B19 · Road, Bridge & Tunnel
Stainless Steel Plates for Road Bridges and Tunnels: 304/316L Selection and 3 Item Lists
In road bridges and tunnels, we have organized three stainless steel parts: commonly used 304 / 316L / 2205, with thickness ranging from 0.8–8 mm.
Three parts and material lists
| Part / Component | Recommended Grade | Specifications / Thickness | Surface | Main Failure Conditions | Reference Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgefence/Railings/Expansion Joint Covers | 304/316L/2205 | 2–8mm | HL/No.4/2B | De-icing Salt + Ocean Atmosphere + Vehicle Collisions + Fatigue | GB/T 3280；JTG D60 |
| Tunnel Liners/Gutters/Lid Plates | 304/316L | 1.5–6mm | 2B/Skid Resistant | Moisture + Car Exhaust + Corrosive Water Leakage | GB/T 3280; JTG Tunnel Design Code |
| Sound Barriers/Signposts/Lantern Posts | 304/316L | 0.8–4mm | 2B/Drawn or Painted | Outdoor Atmosphere + UV Exposure + Wind Load | GB/T 3280 |
Table ContainsStandard Configurations.The same part may switch from 304 to 316L or 2205 depending on the medium, temperature, and welding method —— Explain usage conditions clearly, it's more convenient than specifying grades directly.
Key Considerations in Selection
- The most common grades used in this industry are 304 (3), 316L (3), and 2205 (1) —— The numbers in parentheses indicate the number of parts involved, which can serve as a starting point for quoting and material procurement.
- Thickness 0.8–8 mm: Thin plates are mostly formed parts (considering bend rebound and deep drawing cracking), thick plates are mostly welded structures (considering heat input and sensitization).
Common Issues
Which stainless steel is used most in roads, bridges, and tunnels?
Based on total counts of these three areas, the most frequent is 304 (3 items), 316L (3 items), and 2205 (1 item). Specific to a part still depends on the medium and temperature, for example, stainless steel countertops that contact salt water should switch from 304 to 316L.
Which parts are most prone to issues?
Based on failure descriptions, typical is "bridge railings/impact barriers/slip joint covers": de-icing salt + marine atmosphere + vehicle collisions + fatigue; recommended grades 304/316L/2205, specifications 2–8 mm. For these conditions, it's recommended to clarify medium concentration, temperature, and cleaning methods during the design phase.
What thickness should I generally choose?
Thickness range in the list is 0.8–8 mm. For thin plates, consider bending and surface finish; for thick plates, welding and structural strength. Values may vary by equipment manufacturer for the same location, review your drawing or operating conditions.
Related materials and adjacent industries
Applications3
Thickness0.8–8mm