TITLE 3.

TECHNOLOGICAL
PROPERTIES
MATERIALS AND DURABILITY
CHAPTER VI.

OF

MATERIALS

Construction products may be used under this Code if they are manufactured or
marketed lawfully in the Member States of the European Union and the signatory
states to the Agreement Creating the European Economic Area, wherever such
products comply with the legislation of any Member State of the European Union, and
guarantee a level of safety equivalent to that required by this Code, in respect of their
intended purpose.
This level of equivalence shall be justified in accordance with Article 4(2) or
Article 16 of Directive 89/106/EEC of the Council of 21 December 1988 on the
approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States
relating to construction products.
The preceding paragraphs shall also apply to construction products
manufactured or marketed lawfully in states with customs association agreements with
the European Union where such agreements treat such products in the same way as
those manufactured or marketed in a Member State of the European Union. In such
cases, the level of equivalence shall be confirmed by applying the procedures for that
purpose stipulated in the aforementioned Directive.

Section 25.

General

This Chapter prescribes the requirements that shall be met by materials that may
be used in steel structures. Section 26 defines the chemical composition, mechanical
and technological properties that they shall have, as well as testing methods for them.
Sections 27 and 28, respectively, relate to types of steel and the various products
(beams and plates) that may be used.
Section 29 specifies joints that may be used, and Section 30 relates to the
necessary protection systems.

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Section 26.

Steel properties

26.1. Chemical composition

The chemical composition of steel that may be used to manufacture beams and
plates for steel structures shall be specified in the paragraph corresponding to the
relevant type of steel in Section 27.

26.2. Mechanical properties

For the purposes of this Code, the basic properties used to define steel quality
are as follows:
a) stress/strain diagram;
b) ultimate strength or tensile resistance (fu);
c) yield strength (fy);
d) ultimate strain (max);
e) elongation at failure (u);
f) modulus of elasticity (E);
g) reduction of area (Z) expressed as a percentage;
h) notch impact value (KV);
i) fracture toughness;
The Manufacturers shall guarantee the properties listed under b), c), d), e), f) and
h) as a minimum requirement.

26.3. Ductility requirements

The steel shall meet the following requirements in order to guarantee sufficient
ductility:
fu/fy 1.10
u 0.15
max 15 y
where u is the elongation at failure on a gauge length of 5.65 Ao where Ao is the
original cross-section, max is the ultimate strain, and y is the yield strain, given by y =
0.002 + fy/E, where E is the steels modulus of elasticity, for which the conventional
value of 210 000 N/mm2 may be used, unless otherwise dictated by the results of tests
on the steel.

26.4. Technological properties

Weldability is the ability of steel to be welded using normal processes without any
cold cracking occurring. This is a key technological property for the execution of the

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structure. According to ISO

degree by means of a set
technique is used to make
requirements laid down for
which it is.

581:80, steel is considered weldable to a predetermined

procedure and for a specific purpose, where a suitable
a continuous metal joint, in such a way that it fulfils the
its local properties and its impact on the construction of

Resistance of steel to lamellar tearing is defined as resistance to the appearance

of cracks in welded parts subjected to out-off plane tensile stresses. In order to avoid
lamellar tearing, such stress shall be minimised using an adequate design for the
relevant construction details and analysing whether it is necessary to use steel that is
unlikely to develop this defect, such as steel with improved resistance to out-off plane
deformation, as discussed in subsection 27.2.5.
Bendability is an indicator of the materials ductility, and is defined by the
presence or absence of cracks during the bending test. Bendability is an optional
property that need only be verified if so required by the designs Special Technical
Specifications or the order contract.

26.5. Definition of steel properties

26.5.1.

Chemical composition

With regard to the chemical composition of steel, the most important components
are those of the elements that appear in the expression of the equivalent carbon value
(defined in 26.5.5), as well as its phosphorus and sulphur content, which is restricted
owing to the need to minimise it.
The chemical composition is determined using the methods specified in the
relevant UNE standard for the steel type.
26.5.2.

Tensile properties

Mechanical tensile properties (fu, fy, max, u, E) are defined using the standardised
tensile test in UNE-EN ISO 6892-1.
Reduction of area (Z) is defined using the straight, initial and fractured sections of
A Au
the test specimen submitted to the tensile test, using the expression: Z i
100 .
Ai
26.5.3.

Notch impact value

Notch impact value is determined using the standardised Charpy shock bend test
in UNE 7475-1.
26.5.4.

Fracture toughness

Fracture toughness is determined rigorously, in special cases where so required,

using specific fracture mechanics tests, which shall be conducted at specialist
laboratories.
26.5.5.

Weldability (equivalent carbon)

The basic parameter for steel, from the weldability perspective, is the carbon
equivalent value (CE) stipulated for each type of steel.

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The carbon equivalent value is defined using the following expression, where the
content of the chemical elements indicated is expressed as a percentage:

CEV C

Mn Cr Mo V Ni Cu

6
5
15

However, the weldability requirement shall be regarded as having been met if the
steel has a carbon equivalent value exceeding the value stipulated for it in this Code, if
its welding process is qualified in accordance with UNE-EN ISO 15614-1 (or UNE-EN
ISO 15613 if it is necessary to use a non-standardised test coupon).
26.5.6.

Bending properties

Bendability shall be determined by testing whether there is an absence of cracks

during a simple bending test standardised by UNE-EN ISO 7438.
26.5.7.

Resistance to lamellar tearing

The resistance of steel to lamellar tearing shall be checked by obtaining a

reduction of area in the tensile test that meets the specifications in Table 27.2.5.

Section 27.

