DH32 LSAW Pipe Steel

DH32 LSAW Pipe Steel

DH32 LSAW Pipe Steel - Chemical & Mechanical Properties, Equivalents and Applications

Complete material data for DH32 steel used in LSAW (longitudinal submerged arc welded) pipes, including chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalent standards, and typical applications.

Thermo-mechanical controlled rolling (TMCP), normalizing, controlled rolling

DH32 LSAW Pipe Steel Introduction

DH32 is a high-strength hull structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 315 MPa and guaranteed low-temperature impact toughness at -20°C. When used to manufacture LSAW pipes, the DH32 grade offers excellent weldability and structural integrity for marine and offshore applications. The designation "D" refers to the impact temperature class (-20°C), and "H32" indicates high-strength shipbuilding steel with a specified minimum yield point of 315 MPa. Manufactured in accordance with classification society rules such as IACS UR W11, DH32 steel pipes are widely employed in ship hulls, offshore platforms, and piling projects. Typical plate thicknesses for pipe forming range from 6 mm to 50 mm, and the material is usually supplied in the normalized or thermomechanically controlled rolled condition.

DH32 LSAW Pipe Steel Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of DH32 steel complies with IACS UR W11 and the rules of major classification societies. The values below are typical maximum limits unless otherwise stated.

  • Microalloying elements such as Nb and V are added to refine grain size and enhance strength.
  • Aluminum is used for deoxidation and grain refinement; acid-soluble aluminium is mandatory.
  • Carbon equivalent (Ceq) is controlled to ensure good weldability and is typically ≤ 0.38%.
ElementStandard Value (max %)Remarks
C0.18
Mn0.90 – 1.60Range
Si0.10 – 0.50Range
P0.025
S0.025
Al (acid soluble)≥ 0.015Minimum
Nb0.02 – 0.05Typical range
V0.05 – 0.10Typical range
Ti0.02Optional; for grain refinement
Cu0.35
Cr0.20
Ni0.40
Mo0.08
N0.009Or 0.012 depending on specification

DH32 LSAW Pipe Steel Thermal & Electrical Physical Properties

Physical properties are typical for low-carbon microalloyed steel at ambient temperature unless otherwise noted. These values are not part of mandatory certification but are useful for design calculations.

  • Density is approximately 7.85 g/cm³.
  • Elastic modulus and shear modulus are average values for structural steel.
  • Thermal conductivity and expansion coefficients are provided for room temperature and elevated temperature ranges.
PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Temperature
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20°C
Elastic modulus (E)205GPa20°C
Shear modulus (G)80GPa20°C
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.3020°C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)11.7 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹0–100°C
Thermal conductivity (λ)52W/(m·K)20°C
Specific heat capacity (cₚ)450J/(kg·K)20°C
Electrical resistivity (ρₑ)0.18μΩ·m20°C

DH32 LSAW Pipe Steel Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are verified on test pieces taken from the base metal (plate) used for LSAW pipe production. Requirements are according to IACS UR W11 and classification society rules. Yield strength and tensile strength are determined in the transverse direction. Impact tests are performed on Charpy V-notch specimens at -20°C (longitudinal direction) with a minimum average energy of 31 J. Bend tests are required to ensure ductility and soundness.

PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 315MPat ≤ 50 mm
Tensile strength (Rm)440 – 590MPat ≤ 50 mm
Elongation (A5)≥ 22%Gauge length 5.65√S₀, t ≤ 50 mm
Impact energy (KV₂)≥ 31JCharpy V-notch, longitudinal, -20°C
Bend test (bending angle 180°)d = 2aMandrel diameter for t ≤ 25 mm
Bend test (bending angle 180°)d = 3aMandrel diameter for 25 < t ≤ 50 mm

DH32 LSAW Pipe Steel Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Replaceable Grade Designations

Country / RegionStandard / Class SocietyGradeRemarks
International / IACSIACS UR W11DH32Common unified requirement
ChinaCCSDH32China Classification Society
USAABSDH32American Bureau of Shipping
Norway / GermanyDNV GLVL DH32Now DNV; may include optional conditions
UKLRDH32Lloyd's Register
FranceBVDH32Bureau Veritas
JapanNK (ClassNK)DH32Nippon Kaiji Kyokai
ItalyRINADH32Registro Italiano Navale
RussiaRMRSDH32Russian Maritime Register of Shipping
KoreaKRDH32Korean Register

DH32 LSAW Pipe Steel Application Introduction

DH32 LSAW pipe is specifically designed for demanding marine and offshore structural applications. The combination of high strength, excellent toughness at sub-zero temperatures, and good weldability makes it suitable for the following specific uses:

  • Large-diameter piling pipes for harbor and coastal structures.
  • Jacket legs, braces, and structural members in offshore platforms.
  • Wind turbine monopile foundations and transition pieces.
  • Ship hull longitudinal stiffeners and deck girders as welded components.

Product Applications: LSAW steel pipes (OD 406–1626 mm, WT 6–50 mm), Ship hull plates and sections, Offshore platform structural members, Piling pipes (king piles, combi wall piles), Conductor pipes and casings

Processed into products: Pipe spools and riser components, Structural beams and columns in ship superstructures, Foundation monopiles for wind turbines, Dock gates and floating crane booms, Mooring and towing bollards

Application industries: Shipbuilding and ship repair, Offshore oil & gas, Renewable energy (offshore wind), Port and harbor engineering, Heavy civil construction

DH32 LSAW Pipe Steel Related / Close Substitute Material Recommendations

Country / RegionStandard / Class SocietyGradeRemarks
InternationalIACS UR W11AH32Impact test at 0°C; same strength level
InternationalIACS UR W11EH32Impact test at -40°C; better low-temperature toughness
InternationalIACS UR W11DH36Higher yield strength (≥ 355 MPa); impact test at -20°C
InternationalIACS UR W11AH36Yield ≥ 355 MPa; impact test at 0°C
InternationalAPI 5L / EN 10208X52 / L360Comparable strength level for line pipe; different toughness requirements

Notes:

Welding considerations: DH32 LSAW pipes are welded using a longitudinal submerged arc process; the base material requires a low hydrogen welding procedure to avoid cold cracking. Preheat and interpass temperatures should be controlled according to the carbon equivalent and plate thickness. Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is generally not mandatory for this grade.

Supplementary testing: Depending on the project specification, additional tests such as through-thickness tensile (Z-direction), ultrasonic testing of the pipe weld seam, and CTOD tests may be required.

Note on data: All values are based on IACS UR W11 and publicly available classification society rules. Always refer to the latest edition of the relevant class society rule for the detailed specification.

  • Share

Processing Services

BBN supplies steel raw materials and provides product processing services according to customer requirements. .

Get In Touch

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt dolore magna aliqua. Quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida.

Contact Us

Drop Us A Message