Advisory Desk

AD 295 Hollow Sections and Steel Grades

In the last few years steel grade S355 has become the normal production grade for both cold formed (BS EN 10219) and hot nished (BS EN 10210) hollow sections used in structural applications. Steel grade S275 hollow sections are still produced, but can be difcult to obtain. SCI therefore recommends that structural designs using hollow sections should be based on steel grade S355. As noted in AD 271 Corus Tubes manufacture two ranges of structural hollow sections, which should be suitable for almost all practical cases: Cold Formed Sections to BS EN 10219 S355 J2H: Brand name HYBOX Hot Finished Sections to BS EN 10210 S355 J2H: Brand name Celsius 355

Contact: Thomas Cosgrove Email: t.cosgrove@steel-sci.com Telephone: 01344 623345

AD 296 Liquid metal assisted cracking and cold formed light gauge steel
The occurrence of Liquid Metal Assisted Cracking (LMAC) in galvanized hot rolled and welded steel members has been highlighted by articles in the construction press. However, LMAC has not been observed in cold formed light gauge steel sections. It is thought that galvanizing a steel section which contains residual stresses will make the section susceptible to LMAC. Hot rolled and welded sections contain residual stresses from the rolling and welding processes which are carried out before they are dipped in the galvanizing bath. Normal cold formed light gauge steel sections are formed from sheets or strips that have been galvanized before they are rolled in to the required shape. Designers can be assured that LMAC is not a problem with cold formed light gauge sections manufactured from strip or sheet that was galvanized prior to being formed into the required shape. Such sections include: Purlins Cladding rails Light steel channel and z sections Floor decking Cladding systems.

Contact: Mary Brettle Email: m.brettle@steel-sci.com Telephone: 01344 623345