Influence of samples location and orientation on hot-rolled structural steel mechanical properties: Experimental report

For an accurate modelling of structures behavior, a precise determination of mechanical properties of structural steel is essential. Mechanical characterization must achieve standard prescriptions; thus, samples must be taken from a specific location and orientation, and the obtained properties from these specimens are used to characterize, uniquely, the steel. The hot-rolling process of structural steel profiles manufacture, which induces residual stresses distribution, can affects to homogeneity and isotropy of final product, therefore, uniformity of mechanical properties along the section is not guaranteed. The variation of these properties depending on orientation and location is studied in this paper. A tensile testing experimental program, where stress - strain curves are recorded and used to obtain mechanical properties at elastic and plastic conditions from different locations and orientations, have been carried out. No similar experimental work was found at literature, except in case of cold-bending formed steel. Results showed no significant differences for most cases, however properties related with necking and failure showed a clear dependence on location. Higher differences were found at specimens from the center of the flange. In addition, the research performed denotes that orientation has no influence on the variation of mechanical properties of hot-rolled steel.