Steel types

This Code considers the following types of steel, which may be used in profiles
and plates for steel structures:
non-alloyed, hot-rolled steel. This means non-alloyed steel that does not
have any particular mechanical resistance properties or resistance to
corrosion, but does have a normal ferrite-pearlite microstructure;
steel with special properties. This includes the following types:
- weldable fine-grained steel in normalized condition;
- thermomechanical rolled, weldable fine-grained steel;
- steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering
steel);
- steel of high yield strength, in quenched and tempered condition;
- steel with improved resistance to out-off-plane deformation.
For the purposes of this Code, steel that is standardised under the standards
given in Table 27 are considered to be equivalent to the aforementioned steel types:
Table 27. Steel equivalent to the given steel types
STEEL TYPE

UNE-EN STANDARD

non-alloyed, hot-rolled steel

UNE-EN 10025-2

weldable fine-grained steel in normalized UNE-EN 10025-3

condition

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thermomechanical rolled, weldable fine

grained steel

UNE-EN 10025-4

steel with improved atmospheric corrosion UNE-EN 10025-5

resistance (weathering steel)
steel of high yield strength, in quenched and UNE-EN 10025-6:2007+A1
tempered condition
steel with improved resistance to out-off
plane deformation

UNE-EN 10164
UNE-EN 10025-1

Subsections 27.1 and 27.2 stipulate the characteristics and properties for the
steel thus described on the basis of those given in the steel standards for hot-rolled
products UNE-EN 10025-2, UNE-EN 10025-3, UNE-EN 10025-4, UNE-EN 10025-5
and UNE-EN 10025-6:2007+A1, and they are compatible with the steel types and
mechanical properties of steel in standards UNE-EN 10210-1 and UNE-EN 10219-1 for
hollow sections and UNE-EN 10162 for open sections.
The nominal value given in the relevant UNE-EN standard for the type of steel in
question shall be used for the characteristic yield strength fyk, depending on the type
and grade of steel and the nominal thickness of the product or, alternatively, where the
steel has certain additional guarantees in accordance with Section 84, the nominal
value stipulated in this Section for the type of steel in question. It shall also have the
other characteristics and properties that appear in the other subsections of this Section.

27.1. Non-alloyed, hot-rolled steel

For the purposes of this Code, usable non-alloyed, hot-rolled steel corresponds
to the types and grades listed in Table 27.1.a.
Table 27.1.a. Non-alloyed, hot-rolled steel
Type

S 235

S 275

S 355

S 235 JR
S 235 J0
S 235 J2
-

S 275 JR
S 275 J0
S 275 J2
-

S 355 JR
S 355 J0
S 355 J2
S 355 K2

Grade
JR
J0
J2
K2

Deoxidation state FN is permitted for grades JR and J0 (rimmed steel is not

permitted), and FF (killed steel) is permitted for grades J2 and K2.
The carbon equivalent value (CE) based on the cast analysis shall comply with
Table 27.1.b.
Table 27.1.b. Maximum CE
Type
S 235
S 275
S 355

30
0.35
0.40
0.45

Nominal product thickness t (mm)

30 < t 40
40 < t 150
0.35
0.38
0.40
0.42
0.47
0.47

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150 < t 250

0.40
0.44
0.49

page 5

The percentages of phosphorus and sulphur in the product analysis shall comply
with Table 27.1.c.
Table 27.1.c. Maximum P and S content
Type
S235 JR, S275 JR, S355 JR
S235 J0, S275 J0, S355 J0
S235 J2, S275 J2, S355 J2, S355 K2

P (max %)
0.045
0.040
0.035

S (max %)
0.045
0.040
0.035

Table 27.1.d gives the relevant specifications for yield strength fy and ultimate
tensile strength fu for the various types of steel.
Table 27.1.d. Minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength (N/mm2)
Type

Nominal thickness t (mm)

t 40
fy
235
275
355

S 235
S 275
S 355

40 < t 80
fu
360<fu<510
430<fu<580
490<fu<680

fy
215
255
335

fu
360<fu<510
410<fu<560
470<fu<630

Table 27.1.e gives the notch impact value specifications for the different steel
grades.
Table 27.1.e. Notch impact value (J), according to nominal product thickness t (mm)
Grade
JR
J0
J2
K2

Test
temperature
(C)
20
0
-20
-20

Notch impact value (J)

t 150

150< t 250

250< t 400

27
27
27
40 (*)

27
27
27
33

27
33

(*) Equivalent to resistance of 27J at 30 C.

UNE-EN 10025-1 applies to t 12 mm.

All the types and grades of steel given in Table 27.1.a are generally suitable for
all types of welding process, where weldability increases from grade JR up to K2.

27.2. Steel with special properties

27.2.1.

Weldable fine-grained steel in normalized condition

Weldable fine-grained steel in normalized condition that is usable for the

purposes of this Code corresponds to the types and grades given in Table 27.2.1.a.
Table 27.2.1.a. Weldable fine-grained steel in normalized condition
Type
Grade
N
NL

S 275

S 355

S 420

S 460

S 275 N
S 275 NL

S 355 N
S 355 NL

S 420 N
S 420 NL

S 460 N
S 460 NL

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The carbon equivalent value (CE) based on the cast analysis shall comply with
Table 27.2.1.b.
Table 27.2.1.b. Maximum CE
Type

t 63
0.40
0.43
0.48
0.53

S 275 N/NL
S 355 N/NL
S 420 N/NL
S 460 N/NL

Nominal thickness t (mm)

