR | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.19% | 0–0.17% | OK |
| Si | 0.3–0.65% | 0–0.4% | Partial |
| Mn | 0.8–1.25% | 0–1.4% | OK |
| P | 0–0.04% | 0–0.035% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | ASTM A588 (Corten) | S235JR | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | ≥ 485 | 360–510 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 345 | ≥ 235 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 18 | ≥ 26 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
ASTM A588 (Corten) and S235JR have moderate differences (58% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASTM A588 (Corten) the same as S235JR?
ASTM A588 (Corten) and S235JR have a 58% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace ASTM A588 (Corten) with S235JR?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (58% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between ASTM A588 (Corten) and S235JR?
The main differences are in the following elements: Si. ASTM A588 (Corten) is a Carbon Steel grade, while S235JR is a Carbon Steel grade.
Related Comparisons
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.