Difference between BV AH32 and BV AH36 steel plate

BV AH32 and BV AH36 are normalized or thermomechanically rolled high-strength shipbuilding steel plates certified by Bureau Veritas (BV). The "A" indicates they are suitable for ambient temperature service, while "H" designates High strength. They are fundamental grades for hull structures in commercial ships, including longitudinal members, deck plates, and side shells, providing a reliable balance of strength, toughness, and weldability for general marine applications.

Key Differences:

The core difference is their minimum yield strength. BV AH32 has a yield strength of 315 MPa (the "32" corresponds to 32 kgf/mm²), while BV AH36 offers a higher yield strength of 355 MPa (36 kgf/mm²). This makes AH36 the stronger material, allowing for potential weight savings or increased structural capacity.

To achieve the higher strength, AH36 typically requires a slightly modified chemical composition, often with controlled additions of micro-alloying elements like Niobium or Vanadium during processing. Consequently, BV AH36 generally has a marginally higher carbon equivalent (Ceq) than AH32. While both grades exhibit good weldability, welding AH36 may require slightly more stringent procedural controls (such as adjusted preheating temperatures) compared to AH32, particularly in thicker sections or during high-restraint welding, to ensure joint integrity. 

Chemical Composition

Mechanical Property