63 < t 100
100 < t 250
0.40
0.42
0.45
0.45
0.50
0.52
0.54
0.55

The percentages of phosphorus and sulphur in the product analysis shall comply
with Table 27.2.1.c.
Table 27.2.1.c. Maximum P and S content
Type
S275 N, S355 N, S420 N, S460 N
S275 NL, S355 NL, S420 NL, S460 NL

P (max %)
0.035
0.030

S (max %)
0.030
0.025

Table 27.2.1.d gives the relevant specifications for yield strength fy and ultimate
tensile strength fu for the various types of steel.
Table 27.2.1.d. Minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength (N/mm2)
Type
fy
275
355
420
460

S 275 N/NL
S 355 N/NL
S 420 N/NL
S 460 N/NL

Nominal thickness t (mm)

t 40
40 < t 80
fu
fy
fu
370<fu<510
255
370<fu<510
335
470<fu<630
470 <fu<630
520<fu<680
390
520<fu<680
430
540<fu<720
540<fu<720

Table 27.2.1.e gives the notch impact value specifications for the different steel
grades.
Table 27.2.1.e. Notch impact value (J) according to the test direction, longitudinal (L) or
transversal (T)
Grade
N
NL

Direction
L
T
L
T

20
55
31
63
40

Test temperature (C)

-10
-20
-30
43
40(*)
24
20
51
47
40
30
27
23

0
47
27
55
34

-40
31
20

-50
27
16

(*) Equivalent to resistance of 27J at 30 C.

The values in this table shall be verified using tests conducted on the longitudinal
direction and at a temperature of 20 C or 50 C for grades N and NL respectively,
unless otherwise stipulated in the Special Technical Specifications.
All the types and grades of steel in Table 27.2.1.a shall be suitable for welding
using normal processes.

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27.2.2.

Thermomechanical rolled, weldable fine-grained steel

Thermomechanical rolled, weldable fine-grained steel that is usable for the

purposes of this Code corresponds to the types and grades given in Table 27.2.2.a.
Table 27.2.2.a. Thermomechanical rolled, weldable fine-grained steel
Type
Grade
M
ML

S 275

S 355

S 420

S 460

S 275 M
S 275 ML

S 355 M
S 355 ML

S 420 M
S 420 ML

S 460 M
S 460 ML

The carbon equivalent value (CE) based on the cast analysis shall comply with
Table 27.2.2.b.
Table 27.2.2.b. Maximum CE
Nominal thickness t (mm)

Type
t 16
0.34
0.39
0.43
0.45

S 275 M/ML
S 355 M/ML
S 420 M/ML
S 460 M/ML

16 < t 40
0.34
0.39
0.45
0.46

40 < t 63
0.35
0.40
0.46
0.47

63 < t
0.38
0.45
0.47
0.48

The percentages of phosphorus and sulphur in the product analysis shall comply
with Table 27.2.2.c.
Table 27.2.2.c. Maximum P and S content
Type

P (max %)

S (max %)

S275 M, S355 M, S420 M, S460 M

S275 ML, S355 ML, S420 ML, S460 ML

0.035
0.030

0.030
0.025

Table 27.2.2.d gives the relevant specifications for yield strength fy and ultimate
tensile strength fu for the various types of steel.
Table 27.2.2.d. Minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength (N/mm2)
Type
S 275 M/ML
S 355 M/ML
S 420 M/ML
S 460 M/ML

t 40
fy
275
355
420
460

Nominal thickness t (mm)

40 < t 80
fu
fy
fu
370<fu<530
255
360<fu<520
470<fu<630
335
450<fu<610
390
500<fu<660
520<fu<680
540<fu<720
430
530<fu<710

Table 27.2.2.e gives the notch impact value specifications for the different steel
grades.

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Table 27.2.2.e: Notch impact value (J) according to the test direction, longitudinal (L) or
transversal (T)
Grade
M
ML

Direction
L
T
L
T

20
55
31
63
40

Test temperature (C)

-10
-20
-30
43
40(*)
24
20
51
47
40
30
27
23

0
47
27
55
34

-40
31
20

-50
27
16

(*) Equivalent to resistance of 27 J at 30 C.

The values in this table shall be verified using tests conducted on the longitudinal
direction and at a temperature of 20 C or 50 C for grades M and ML respectively,
unless otherwise stipulated in the Special Technical Specifications.
All the types and grades of steel in Table 27.2.2.a shall be suitable for welding
using normal processes.
27.2.3.
steel)

Steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering

Steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance (also called weathering

steel or self-protecting steel) that is usable for the purposes of this Code corresponds
to the types and grades given in Table 27.2.3.a.
Table 27.2.3.a. Steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance
Type
Grade
J0
J2
K2

S 235

S 355

S 235 J0 W
S 235 J2 W

S 355 J0 W
S 355 J2 W
S 355 K2 W

The carbon equivalent value (CE) based on a cast analysis shall be less than or
equal to 0.44 for type S235, and less than or equal to 0.52 for type S 355.
The percentages of phosphorus and sulphur in the product analysis shall comply
with Table 27.2.3.b.
Table 27.2.3.b. Maximum P and S content
Type
S235 J0 W, S355 J0 W
S235 J2 W
S355 J2 W, S355 K2 W

P (max %)
0.040
0.040
0.035

S (max %)
0.040
0.035
0.035

Table 27.2.3.c gives the relevant specifications for yield strength fy and ultimate
tensile strength fu for the various types of steel.

