For global projects involving structural steel tubes, two important standards often surface: GB/T 8162 (China) and EN 10210 (Europe). While both regulate seamless structural tubes, they are not interchangeable in all applications.
In this article, we compare GB/T 8162 and EN 10210 across scope, dimensions, material grades, mechanical properties, tolerances, and weldability—and answer whether GB/T can replace EN.
Overview of Each Standard
| Aspect | GB/T 8162-2018 | EN 10210-1/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Seamless Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes | Hot Finished Structural Hollow Sections of Non-alloy and Fine Grain Steel |
| Issued by | Standardization Administration of China (SAC) | European Committee for Standardization (CEN) |
| Applicability | Seamless round tubes for general structural and mechanical uses | Seamless or welded hollow sections for load-bearing steel structures |
| Typical Users | Chinese OEMs, machinery makers, general engineering | Civil engineering, building construction, bridges |
| Impact Performance | ❌ Not required by default | ✅ Required (e.g., J2H → -20°C / 27J) |
| Weldability Control | ❌ Not specified | ✅ Required: Pcm ≤ 0.25% |
| CE Certification | ❌ Not compliant | ✅ Mandatory in Europe |
Dimensional Requirements Comparison
| Parameter | GB/T 8162 | EN 10210 |
|---|---|---|
| OD Range | 10 – 720 mm | 21.3 – 508 mm |
| Wall Thickness (WT) | 1 – 30 mm | 1.5 – 100 mm |
| Length | 5 – 12 m typical | 6 – 12 m typical |
| Section Shape | Round (mostly), some square/rectangular via custom mold | Round, square, rectangular, elliptical |
| Corner Radius | Not standardized | Strict control for hollow sections |
📌 EN 10210 defines strict geometric and form tolerances suitable for welded structures; GB/T 8162 is more flexible for general fabrication.
Material Grades Comparison
| Standard | Common Grades | Description |
|---|---|---|
| GB/T 8162 | Q345B/C/D/E, Q460C/D/E, Q550D, Q690D | Low-alloy high-strength structural steels |
| 20#, 45#, 40Cr, 35CrMo, 42CrMo | Carbon and alloy structural steels | |
| EN 10210 | S235JRH, S275J2H, S355J2H, S420NH, S460NH | Structural grades with impact and weldability tested |
📌 EN 10210 materials must conform to specific mechanical and impact testing; GB/T 8162 allows broader industrial-use steel grades.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | GB/T 8162 (e.g. Q345D) | EN 10210 (e.g. S355J2H) |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength | ≥345 MPa | ≥355 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 470–630 MPa | 470–630 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥21% | ≥22% |
| Impact Energy | Optional | ≥27J @ -20°C (for J2H grade) |
EN 10210 has tougher requirements for cold climate use and fatigue-prone applications. GB/T 8162 can be used in structural frames but is not suitable for mandatory safety-critical structures unless impact testing is added.
Tolerance & Testing Requirements
| Item | GB/T 8162 | EN 10210 |
|---|---|---|
| OD Tolerance | ±1.5% typical | ±1% (min ±0.5 mm) |
| Wall Thickness (WT) | ±12.5% | ±10% |
| Straightness | ≤0.15% of full length | ≤0.2% of full length |
| Impact Test | Optional | Mandatory for many grades |
| Non-Destructive Test | Optional | Mandatory |
| Pcm Weldability | ❌ Not specified | ✅ Required ≤0.25% |
What is Pcm Weldability Control?
Pcm (Crack Susceptibility Index) is a calculated value that reflects the steel’s risk of cracking during welding. It is required in EN 10210 to guarantee weld reliability, especially in structural construction.
Formula (typical EN standard): Pcm=C+Si30+Mn+Cu+Cr20+Ni60+Mo15+V10+5BP_{cm} = C + \frac{Si}{30} + \frac{Mn + Cu + Cr}{20} + \frac{Ni}{60} + \frac{Mo}{15} + \frac{V}{10} + 5B
- A lower Pcm (≤0.25%) = better weldability
- EN 10210 grades must verify Pcm as part of delivery
- GB/T 8162 does not require Pcm, unless project requires supplemental testing
Can GB/T 8162 Replace EN 10210?
It depends on the project type:
✅ Yes, acceptable for:
- Internal manufacturing
- General mechanical structures
- Projects without CE / EU safety compliance
❌ No, not interchangeable when:
- Working on European construction projects
- Required to comply with CE, Eurocode (EN 1993)
- Designs involve public safety, cold climate, or seismic loading
- Project mandates impact test & weldability certificate
Conclusion
GB/T 8162 and EN 10210 may look similar at first glance, but their intent and rigor differ greatly.
- GB/T 8162 offers more flexibility and economic value for general structural use.
- EN 10210 ensures high-performance safety in structural and civil engineering projects.
At YIGE Steel, we offer:
- High-strength GB/T 8162 seamless pipes
- EN 10210-compliant equivalents with CE/BV/impact test support
- Custom mold development and dimensional control for square, rectangular, and special shapes
📩 Contact us at stella.yu@yige-steel.com to get technical matching or samples.
