DNV Grade D690 Shipbuilding Steel Plate

DNV Grade D690 Shipbuilding Steel Plate

DNV Grade D690 Shipbuilding Steel Plate - Properties, Equivalents & Applications

Complete material data for DNV D690 shipbuilding steel: chemical composition, mechanical & thermal properties, international equivalents, and application guide for marine engineering.

Hot rolling + Quenching and Tempering (Q&T); further processing: cutting, cold forming, welding (with preheating and PWHT guidelines)

DNV Grade D690 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Introduction

DNV Grade D690 is a high-strength, quenched and tempered structural steel plate primarily used in shipbuilding and offshore structures. Governed by the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) classification society rules, it offers a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa and excellent toughness at low temperatures (D-grade: -20°C Charpy impact). This steel provides high load-bearing capacity and good weldability, making it suitable for critical components in harsh marine environments. The material is typically supplied in the quenched and tempered condition (Q&T). Key features:

  • High strength-to-weight ratio
  • Excellent notch toughness at -20°C (D grade)
  • Good weldability with proper preheating and low-hydrogen practices
  • Compliance with strict marine classification society requirements

DNV Grade D690 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of DNV D690 steel is strictly controlled to achieve the required mechanical properties and weldability. Elements like carbon, manganese, and micro-alloys (Nb, V, Ti) are balanced to provide high strength and toughness. The maximum phosphorus and sulfur levels are kept low to ensure ductility and resistance to brittle fracture. The carbon equivalent value (CEV) is limited to guarantee good field weldability. Typical ladle analysis according to DNV rules:

ElementStandard Value (max unless range given)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤0.20Key hardenability element, kept low for weldability
Silicon (Si)0.10 - 0.55Deoxidizer, strength contributor
Manganese (Mn)0.90 - 1.70Improves hardenability and strength
Phosphorus (P)≤0.025Impurity, minimized for toughness
Sulfur (S)≤0.025Impurity, minimized for toughness
Chromium (Cr)≤1.50Optional alloy for strength; if not added, residual level controlled
Nickel (Ni)≤2.00Optional alloy for toughness; if not added, residual level controlled
Molybdenum (Mo)≤0.70Optional alloy for hardenability; residual limit applied
Copper (Cu)≤0.50Residual element from scrap; may improve corrosion resistance slightly
Aluminium (Al, total)≥0.015Grain refinement, deoxidation
Niobium (Nb)≤0.06Micro-alloy for grain refinement and precipitation strengthening
Vanadium (V)≤0.12Micro-alloy for precipitation strengthening
Titanium (Ti)≤0.05Micro-alloy for grain refinement; also forms TiN to inhibit grain growth
Nitrogen (N)≤0.015Controlled to avoid strain aging and to optimize Ti/Nb effects
Carbon Equivalent (CEV)Typically ≤0.45 - 0.50 (depending on thickness)CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15; DNV may set specific maximum

DNV Grade D690 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The physical properties listed below are typical for quenched and tempered high-strength low-alloy steels of this grade. Actual values may vary slightly based on exact chemical composition and heat treatment condition. These data are useful for design calculations involving thermal stress, heat transfer, and electrical resistance.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7.80g/cm³At 20°C
Modulus of elasticity (E)205GPaAt 20°C, in tension
Shear modulus (G)80GPaAt 20°C, estimated from E and ν
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.30At 20°C, within elastic range
Coefficient of thermal expansion (α)12.010⁻⁶/KBetween 20°C and 100°C
Coefficient of thermal expansion (α)12.810⁻⁶/KBetween 20°C and 200°C
Coefficient of thermal expansion (α)13.510⁻⁶/KBetween 20°C and 300°C
Thermal conductivity (λ)40W/(m·K)At 20°C
Thermal conductivity (λ)38W/(m·K)At 100°C
Specific heat capacity (cp)460J/(kg·K)At 20°C, approximate for low-alloy steels
Electrical resistivity (ρe)0.25μΩ·mAt 20°C, typical for structural steel

DNV Grade D690 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are determined on specimens taken from quenched and tempered plates according to DNV test standards. The steel must meet minimum yield and tensile strength requirements, adequate elongation, and specific Charpy V-notch impact energy at -20°C (D grade). Bend tests ensure formability. Properties apply to transverse test pieces for thicknesses ≤150 mm unless otherwise noted.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Yield Strength (ReH)≥690MPaThickness ≤ 50 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥690MPa50 mm < Thickness ≤ 100 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥660MPa100 mm < Thickness ≤ 150 mm (typical reduction allowed by some standards)
Tensile Strength (Rm)770 - 940MPaThickness ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)750 - 940MPa100 mm < Thickness ≤ 150 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥14%Gauge length 5.65√So; Thickness ≤ 100 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)≥14%100 mm < Thickness ≤ 150 mm
Charpy V-notch impact energy (KV2)≥27 (average)JTest temperature -20°C; single minimum typically 19 J; transverse specimen
Bend test (180°)No cracks or defectsBend diameter = 3t (t = plate thickness); specimen width ≥ 50 mm for plate thickness ≤ 25 mm, adjusted for thicker plates