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Table 27.2.3.c. Minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength (N/mm2)
Nominal thickness t (mm)
Type

t 40

S 235 J0W
S 235 J2W
S 355 J0W
S 355 J2W
S 355 K2W

40 < t 80

fy

fu

fy

fu

235

360<fu<510

215

360<fu<510

355

490<fu<680

335

470<fu<630

Table 27.2.3.d gives the notch impact value specifications for the different steel
grades.
Table 27.2.3.d. Notch impact value (J)
Grade
J0
J2
K2
(*)

Test temperature (C)

0
-20
-20

Notch impact value (J)

27
27
40 (*)

Equivalent to resistance of 27 J at 30C.

UNE-EN 10025-1 applies to t 12 mm.

All the steel types listed here may be welded, but their weldability is limited
among various welding processes. The supplier shall therefore advise Project
Management of the recommended processes for welding where necessary. In any
case, the self-protective coating that forms in the area (less than 20 mm) near the
edges of the joint shall be removed prior to welding. It shall be ensured that the weld is
also resistant to atmospheric corrosion.
27.2.4.

Steel of high yield strength, in quenched and tempered condition

Steel of high yield strength, in quenched and tempered condition that is usable
for the purposes of this Code corresponds to the types and grades given in Table
27.2.4.a.
Table 27.2.4.a. Steel of high yield strength, in quenched and tempered condition
Type
S 460
Grade
Q
QL
QL1

S 460 Q
S 460 QL
S 460 QL1

The percentages of phosphorus and sulphur in the product analysis shall comply
with Table 27.2.4.b.
Table 27.2.4.b. Maximum P and S content
Type

P (max %)

S (max %)

S460 Q
S460 QL, S460 QL1

0.030
0.025

0.017
0.012

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Table 27.2.4.c gives the relevant specifications for minimum yield strength fy and
ultimate tensile strength fu for these types of steel.
Table 27.2.4.c. Minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength (N/mm2)
Type

t 40
fy

S 460 Q
S 460 QL
S 460 QL1

460

Nominal thickness t (mm)

40 < t 80
fu
fy
550<fu<720

440

fu

550<fu<720

Table 27.2.4.d gives the notch impact value specifications for the different steel
grades.
Table 27.2.4.d. Notch impact value (J) according to the test direction,
longitudinal (L) or transversal (T)
Grade

Direction
L
T
L
T
L
T

Q
QL
QL1

0
40
30
50
35
60
40

Test temperature (C)

-20
-40
30
27
40
30
30
27
50
40
35
30

-60
30
27

The values in this table shall be verified using tests conducted on the longitudinal
direction and at a temperature of 20 C, 40 C or 50 C for grades Q, QL and QL1
respectively, unless otherwise stipulated in the Special Technical Specifications.
Due to its chemical composition, and in order to ensure the steel's weldability, the
supplier shall inform Project Management of the alloy elements that have been
incorporated into the steel supplied, together with the recommended procedures for
carrying out welding where necessary.
27.2.5.

Steel with improved resistance to out-off-plane deformation

Steel with improved resistance to out-off-plane deformation that is usable for the
purposes of this Code is steel that is classified under any of the subsections of this
Section (Section 27) and which also fulfils the minimum values given for reduction of
area in Table 27.2.5, obtained from a tensile test in the direction of thickness.
Table 27.2.5. Minimum grades and values for reduction of area
Grade
Z 15
Z 25
Z 35

Reduction of area (%)

Minimum mean value from
Individual minimum value
3 tests
15
10
25
15
35
25

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Section 28.

Steel products

Steel structures shall use only the profiles and plates mentioned in this Section,
with the dimensions and tolerances given in each case.
Profiles and plates shall be prepared using the steel specified in Section 27.

28.1. Hot-rolled full-section profiles and plates

For the purposes of this Code, hot-rolled full-section profiles and plates are
products obtained from the hot-rolling, with uniform and full cross-section and a
thickness greater than or equal to 3 mm, used in the construction of structures or the
manufacture of members made of structural steel.
It shall correspond to one of the series given in Table 28.1.
Table 28.1. Series of hot-rolled full-section profiles and plates
Product standard

Series

Dimensions

Tolerances

IPN sections

UNE 36521

UNE-EN 10024

IPE sections

UNE 36526

UNE-EN 10034

HEB sections (base)

UNE 36524

UNE-EN 10034

HEA sections (light)

UNE 36524

UNE-EN 10034

HEM sections (heavy)

UNE 36524

UNE-EN 10034

Standard U sections (UPN)

UNE 36522

UNE-EN 10279

UPE sections

UNE 36523

UNE-EN 10279

Commercial U sections (U)

UNE 36525

UNE-EN 10279

Equal leg angles (L)

UNE-EN 10056-1

UNE-EN 10056-2

Unequal leg angles (L)

UNE-EN 10056-1

UNE-EN 10056-2

T section

UNE-EN 10055

UNE-EN 10055

Circular

UNE-EN 10060

UNE-EN 10060

Square

UNE-EN 10059

UNE-EN 10059

Rectangular

UNE-EN 10058

UNE-EN 10058

Hexagonal

UNE-EN 10061

UNE-EN 10061

Plate (*)

UNE 36559

UNE 36559

(*) The plate is a flat, rolled product with a width larger than 600 mm, and mainly used as batch
material for the manufacture of flat members. According to its thickness t, it is classified as
medium plate (3 mm t 4.75 mm) or heavy plate (t > 4.75 mm).

28.2. Hot-finished hollow sections

According to this Code, hot-finished hollow sections are structural hollow sections
of uniform cross-section and a thickness greater than or equal to 2 mm, either hot
formed with or without subsequent heat treatment, or cold-formed with subsequent
heat treatment, and used in the construction of structures.

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It shall correspond to one of the series given in Table 28.2.

