S355J0H vs Q355B: Which Performs Better?

When selecting structural steel for critical projects, S355J0H and Q355B are two commonly compared materials. While both offer solid mechanical properties, their differences matter — especially for international projects or performance-critical applications.

S355J0H, produced to EN 10210 standards, is a hot-finished structural hollow section. It offers a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa and is impact tested at 0°C, ensuring reliable performance even in low-temperature environments. It’s widely accepted in Europe, the Middle East, and globally for structural applications such as bridges, towers, and offshore platforms.

Q355B, on the other hand, follows the Chinese GB/T 1591 standard. It also provides a yield strength of around 345–355 MPa, but may lack mandatory low-temperature impact testing unless otherwise specified. While Q355B is suitable for many construction projects within China or Asia, its global certification and acceptance are more limited.

Another key difference lies in material traceability and dimensional tolerance. S355J0H generally offers stricter control and documentation, which is often required in export markets or safety-critical projects.

Choose S355J0H for international standards, low-temp toughness, and global compliance.
Choose Q355B for cost-effective, domestic applications where those standards may not be essential.

The right choice depends on your project needs — but when performance and compliance matter most, S355J0H leads the way.