BV FH620 Shipbuilding Steel Coil

BV FH620 Shipbuilding Steel Coil

BV FH620 Shipbuilding Steel Coil - High-Strength Quenched & Tempered Grade for Marine Structures

Complete material data for BV FH620 shipbuilding steel coil: chemical composition, mechanical properties, thermal and electrical physical properties, international equivalents, similar materials, and application guidance, all according to Bureau Veritas rules and IACS UR W11.

Hot rolling, quenching and tempering

BV FH620 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Introduction

BV FH620 is an extra-high-strength quenched and tempered steel grade defined by Bureau Veritas (BV) for shipbuilding and offshore structures. It offers a minimum yield strength of 620 MPa in delivery condition, combined with excellent toughness at -60 °C (grade F). The steel is microalloyed to achieve fine grain structure and superior weldability, making it suitable for critical hull members, heavy-lift crane booms, and leg components of jack-up rigs. It is typically supplied as coil or plate in thicknesses up to 100 mm, and complies with IACS UR W11 harmonised requirements. The steel exhibits good formability and can be welded with proper preheat and consumables, enabling efficient fabrication of large, highly stressed structures.

BV FH620 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Chemical composition

The chemical composition conforms to BV Rules and IACS UR W11 for extra-high-strength hull structural steel grade FH620. Limits are specified as maximum values unless a range is given. Elements such as Nb, V, Ti may be added singly or in combination, with the sum Nb+V+Ti ≤ 0.12%. Fine grain practice is mandatory. The carbon equivalent CE = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15 ≤ 0.52% for thicknesses ≤ 50 mm, and ≤ 0.54% for thicknesses > 50 to 100 mm.

Chemical elementStandard value (max % unless range)Remarks
C (Carbon)0.20For thickness ≤ 50 mm; further restricted for thicker products
Si (Silicon)0.55
Mn (Manganese)1.70
P (Phosphorus)0.025
S (Sulphur)0.025
Al (Aluminium, total)≥ 0.020 (range)Acid-soluble Al ≥ 0.015% if total not reported
Nb (Niobium)0.05Single or combined with V, Ti
V (Vanadium)0.10Single or combined with Nb, Ti
Ti (Titanium)0.02Single or combined with Nb, V
Cr (Chromium)0.25
Ni (Nickel)0.80
Mo (Molybdenum)0.50
Cu (Copper)0.35
N (Nitrogen)0.012For aluminium-treated steels
CE (Carbon Equivalent)0.52 (t ≤ 50 mm); 0.54 (50 < t ≤ 100 mm)Mandatory control for weldability

BV FH620 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Thermal and electrical physical properties

The following physical properties are typical for quenched and tempered low-alloy structural steels of this type. They are not mandatory requirements by BV but are representative for engineering calculations. Actual values may vary slightly depending on exact composition, heat treatment condition, and temperature. The data are given for room temperature unless otherwise specified.

PropertyTypical valueUnitTest condition / remarks
Density (ρ)7850kg/m³At 20 °C
Elastic modulus (E)210GPaAt 20 °C, static
Shear modulus (G)80GPaAt 20 °C, calculated
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.3Elastic range
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.0 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹Between 20 °C and 100 °C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)13.0 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹Between 20 °C and 200 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)45W/(m·K)At 20 °C
Specific heat capacity (cp)460J/(kg·K)At 20 °C
Electrical resistivity (ρe)0.25 × 10⁻⁶Ω·mAt 20 °C

BV FH620 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Mechanical properties

Mechanical properties are determined on standard test pieces in accordance with BV Rules and IACS UR W11. Yield strength and tensile strength are specified for different thickness ranges. Elongation is measured on a gauge length of 5.65√So (A5). Impact testing is performed on Charpy V-notch specimens at -60 °C (grade F). Bend tests are carried out through 180° over a mandrel of specified diameter. All values are minimum requirements unless a range is given.