Table 28.2. Series of heat-finished hollow sections
Product standard

Series

Dimensions

Tolerances

UNE-EN 10210-2

UNE-EN 10210-2

Circular section
Square section
Rectangular section
Elliptical section

28.3. Cold-formed hollow sections

According to this Code, cold-formed hollow sections are welded structural hollow
sections that are cold-formed without subsequent heat treatment and have a thickness
larger than or equal to 2 mm and a uniform cross-section, and are used in the
construction of structures.
It shall correspond to one of the series given in Table 28.3.
Table 28.3. Series of cold-shaped hollow sections
Product standard

Series

Dimensions

Tolerances

UNE-EN 10219-2

UNE-EN 10219-2

Circular section
Square section
Rectangular section

28.4. Cold-formed open sections

According to this Code, cold-formed open sections are profiles with a uniform
cross-section, in various shapes, produced by cold-forming of flat, hot-rolled or cold
rolled plate, and used in the construction of structures.
They shall correspond to one of the following sections:
- L section;
- U section;
- C section;
- Z section;
- section;
- tubular section with pointed edges.

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Standard UNE-EN 10162 sets out the dimensions and tolerances for cold-formed
open sections.

28.5. Non-standardised profiles and plates

In addition to the profiles and plates considered in subsections 28.1 to 28.4,
which correspond to standard series, non-standard profiles and plates may be used in
the construction of structures, both special open shape ones, or variants of
standardised series, that fulfil the following conditions:

the profiles and plates shall be prepared using steel specified in Section
27;

the manufacturer shall guarantee the dimensions and tolerances, both

dimensional and cross-sectional, of the profiles and plates;
the manufacturer shall supply the data values for the section that are
necessary for design (area of the cross-section, second moment of
area, resistance modulus, radius of gyration, centre of gravity, etc.).

Section 29.

Fasteners

29.1. General
The fasteners discussed in this Code comprise bolts, nuts and washers for bolted
joints, and the welding consumables.

29.2. Bolts, nuts and washers

According to this Code, bolts that may be used for joints in steel structures
correspond to the grades in Table 29.2.a, with the specifications for yield strength fyb
and ultimate tensile strength fub given there.
Table 29.2.a. Minimum yield strength fyb and minimum ultimate tensile strength fub for
bolts (N/mm2)
Type

Standard bolts

High-strength bolts

Grade

4.6

5.6

6.8

8.8

10.9

fyb

240

300

480

640

900

fub

400

500

600

800

1 000

Bolts of a grade lower than 4.6 or higher than 10.9 may not be used without
documented experimental justification that such bolts are adequate for the joint for
which they are intended.
Bolts that are standardised under the standards given in Table 29.2.b are
considered to be usable for the purposes of this Code. For each standardised group of
bolts, the table shows the standards relating to nuts and washers that may be used
with them. The table applies to bolts, nuts and washers for assemblies that are not pre
loaded, in accordance with UNE-EN 15048.

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Table 29.2.b. Compatibility of use of bolts, nuts and washers

Standardised bolts

UNE-EN ISO 4014

UNE-EN ISO 4016
UNE-EN ISO 4017
UNE-EN ISO 4018

Standardised hexagonal
nuts

Standardised flat washers

UNE-EN ISO 4032

UNE-EN ISO 4033
UNE-EN ISO 4034

UNE-EN ISO 7089

UNE-EN ISO 7090
UNE-EN ISO 7091
UNE-EN ISO 7092
UNE-EN ISO 7093-1
UNE-EN ISO 7093-2
UNE-EN ISO 7094

Normal series washers are standardised by UNE-EN ISO 7089, 7090 and 7091;
the small series is standardised by UNE-EN ISO 7092; the large series is standardised
by UNE-EN ISO 7093-1 and 7093-2; and finally, the extra-large series is standardised
by UNE-EN ISO 7094.
Only bolts of grades 8.8 and 10.9. that are standardised according to UNE-EN
14399-1 may be pre-loaded. In such case, the assemblies shall comply with the
applicable parts of UNE-EN 14399: parts 3, 4, 7, 8 and 10 for bolts and nuts; parts 5
and 6 for washers.

29.3. Special types of bolt

This Code considers the use of bolts with countersunk heads, fit bolts and
injection bolts as special types.
They shall be made of materials that fulfil the provisions of subsection 29.2. They
shall be used as non-preloaded bolts, or as pre-loaded bolts (in the latter case, they
shall satisfy the requirements stipulated for them in subsection 29.2).
29.3.1.

Bolts with countersunk heads

These are bolts with the shape and dimensional tolerance that after installation
shall remain nominally flush with the outer face of the outer ply.
29.3.2.

Fit bolts

Fit bolts are installed in holes that, when reamed in situ, shall be pre-drilled using
a drill or punch with a diameter at least 3 mm undersized than the final diameter.
Where the bolt has to join several plies, they shall be welded firmly together during the
reaming process.
Reaming shall be carried out with a fixed spindle device; no acidic lubricants may
be used.
29.3.3.

Injection bolts

Injection bolts feature a perforated head into which resin is injected to fill any
gaps between the shank and the hole.
The head of an injection bolt shall have a hole with a minimum diameter of 3.2
mm, to which the needle of the injection device may be fitted. A special washer shall be
used beneath the head of the bolt. The internal diameter of such a washer shall be at

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least 0.5 mm oversized than the actual diameter of the bolt, and it shall have a
mechanised side. A special slotted washer shall be used underneath the nut.
Tightening of the bolts should be carried out before starting the injection
procedure. This consists of a resin made of two components, the temperature of which
shall fall between 15C and 25C. The joint shall be free of water at the time of
injection.

