Use of

Structural Stainless Steel

July 2008
Section Page
Executive Summary 1
1 Introduction 1
2 Classification of stainless steels 2
3 Material Properties 6
4 Design Philosophy 7
5 Welding of Stainless Steel 8
6 Quality Assurance of welds 14
7 Stainless steel bolt and Nut 14
8 Summary 15
9 Acknowledgment 15

Table
1 Typical compositions of Austenitic Stainless Steels 3
2 Effects of alloying elements in Austenitic Stainless Steels 3
3 Commonly used types of Stainless Steels 7
4 Equivalent type of filler metals for welding of stainless steel with other steels 13
5 Standards for Destructive Tests 13
6 Standards for Non-destructive Test 14
7 Stainless Steel grade and their properties 14
8 Comparison of grade series and Euronorm No. 15

Figure
1 Buttering technique for joining mild steel to stainless steel 12

Appendix
I Mechanical properties of Stainless Steel 16
II Chemical composition of Stainless Steel 17
Executive summary
Stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance and is widely used in building
construction works in terms of its attractive appearance.

In the context, the commonly used stainless steel grades are identified after
consultation with stakeholders in the local industry, and this document has summarized
their respective mechanical properties and chemical composition. If other uncommon
stainless steel grade is proposed, the RSE should provide detailed information on job
basis.

While the welding of stainless steel and other steels are not uncommon,
recommendations and relevant updated BS EN reference standards are given in the
document.

As there is no British Standard for designing structural stainless steel, reference is made
to the recommendations given in the Structural Design of Stainless Steel, SCI
publication P291.

This document aims to provide a better understanding on the use of stainless steel.

1 Introduction
As the name implies, stainless steel possesses excellent resistance to corrosion at
both normal and elevated temperatures. Chromium is the element that makes
stainless steel stainless, or corrosion-resistant. This superior corrosion resistance is
accomplished by the addition of chromium to iron (most have low carbon content).
Stainless steels are alloy steels with nominal chromium content of at least 11.5%,
with or without other alloy additions. The corrosion resistance of the stainless steel
generally increases with increasing chromium content. The stainlessness and
corrosion resistance of these alloy steels are attributed to the presence of a passive
oxide film on the surface, and this oxide film prevents any further oxidation
(ordinary rusting, which is the most common kind of corrosion). Addition of
elements other than chromium to improve various properties has provided a large
range of available mechanical and physical properties. Nickel increases corrosion
resistance slightly and greatly improves mechanical and fabricating properties.
Small amounts of molybdenum increase resistance to pitting type corrosion and
general resistance to certain corrosive media. Carbon increases strength but causes
chromium carbide precipitation when exposed to temperatures between 800 -
1600ºF. This depletes the matrix in chromium and reduces the corrosion resistance
in local areas leading to intergranular corrosion. Some stainless steels have
practically an indefinite life even without cleaning. Stainless steels are also resistant
to corrosion at elevated temperatures, which are the result of oxidation,
 carburization and sulfidation (deterioration of the surface caused by the action of
oxygen, carbon, and sulfur respectively).

2. Classification of stainless steels

Stainless steels are generally identified as Austenitic, Ferritic, Martensitic, and
Duplex (an amalgamation of Austenitic and Ferritic). In addition, a number of
Precipitation-Hardenable (PH) stainless steels exist, which have martensitic or
austenitic microstructure.
The unique properties of the stainless steels are derived from the addition of
alloying elements, principally chromium and nickel, to steel. According to their
material properties and their microstructures, the first 3 consist of a single phase;
the fourth one contains both ferrite and austenite, and the last one embraces
martensite and austenite in their microstructures.