Difference between BV DH32 and BV DH36 steel plate

Mar 02, 2026 Leave a message

BV DH32 is a high-strength shipbuilding steel plate certified by Bureau Veritas (BV). The "D" grade signifies it is impact tested at -20°C, making it suitable for vessels operating in cold environments such as the North Atlantic in winter . The "32" denotes a minimum yield strength of 315 MPa (32 ksi) . It has a tensile strength ranging from 440 to 590 MPa and minimum elongation of 22% . The chemical composition features carbon ≤0.18%, manganese 0.90-1.60%, with microalloying elements like Nb, V, and Ti for grain refinement . This grade is typically supplied in normalized, TMCP, or quenched and tempered conditions . It is widely used for hull structures, decks, and critical components requiring reliable low-temperature performance.

 

BV DH36 is a higher-strength marine steel also certified by Bureau Veritas (BV) with impact toughness tested at -20°C . The "36" denotes a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa (36 ksi) . It has a tensile strength ranging from 490 to 630 MPa and minimum elongation of 21% . The chemical composition includes carbon ≤0.18%, manganese 0.90-1.60%, with strict control of phosphorus and sulfur, and microalloying elements for enhanced properties . This grade is typically supplied in TMCP, normalized, or quenched and tempered conditions. It is designed for demanding structural components such as sheer strake, deck plating, and bilge strake on vessels operating in sub-zero temperatures .

 

Both BV DH32 and BV DH36 are BV-certified high-strength marine steels with impact toughness tested at -20°C, ensuring reliable performance in cold marine environments . Their primary difference lies in strength level: DH32 offers a minimum yield strength of 315 MPa with tensile strength of 440-590 MPa, suitable for general high-strength hull construction in cold climates , while DH36 provides a higher minimum yield strength of 355 MPa with tensile strength reaching 490-630 MPa, designed for more demanding load-bearing applications and critical structural components on vessels operating in sub-zero temperatures . Both grades feature controlled chemical composition with carbon ≤0.18% and manganese 0.90-1.60% , and require advanced processing like TMCP or normalized rolling to achieve their mechanical properties while maintaining good weldability for marine service. The selection between them depends on the specific strength requirements of the vessel design and classification society rules.

 

Chemical Composition

 

BV DH32 high Strength Chemical Composition in Tempering and Quenching

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

BV DH32

0.18

0.1-0.50

0.90-1.6

0.035

0.035

0.015

 

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

Cr

Ni

Mo

0.02-0.05

0.05-0.10

0.02

0.35

0.2

0.4

0.08

 

BV DH36 high Strength Chemical Composition in Tempering and Quenching

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

BV DH36

0.18

0.1-0.50

0.90-1.6

0.035

0.035

0.015

 

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

Cr

Ni

Mo

0.02-0.05

0.05-0.10

0.02

0.35

0.2

0.4

0.08

 

Mechanical Property

 

BV DH32 high strength property in tempering and quenching

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

BV DH32

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-20

J

J

t≤50

315

440-570

22%

22

31

50<t≤70

315

440-570

22%

26

48

70<t≤100

315

440-570

22%

31

46

Note: Energy 1 is transverse impact test, Energy 2 is longitudinal

 

BV DH36 high strength property in tempering and quenching

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

BV DH36

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-20

J

J

t≤50

355

490-630

21%

24

34

50<t≤70

355

490-630

21%

27

41

70<t≤100

355

490-630

21%

34

50

Note: Energy 1 is transverse impact test, Energy 2 is longitudinal