29.4 Pins
Standard UNE-EN 10083-1 defines the quality of steel for pins that are usable in
joints for steel structures, for the purposes of this Code, with the specifications of yield
strength fyb and ultimate tensile strength fub given in Table 29.4 below.
Table 29.4. Minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of steel that may be
used for pins (N/mm2)
State

Name
C 22
C 25
C 30
C 35
C 40
C 45
C 50
C 55
C 60

Quenching and tempering

d 16 mm
16 mm < d
40 mm < d
40 mm
100 mm
fyb
fub
fyb
fub
fyb
fub
340
500 to
290
470
--650
to
620
370
550 to
320
500
--700
to
650
400
600 to
350
550
300 (*) 500 to
750
to
550 (*)
700
430
630 to
380
600
320
550 to
780
to
700
750
460
650 to
400
630
350
600 to
800
to
750
780
490
700 to
430
650
370
630 to
850
to
780
800
520
750 to
460
700
400
650 to
900
to
800
850
550
800 to
490
750
420
700 to
950
to
850
900
580
852 to
520
800
450
750 to
1000
to
900
950

Standardised
d 16 mm
16 mm < d
100 mm
fyb
fub
fyb
fub
240 430
210
410
260

470

230

440

280

510

250

480

300

550

270

520

320

580

290

550

340

620

305

580

355

650

320

610

370

680

330

640

380

710

340

670

(*) Only applies up to d = 63 mm.

29.5 Welding consumables

Welding consumables that may be used to weld (wire, cables and electrodes)
shall be appropriate for the welding process, considering the material that is to be
welded and the welding process to be used; certain mechanical properties shall also be
taken into consideration, in terms of yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, ultimate

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strain, and notch impact value, which shall not be less than those of the parent material
of which the profiles or plates that will be welded are made.
For the welding of steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance, the
welding consumables shall have resistance to corrosion at least equivalent to that of
the parent metal, unless otherwise permitted by the designs Special Technical
Specifications.

Section 30.

Protection systems

This Section mainly stipulates the paint types and systems that may be used to
protect steel structures, as well as the technical provisions with which they shall comply
according to the durability required by the protective paint system.
Other protection systems for steel construction that are proven to be effective and
are widely used, such as thermal spraying with zinc or hot-dip galvanization, are
discussed below and in subsections 79.3.1 and 79.3.2.

30.1. Paint types

The following types of paint may be used:

air-drying paint;

physical sealant paints;

- solvent-based paints;
- water-based paints;

chemical sealant paints;

- epoxy paints of two components;
- polyurethane paints of two components;
- moisture sealant paints.

30.2. Paint systems

Paint systems shall consist of a number of coats of primer (1 or 2, as needed),
and a number of finishing coats (between 1 and 4, as needed) with defined nominal
dry-film thickness that, when applied to a steel surface that has been prepared to a
predetermined extent, result in durability determined by the protective paint system.
The durability of a protective paint system depends on the type of system, the
design of the structure, the state of the steel surface (which in turn depends on the
prior condition of the surface and the extent to which it has been prepared), the quality
of application, the conditions during application and the conditions to which it is
exposed during service.
The degree of durability of a paint system is a useful technical concept for
selecting the system to use in a given case and for defining the relevant maintenance

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programme, but it may not, under any circumstances, be understood as a warranty

period.
Three grades of durability are stipulated for paint systems:
- low durability (L): from 2 to 5 years;
- medium durability (M): from 5 to 15 years;
- high durability (H): more than 15 years.

30.3. Specifications and tests for paint systems

Paint systems that are used for steel structures shall meet the specifications in
Table 30.3.a, which sets the test duration, in hours, that the paint system shall
withstand for each structural exposure class given in subsection 8.2.2, and the
durability grade of the paint system. Table 30.3.b sets out the adherence specifications
for paint systems applied to zinc-covered steel.
The tests referred to in the tables are the following:
chemical resistance test according to UNE-EN ISO 2812-1;
immersion test according to UNE-EN ISO 2812-2, in water (class Im1) or in an
aqueous 5 % sodium chloride solution (classes Im2 and Im3);
continuous water condensation test according to UNE-EN ISO 6270-1;
neutral salt spray test according to UNE-EN ISO 9227.

Table 30.3.a. Specifications for paint systems applied to steel

Exposure
class
C2

C3

C4

C5-I

C5-M

Im1

Im2

Im3

Durability
grade
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High

Chemical resistance
test (h)
168
168
168
-

Immersion
test (h)
2 000
3 000
2 000
3 000
2 000
3 000

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Water condensation
test (h)
48
48
120
48
120
240
120
240
480
240
480
720
240
480
720
720
1 440
-

Neutral salt spray test

(h)
120
240
480
240
480
720
480
720
1 440
480
720
1 440
720
1 440
720
1 440

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Table 30.3.b. Adherence specifications for paint systems applied to zinc-covered steel
Exposure class
C2
C3
C4
C5-I
C5-M

