Chinese (GB) Standards for Steel Materials

---

Introduction to Chinese GB Standards

The Chinese GB (Guobiao) Standards represent China's national standards system for steel materials, providing comprehensive specifications for various steel products used in industrial applications. These standards encompass a single volume containing formally approved classifications, guides, practices, specifications, test methods, and terminology essential for steel manufacturing and application.

Scope and Classification System

General Coverage

The GB Standards system addresses multiple categories of steel materials, including:

Carbon and alloy steel plates and forgings for boilers and pressure vessels High-strength low-alloy steels for structural applications Heat-treatable steels for specialized uses Hot and cold-rolled plates for cold forming Reinforcement and prestressed concrete steels Railway service rails and accessories.

Technical Parameters

Each standard specification provides detailed information regarding:

• Standard number and grade designation
• Chemical composition requirements
• Mechanical properties (yield point, tensile strength, notch toughness)
• Manufacturing methods where applicable
• Dimensional specifications
• Heat treatment requirements

Table 1. Group of standards for structural and constructional steels

GB 699-88	Quality carbon steels
GB 700-88	Carbon steels
GB 701-91	Hot-rolled carbon steel wire rods
GB 713-86	Plates for boilers
GB 1222-84	Spring steels
GB 1300-77	Welding filler materials for carbon and alloy steels
GB 1499-84	Reinforcing bars for concrete
GB 1591-88	Low alloy structural steels
GB 2517-81	Sheets and strips for structure
GB 3077-88	Alloy steels
GB 3203-82	Bearing steels for case hardening
GB 3273-89	Plates for automobile structural uses
GB 3275-91	Hot-rolled quality carbon steel plates
GB 3423-82	Drill tubes
GB 3522-83	Cold rolled carbon steel strips
GB 3530-83	Steel strip for springs
GB 3531-83	Plates for pressure vessels for low temperature service
GB 4171-84	Superior weathering steels
GB 4172-84	Atmospheric corrosion-resisting steels for welded structure
GB 4358-84	Piano wire
GB 4360-84	Spring steel wire
GB 4463-84	Prestressed concrete steel
GB 5067-85	Alloy steel sheets
GB 5216-85	Structural steels with specified hardenability bands
GB 5218-85	Alloy steel wires for springs
GB 5220-85	Valve spring wire
GB 5221-85	Valve spring wire
GB 5310-85	Seamless steel tubes for high pressure boiler
GB 5676-85	Carbon cast steels
GB 5680-85	High manganese cast steels
GB 5953-86	Carbon steels wires for cold heading
GB 5954-86	Alloy steel wires for cold heading
GB 6478-86	Steels for cold heading
GB 6479-86	Seamless steel tubes for equipment of chemical industry for high pressure service
GB 6653-86	Sheets for welded gas cylinders
GB 6654-86	Plates for pressure vessels
GB 7101-91	Hot-rolled quality carbon steel sheets and strips
GB 8162-87	Seamless steel tubes
GB 8163-87	Seamless steel pipes
GB 8731-88	Free cutting steels
GB 9947-88	Arc welded steel tubes for drive axle
GB 9948-88	Seamless steel tubes for petroleum cracking
GB 11251-89	Alloy steel plates
GB 13237-91	Cold rolled quality carbon steels sheets and strips

Standard Categories and Applications

Structural and Construction Steels

The GB Standards system places particular emphasis on structural and construction applications, with specifications covering quality carbon steels (GB 699-88), low alloy structural steels (GB 1591-88), and specialized grades for automotive and construction uses. These standards ensure consistent quality and performance across various applications.

Specialized Applications

Pressure Vessel and Boiler Standards

Standards GB 713-86 and GB 6654-86 detail requirements for boiler plates and pressure vessel materials, addressing both high-temperature service and low-temperature applications. These specifications ensure safety and reliability in critical pressure-containing equipment.

Wire and Spring Materials

Multiple standards address wire products, including: GB 701-91 for hot-rolled carbon steel wire rods GB 4358-84 for piano wire GB 5218-85 for alloy steel spring wires.

Tubular Products

The standards system includes comprehensive specifications for various tube and pipe applications:

GB 5310-85: Seamless steel tubes for high-pressure boilers GB 6479-86: Seamless tubes for chemical industry high-pressure service GB 9948-88: Specialized tubes for petroleum cracking applications.

Technical Requirements

Quality Control Parameters

Each standard incorporates specific requirements for:

• Manufacturing processes
• Testing methodologies
• Quality assurance procedures
• Product certification requirements

Material Properties

Standards specify critical material properties including:

• Tensile strength requirements
• Yield point specifications
• Impact resistance values
• Hardness parameters

Conclusion

The Chinese GB Standards for steel materials represent a comprehensive system for ensuring quality and consistency in steel production and application. Understanding these standards is crucial for manufacturers, engineers, and users involved in international trade or production involving Chinese steel materials.