S355JR vs S235JR: Same family, different strength class
S355JR vs S235JR
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
S355JR
1.0045
High-strength low-alloy structural steel with minimum yield strength of 355 MPa. Standard grade for bridges, buildings, cranes, and general structural applications. Impact tested at +20°C (JR).
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.
| S355JR | S235JR | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.0045 | 1.0038 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10025-2 | EN 10025-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | S355JR | S235JR | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.24% | 0–0.17% | OK |
| Si | 0–0.55% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0–1.6% | 0–1.4% | OK |
| P | 0–0.035% | 0–0.035% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | S355JR | S235JR | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 470–630 | 360–510 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 355 | ≥ 235 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 22 | ≥ 26 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
Both are EN 10025-2 structural steels. S355JR has 50% higher yield strength (355 vs 235 MPa). S355JR is NOT a drop-in replacement for S235JR in designs calculated for S235.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is S355JR the same as S235JR?
S355JR and S235JR have a 70% composition overlap. Same family, different strength class
Can I replace S355JR with S235JR?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (70%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between S355JR and S235JR?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. S355JR is a Carbon Steel grade, while S235JR is a Carbon Steel grade.
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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.