PropertyRequired valueUnitTest condition
Yield strength (ReH)620MPaThickness ≤ 50 mm; transverse
Yield strength (ReH)570MPa50 < t ≤ 70 mm; transverse
Yield strength (ReH)550MPa70 < t ≤ 100 mm; transverse
Tensile strength (Rm)720 – 930MPaThickness ≤ 70 mm; transverse
Tensile strength (Rm)700 – 930MPa70 < t ≤ 100 mm; transverse
Elongation (A5)14%Gauge length 5.65√So; min. value
Charpy impact (KV) – longitudinal46JAt -60 °C; thickness ≤ 50 mm
Charpy impact (KV) – transverse31JAt -60 °C; thickness ≤ 50 mm
Charpy impact (KV) – longitudinal39JAt -60 °C; 50 < t ≤ 70 mm
Charpy impact (KV) – transverse27JAt -60 °C; 50 < t ≤ 70 mm
Charpy impact (KV) – longitudinal35JAt -60 °C; 70 < t ≤ 100 mm
Charpy impact (KV) – transverse24JAt -60 °C; 70 < t ≤ 100 mm
Bend test (180°)Mandrel diameter = 3t (t = specimen thickness)Applicable for tensile strength range 720–930 MPa; no cracks

BV FH620 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Exact equivalent standards and replaceable grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
International (IACS)UR W11FH620Harmonised rule; basis for all class societies
USA / ABSABS RulesFH620Identical in scope
Norway / DNVDNV RulesFH620Identical and interchangeable
UK / LRLR RulesFH620Identical and interchangeable
South Korea / KRKR RulesFH620Identical and interchangeable
China / CCSCCS RulesFH620Identical and interchangeable
Japan / NKNK RulesFH620Identical and interchangeable

BV FH620 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Application Introduction

BV FH620 steel is engineered for heavy-duty marine and offshore applications where a combination of ultra-high strength, excellent low‑temperature toughness, and good weldability is required. It is primarily used in ship hulls, offshore platform structural members, and heavy machinery. The steel can be delivered as coil or plate, and can be cut, formed, and welded with standard industrial practices (preheating and low-hydrogen procedures recommended). Typical products and components include:

Product Applications: Ship hull plates and stiffeners, Deck and bottom longitudinals, Structural profiles for ice-class vessels, Jack-up rig legs and spudcans, Crane pedestals and heavy-lift booms, Transition pieces for offshore wind turbines

Processed into products: Main deck and shell plates, Bilge strake and sheer strake, Frames and web frames, Bulkhead plating, Leg chords and rack plates, Heavy-duty slew rings and bearings housings, Welded box girders and beams

Application industries: Shipbuilding and marine engineering, Offshore oil & gas exploration and production, Heavy-lift and transport equipment, Bridge and civil construction (subject to approval), Pressure vessel and storage tank manufacturing (with class approval)

BV FH620 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Similar / alternative material recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-6 (2004) + A1 (2011)S620Q (1.8909)Quenched and tempered structural steel; similar yield/tensile but different impact temperature classes (Q = -20 °C; QL = -40 °C; QL1 = -60 °C). Not automatically accepted for shipbuilding unless approved by the class society.
USAASTM A514 / A514MGrade S / Type SHigh-strength quenched and tempered plate; typical ReH ≥ 620 MPa, Rm 690–895 MPa; impact properties not directly equivalent to FH620. Requires additional verification for marine use.
USAASTM A709 / A709MGrade HPS 100W (690 MPa)High-performance structural steel; similar tensile range but different toughness and weathering characteristics. Not a direct substitute for FH620.
WorldISO 4995 / 4996HR620Hot-rolled structural steel with min. yield 620 MPa; limited availability and less stringent toughness requirements compared to shipbuilding steel.

Notes:

BV FH620 is supplied in the quenched and tempered condition. Welding must be performed with low-hydrogen processes and suitable consumables; preheating and interpass temperature control are necessary depending on thickness. The steel may be stress‑relieved after forming, but the temperature must not exceed the tempering temperature to avoid loss of strength. Before use in critical applications, the purchaser should consult the material certificate and BV rules for detailed requirements on NDT, surface condition, and marking. The chemical composition tables above reflect ladle analysis; product analysis tolerances are defined in the standard. For thicknesses greater than 100 mm, special procedures and class approval are required.

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