DESIGN DATA

The minimum mechanical allowable property levels for each grade and product form can be found in the appropriate ASTM specification. The typical values are higher than the minimum and it is possible to designate the appropriate specification and require higher minimum strength levels that are typical of actual production.

Table 1 provides typical mechanical property data for the most commonly used structural stainless steels and compares them with other metals used in construction.

Table 2 provides representative design values for 0.2% offset yield strength, Young's modulus and the shear modulus in longitudinal and transverse compression and tension.

Table 3 provides physical constants and thermal properties.

Table 1: Typical mechanical properties for architectural metals (i)

Building Material

Tensile Strength to weight ratio

Tensile Strength ksi (MPa)

Yield Strength, ksi (MPa)

Elongation in 2in. (50mm), min. %

Stainless Steels

316 Annealed

257

75 (515)

30 (205)

35

304 Annealed

257

75 (515)

30 (205)

35

2205

324

105 (723)

74 (510)

30

HSLA Steel, 3/4 - 1.5 in. (20-40 mm)

239

67 (460)

46 (315)

21

Structural Steel (plate and bar)

261

58/80
(400/550)

36 (250)

23

Carbon steel sheet, cold rolled

164

46 (317)

34 (234)

35

Aluminum Alloys

3003-H14

222

22 (150)

21 (145)

40

3105-H14

255

25 (170)

22 (150)

5

5005-H16

265

26 (180)

25 (170)

5

6061-T6

459

45 (310)

40 (275)

12

6063-T5

276

27 (185)

21 (145)

12

Copper

112

36 (250)

28 (195)

30

Table 2: Representative design values for longitudinal and transverse compression and tension

Grade

Direction and type of stress

0.2% Yield Strength ksi (MPa)

Young's modulus,
E x 106 psi (GPa)

Shear modulus, G 106 psi (GPa)

304L

LT

38 (262)

28 (193)

11 (77)

 

LC

36 (250)

 

TT

38 (259)

29 (198)

 

TC

37 (255)

316L

LT

40 (277)

28 (193)

10.7 (74)

 

LC

41 (285)

 

TT

41 (286)

29 (198)

 

TC

43 (297)

2205

LT

75 (518)

29 (200)

11.3 (78)

 

LC

76 (525)

 

TT

79 (544)

30 (207)

 

TC

78 (540)

From NiDI Design Manual for Structural Stainless Steel
LT - Longitudinal tension      LC - Longitudinal compression
TT - Transverse tension      TC - Transverse compression

Table 3: Physical constants and thermal properties (ii)

Building Material
Density Lbs/in³
(g/cm³)
Coef. Thermal
Expansion
68-212°F
(20-100°C)
µin/in °F
(µm/m·°K)
Thermal Conductivity
212°F (100°C)
Btu·in/ft²·hr·F
(W/m·°K)
Stainless Steels
316
0.29 (8.0)
8.8 (15.9)
113 (16.3)
304
0.29 (8.0)
9.6 (17.2)
113 (16.3)
2205
0.285 (7.85)
7.22 (13.0)
110 (16.0)
Gray Iron
0.27 (7.5)
6.6 (11.9)
348 (50)
Carbon Steel
0.28 (7.8)
6.7 (12.1)
324 (47)
HSLA Weathering Steel
0.28 (7.8)
6.7 (12.1)
324 (47)
Copper C11000
0.321 (8.89)
9.6 (17.2)
2688 (387)
Alluminum Alloys
3003 H14
0.099 (2.73)
12.9 (23.2)
1100 (159)
3105
0.098 (2.72)
13.1 (23.6)
1190 (172)
5005
0.098 (2.70)
13.2 (23.75)
1390 (200)
6061 T6
0.098 (2.70)
13.1 (23.6)
1160 (167)
6063 T5
0.097 (2.70)
13.0 (23.4)
1450 (209)

(i) Metals Handbook Vol. 2, 10th Edition, Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials, ASM International, 1990
(ii) Harold E. McGannon, The Making, Shaping & Treating of Steel, 9th Edition, 1971, United States Steel