Durability grade

Water condensation test

Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High

h
240
240
240
240
240
240
240
240
480
240
480
720
240
480
720

The test specimens shall be made of the type of steel that will be used (and,
where needed, with the zinc coating that will be used), and have a minimum size of 150
x 70 mm and thickness as dictated by the test but never less than 2 mm. Test
specimens shall fulfil the preparation and surface state conditions stipulated in UNE-EN
ISO 12944-6.
A test on a specimen is considered to fulfil the specifications of either Table
30.3.a or Table 30.3.b where:
the specimen is classed as 0 or 1 before the test according to UNE-EN ISO
2409. Where the dry-film thickness of the painting system is greater than 250
m, this requirement shall be replaced by a requirement to ensure that the paint
substrate (A/B) does not blow during the adherence test according to UNE-EN
ISO 4624, unless the tensile values are greater than or equal to 5 N/mm2;
the specimen does not show any defects according to the evaluation methods
given in UNE-EN ISO 4628-2 to UNE-EN ISO 4628-5 and it is of class 0 or 1
according to UNE-EN ISO 2409, after testing during the period given in Table
30.3.a or 30.3.b as relevant for the required exposure class and durability
grade. Where the dry-film thickness of the painting system is greater than 250
m, this requirement is also replaced in the same way as in the preceding point.
The condition after the test according to UNE-EN ISO 2409 or according to the
substitution test shall be evaluated after the specimen has been reconditioned
for 24 hours.
The specimen shall be considered as having no defects according to the
evaluation methods given in UNE-EN ISO 4628-2 to UNE-EN ISO 4628-5 when it
satisfies the following requirements:
- according to UNE-EN ISO 4628-2: blistering 0 (S0);
- according to UNE-EN ISO 4628-3: Ri oxide 0;
- according to UNE-EN ISO 4628-4: cracking 0 (S0);
- according to UNE-EN ISO 4628-5: flakiness 0 (S0).

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In addition to these requirements, which are evaluated immediately, there shall

also be no development of substrate corrosion greater than 1 mm from the incision,
calculated according to UNE-EN ISO 12944-6, after the artificial ageing stipulated by
UNE-EN ISO 9227.
Defects closer than 10 mm from the edges of the specimen should not be taken
into account.

30.4.Specifications for protection systems using thermal spraying with

zinc and hot-dip galvanizing
The minimum and maximum durations (in year) of zinc coating until its first
maintenance is given in standard UNE-EN ISO 14713 for the various categories of
corrosivity in standard ISO 9223.
So, for example, in the case of a hot-dip galvanised coating (carried out in
accordance with UNE-EN ISO 1461) of 85 micro-metres in thickness (which is the
minimum average thickness value required for a coating for structural steel members
with a thickness greater than 6 mm), standard UNE-EN ISO 14713 gives the durations
for protection (in years), which are 40/>100 (for environments in category C3), 20/40
(for C4 environments) and 10/20 (for C5 environments).

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CHAPTER VII.

Section 31.

DURABILITY

Durability of steel structures

31.1. General
The durability of a steel structure is its capacity to withstand the physical and
chemical conditions to which it is exposed and which may cause it to deteriorate as a
result of effects other than loads considered in the structural analysis, throughout the
design working life.
A durable structure shall comply with a strategy that allows all possible
deterioration factors to be considered and for each phase of the structures design,
execution and use to be acted upon subsequently.
A proper durability strategy shall consider the fact that a structure may have
different structural members that are subjected to different types of environment.
31.1.1.

Consideration of durability in the design phase

The design for a steel structure shall include the necessary measures for the
structure to achieve the predetermined working life, in accordance with the conditions
relating to environmental aggressiveness and the type of structure. It shall therefore
include a durability strategy in accordance with the criteria set out in subsection 31.2.
The environmental aggressiveness to which the structure is subjected shall be
identified according to the type of environment, in accordance with subsection 8.2.1.
The report shall justify the selection of exposure classes considered for the
structure. The drawings shall also show the environment type for which each member
has been designed.
The design shall also define structural shapes and details that facilitate the water
drainage and are effective in the light of possible steel corrosion.
Equipment members, such as supports, joins, drains, etc., may have a shorter
working life than the structure itself, so the possibility of adopting design measures that
facilitate the maintenance and replacement of such members during the use phase is
to be examined as needed.

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31.1.2.

Consideration of durability in the execution phase

High quality on-site work has a decisive influence on whether the structure is
durable.
The durability specifications shall be complied with in full during the execution
phase. Compensation for any effects resulting from failure to comply with any of the
specifications is not permitted.

31.2. Durability strategy

31.2.1.

General requirements

In order to satisfy the requirements of Section 5, it is necessary to follow a

strategy that considers all possible mechanisms of deterioration, by adopting specific
measures depending on the environmental aggressiveness to which each member will
be subjected.
The durability strategy shall include at least the aspects mentioned in the
following subsections:
selection of suitable structural shapes, in accordance with subsection 31.2.2;
selection of suitable protective treatment (painting, metallising, hot-dip
galvanisation), taking account of the exposure class to which the member will
be subjected and the state of the surface that is to be protected, in accordance
with Section 79;
configuration of special protective measures in the case of highly aggressive
environments, in accordance with subsection 31.2.4;
setting out a programme of inspections to be conducted during and after
painting, in accordance with Chapter XXI;
setting out a programme of maintenance that covers the whole working life of
the structure, in accordance with Chapter XXIII.
31.2.2.