DNV Grade D690 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Replaceable Grades

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USA / InternationalASTM A131 / A131MDH690Charpy impact at -20°C; same strength level as DNV D690
UK / EuropeEN 10025-6S690Q (with -20°C impact option)Must specify impact temperature of -20°C when ordering; also supply in Q&T condition. EN 10025-6 S690Q has similar chemistry and properties.
UK / EuropeEN 10225S690QL1Weldable structural steels for fixed offshore structures; often ordered with Charpy at -20°C.
USA / ABSABS RulesDH690American Bureau of Shipping equivalent, essentially the same as DNV D690.
UK / LRLloyd's Register RulesDH690Lloyd's Register high-strength ship plate with D-grade toughness.
France / BVBureau Veritas RulesDH690Bureau Veritas equivalent.
China / CCSCCS RulesDH690China Classification Society equivalent.
Japan / ClassNKNippon Kaiji Kyokai RulesKD690ClassNK high-strength hull steel; D-grade toughness.
Norway / InternationalDNVD690The base material; also referred to as NV D690 in some markets.

DNV Grade D690 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Application Introduction

DNV D690 steel is specifically designed for heavy-load marine and offshore applications where high strength, excellent weldability, and low-temperature toughness are mandatory. Its 690 MPa yield strength allows weight reduction compared to conventional EH36 or DH36 grades. Processing guidelines:

  • Preheating (typically 75-150°C) and interpass temperature control are recommended for welding, depending on thickness and hydrogen content.
  • Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is not usually required for thicknesses under 50 mm, but stress relief may be applied.
  • Forming should be done in the tempered condition; hot forming may require re-tempering to restore properties.

Product Applications: Ship hull plates, decks, bulkheads, and superstructures, Offshore platform nodes, legs, and deck modules, Crane pedestals, booms, and heavy-lift beams, Pressure hulls for manned/unmanned submersibles and submarines, Mooring chain stoppers and tensioner structures, Wind turbine transition pieces and monopile sections

Processed into products: Bottom and side shell plates of ice-going vessels, Main deck stringer plates, Watertight bulkheads and collision bulkheads, Jack-up leg chords and rack plates (Charpy D-grade adequate for moderate cold), Spudcan components, Crawler crane base frames, Flange connection plates for tubular joints, Padeyes and lifting lugs welded into hull structure, Reinforced brackets and stiffeners in high-stress areas

Application industries: Shipbuilding (naval vessels, cargo ships, icebreakers), Offshore oil & gas platforms (jack-ups, semi-submersibles, FPSOs), Marine engineering (cranes, lifting equipment, mooring components), Renewable energy (offshore wind turbine support structures), Subsea engineering (ROV frames, pressure housings), Heavy civil construction (bridge components in marine environments)

DNV Grade D690 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Similar / Closely Related Material Substitutes

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-6S690QLHigher low-temperature toughness (L grade: -40°C or -50°C). Can be used if better toughness is required, but verify strength and welding compatibility.
USAASTM A514 / A517Grade Q or SHigh-strength quenched & tempered plates with ~690 MPa yield. Not identical in chemistry but can be considered with careful welding evaluation. Usually higher CEV.
JapanJIS G 3128SHY 685High yield strength steel for welded structures, 685 N/mm² yield. Similar strength, but toughness temperature must be checked.
EuropeEN 10025-6S690QHHollow sections version with similar properties; possible alternative for tubular components.
Korea / InternationalKR RulesDH690Korean Register equivalent; essentially identical for all practical purposes.

Notes:

Special requirements: DNV may require additional testing such as ultrasonic testing (UT) per class rules, drop-weight (NDT) tests, or through-thickness (Z-grade) properties for highly restrained joints. Always consult the latest DNV rules for the exact material specification and fabrication requirements. Welding: Low-hydrogen welding processes (SMAW, SAW, FCAW, GMAW) are mandatory. Proper drying of consumables and workpiece cleanliness are critical to avoid hydrogen-induced cracking. Heat input should be controlled to maintain mechanical properties in the heat-affected zone.

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