Selection of structural shapes

The design shall define the structural layouts, geometric shapes and details
compatible with ensuring suitable durability for the structure. The design shall facilitate
the preparation of surfaces, painting, inspections and maintenance.
The use of structural designs that result in increased susceptibility to corrosion
shall be avoided. It is therefore recommended that structural members be simple in
shape, avoiding excessive complexity, and that the methods for executing the structure
do not reduce the effectiveness of the protective systems used (by damage to the
members during transportation and handling).
Direct contact between steel surfaces and water shall be minimised by avoiding
the formation of water deposits, facilitating the rapid evacuation of water and
preventing water from passing into joined areas. Precautions shall therefore be
adopted, such as avoiding a configuration of horizontal surfaces that encourages water
or dirt to accumulate, eliminating open sections in the upper part that facilitates such
accumulation, filling cavities and holes where water could be retained, and configuring
suitable systems on an oversized scale for the conduction and drainage of water.
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Where the structure has closed areas (accessible interior) or hollow members
(inaccessible interior), it shall be ensured that they are protected effectively against
corrosion. Water shall therefore be prevented from being trapped inside during the
assembly of the structure, the necessary measures for ventilation and drainage
(accessible interiors) shall be taken, and it shall be sealed effectively so that air and
moisture cannot enter inaccessible interiors, by means of continuous welds.
Potential corrosion in narrow openings, blind cracks and overlap joints shall be
avoided by means of an effective seal, which usually consists of continuous welds.
Special attention shall be paid to protection against corrosion of joints, both
bolted (so that the bolts, nuts and washers have the same durability as the rest of the
structure) and welded (ensuring that the surface of the weld is free of imperfections
such as cracks, craters and projections that are difficult to cover effectively when they
are subsequently painted over), and additionally, in the case of backing arrangements
or the execution of notches (on webs, reinforcement, etc.), the need to allow the
surface to be prepared and for the paint to be applied adequately shall be taken into
account (by continuous welding of the intersection between the backing and the
reinforced member, with a minimum radius of 50 mm for the notches and avoiding any
water retention).
The appearance of galvanic coupling, which are produced when there is electrical
continuity between two metals of different electro-chemical potential (such as stainless
steel and carbon steel), shall be avoided by isolating the surfaces of both metals
electrically by means of painting or other procedures.
31.2.2.1.

Additional thickness on inaccessible surfaces

Surfaces of steel structures that are subjected to a risk of corrosion, and which
are inaccessible for inspections and maintenance and not sealed adequately, shall
initially have suitable protection for the design working life, and the thickness of the
steel resulting strictly from the structural design shall also be increased by an additional
thickness that compensates for the effect of corrosion during the working life.
In the absence of more detailed studies, the additional thickness (increase in
nominal thickness) shall have the following minimum value, expressed in mm per
inaccessible surface and for every 30 years of the working life planned for the
structure:
exposure classes C4 (high corrosive), C5-I and C5-M (very high
corrosive): 1.5 mm;

exposure class C3 (medium corrosive): 1 mm;

exposure class C2 (low corrosive): 0.5 mm.

No additional thickness is required for exposure class C1 (very low corrosive).

The resulting thickness (nominal thickness plus additional thickness) for
inaccessible bridge caissons shall not be less than 8 mm.
31.2.2.2.

Use of steel with improved resistance to atmospheric corrosion

Steel with improved resistance to atmospheric corrosion may be used without

protective painting on external surfaces, by increasing the nominal thickness obtained
from the calculation by 1 mm for the surface exposed to the external environment. The
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provisions of subsection 31.2.2.1 (adequate protection system for the design working
life, and additional steel thickness) shall apply to the internal surfaces of inaccessible
closed sections.
The use of such steel in cases where its surface is supposed to be in contact with
the ground or with water for long periods of time, permanently wet, or subject to a
marine environment with moderate or high salinity, an industrial environment with high
SO3 content, or the presence of deicing salt, requires a detailed examination of whether
it is suitable. The surface of the steel shall be protected in such cases.
31.2.3.

Construction details

The construction details described as inadequate in the following figures should

be avoided, and construction details described as adequate be used. Adequate
construction details are those that meet the general criteria given in subsection 31.2.2.

Dirt and water

retained
Inadequate

Suitable

Discontinuity

Figure 31.2.3.a. Prevention of the accumulation of water and dirt

Difficult to prepare for

blast cleaning and
painting

Easier to
prepare for
blast
cleaning and
painting

Figure 31.2.3.b. Welding

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Crack
Inadequate (narrow crack that is difficult to protect)

Closed crack

Continuous welds
Better

Suitable (solid, whole component)

Figure 31.2.3.c. Treatment of hollows

Protective paint systems

Protective paint systems

Protective paint systems

Steel

Steel

Acute edge
Inadequate

Bevelled edge
Better

Steel

Rounded edge

Suitable

Figure 31.2.3.d. Elimination of acute edges

Paint protection systems

Irregularities

Inadequate

Insufficiently flat surface

Smooth welded surface

Accumulated dirt

Better

Suitable

Figure 31.2.3.e. Elimination of imperfections on the welded surface

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Backing
Web

Notch

Welds

Base flap

For notches, r 50 mm

Figure 31.2.3.f. Recommended backing design for protection against corrosion

31.2.4.

Special protective measures

In cases of particularly harsh corrosion, where normal protective measures are

inadequate, special protection systems may be used.
The design shall consider the working life of the additional protection, and
stipulate an adequate maintenance programme for it.

31.3. Conditions for facilitating inspections and maintenance

Access shall be planned, wherever possible, to all the structures members, as
well as to the supports, joints and drainage members, and it shall be examined whether
it is worth having specific systems in place to facilitate inspection and maintenance
during the service phase. Accordingly, and given that including access systems for
maintenance in service that were not initially planned is a difficult task, the design shall
stipulate the necessary access systems, which may include fixed walkways, motorised
platforms or other auxiliary measures.
The fundamental accessibility criterion is that all the structures surfaces that are
to be inspected and maintained shall be visible and within the reach of the
maintenance worker, using a safe method. The worker shall be able to move
throughout all parts of the structure that is to be maintained, and shall have sufficient
space to work in those parts.
Particular attention shall be paid to the accessibility of closed areas of the
structure, such as metal caissons. Access openings shall be of sufficient size to allow
safe access, both for workers and for maintenance equipment. Minimum dimensions of
500 x 700 mm (width x height) are recommended for rectangular or oval access points,
and a minimum diameter of 600 mm for circular ones. There shall also be suitable
ventilation openings for the protection system used for maintenance work.

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