GL Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Coil

GL Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Coil

GL Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Coil - Low-Temperature Marine Structural Steel

Comprehensive material data for GL Grade E shipbuilding steel coil, covering chemical composition, mechanical and thermal properties, international equivalents, and fabrication guidance per GL and IACS rules.

Hot rolling, normalizing (N), thermo‑mechanical controlled rolling (M/TMCP)

GL Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Coil Introduction

GL Grade E is a normal strength hull structural steel standardized by Germanischer Lloyd (now part of DNV GL). It is a fully killed, fine‑grain steel supplied in normalized or thermo‑mechanically controlled rolled (TMCP) condition. The grade offers a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa and excellent notch toughness at -40°C, making it suitable for critical ship structures such as outer hulls, decks, and bulkheads. Its good weldability and resistance to brittle fracture ensure reliable performance in cold‑water vessels and offshore applications. The product is typically delivered as coils, plates, or cut‑to‑length sheets, ready for shipyard processing.

GL Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Coil Chemical Composition

Chemical limits according to GL Rules and IACS UR W11 for normal strength Grade E steel, thickness ≤50 mm. The steel must be fully killed and fine‑grain treated. When aluminium is used as grain refiner, a minimum acid‑soluble Al content of 0.015% is required. Residual element levels are restricted to maintain weldability and toughness.

ElementStandard Value (wt%)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤0.18max
Manganese (Mn)0.70 – 1.60for thickness ≤50 mm
Silicon (Si)0.10 – 0.50
Phosphorus (P)≤0.035max
Sulfur (S)≤0.035max
Aluminium (Al) acid sol.≥0.015if used for grain refining, minimum
Nitrogen (N)≤0.009unless bound by sufficient Al
Chromium (Cr)≤0.20residual
Nickel (Ni)≤0.40residual
Copper (Cu)≤0.35residual
Molybdenum (Mo)≤0.08residual
Total Cr+Ni+Cu+Mo≤0.70sum of residuals

GL Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Coil Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Approximate physical properties at room temperature for carbon‑manganese structural steel. Actual values may vary slightly depending on exact chemical composition and processing route. These data are suitable for engineering calculations of heat transfer, stiffness, and electrical characteristics.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitConditions / Notes
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³at 20°C
Elastic Modulus (E)210GPaat 20°C
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaat 20°C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3typical
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.0 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹between 20°C and 100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)52W/(m·K)at 20°C
Specific Heat Capacity (cₚ)460J/(kg·K)at 20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ)0.16 × 10⁻⁶Ω·mat 20°C

GL Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Coil Mechanical Properties

Tensile and impact properties per GL rules, evaluated on longitudinal test pieces unless otherwise noted. For thickness above 50 mm up to 100 mm, elongation values reduce per agreement. The Charpy impact test temperature is -40°C; minimum average absorbed energy is 27 J longitudinal and 20 J transverse for thickness ≤50 mm. Bend test is performed with a 180° mandrel diameter of 3 times the specimen thickness.

PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition / Thickness
Yield Strength (ReH)≥235MPat ≤100 mm, longitudinal
Tensile Strength (Rm)400 – 520MPat ≤100 mm, longitudinal
Elongation (A5)≥22%t ≤50 mm, gauge L₀=5.65√S₀
Elongation (A5)≥21%50 < t ≤70 mm
Elongation (A5)≥20%70 < t ≤100 mm
Impact Energy (KV) long.≥27 (average)J-40°C, Charpy V‑notch, t≤50 mm
Impact Energy (KV) transv.≥20 (average)J-40°C, Charpy V‑notch, t≤50 mm
Bend Testd=3a, 180°no cracks, t≤50 mm

GL Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Coil Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grade Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
International (IACS)UR W11 (Rev.8)EIdentical chemical and mechanical requirements
DNV GLRules Pt.2 Ch.1NV EUnified grade from merged GL and DNV
Lloyd's Register (LR)Rules for ShipsGrade EFull equivalence, -40°C impact
Bureau Veritas (BV)Rules for Steel ShipsGrade ESame minimum yield 235 MPa
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)Rules for Materials and WeldingGrade ERecognized by all IACS members
China Classification Society (CCS)Rules for MaterialsEDirectly equivalent to GL E
Korean Register (KR)Rules for the Classification of Steel ShipsRESame technical delivery conditions
ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai)Rules for Steel ShipsKEWidely accepted substitute
Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)Rules for ShipsEEquivalent in all respects

GL Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Coil Application Introduction

GL Grade E steel coils are primarily employed in the shipbuilding and offshore industry. Their combination of guaranteed low‑temperature toughness and good formability makes them ideal for hull structures that must operate in cold climates. The material can be processed by flame cutting, plasma cutting, shearing, and cold forming; it is easily welded with standard shipyard procedures using low‑hydrogen electrodes or wire under appropriate preheat and interpass conditions. Typical applications include:

Product Applications: Ocean‑going merchant ships, Naval auxiliary vessels, Offshore oil & gas platform substructures, Arctic and Antarctic research vessels, Heavy‑duty port handling equipment

Processed into products: Bottom shell plating, Side shell and bilge strake plates, Main deck and strength deck plates, Longitudinal and transverse stiffeners, Bulkhead panels, Keel plates and stem bars, Hatch coaming and coaming stays, Helideck decks on offshore structures

Application industries: Shipbuilding (cargo ships, tankers, bulkers, container vessels), Offshore engineering (platforms, jackets, modules), Marine construction (docks, pontoons, floating cranes), Ice‑reinforced structures and icebreakers, Bridge fabrication (where low‑temperature toughness is required)

GL Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Coil Similar/Alternative Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
European UnionEN 10025-2S235J2Structural steel, 235 MPa min. yield, impact -20°C; not ship‑class approved but similar strength
European UnionEN 10025-3S235NNormalized fine‑grain steel, 235 MPa, impact -20°C, enhanced weldability
USAASTM A131 / A131MGrade EShipbuilding steel, equivalent grade for marine use
JapanJIS G3106SM400BWelded structural steel, 235 MPa class, impact 0°C; for general structures
RussiaGOST 5521-93E32 (Rst42-2)Shipbuilding steel, 235 MPa, impact -40°C, comparable toughness

Notes:

Delivery and certification: Material shall be supplied with GL (or DNV GL) inspection certificate type 3.1 or 3.2 per EN 10204. For thicknesses over 50 mm, through‑thickness properties (Z‑quality) can be agreed if the design requires high resistance to lamellar tearing. Welding: Preheat is generally not required for moderate thicknesses, but follow the consumable manufacturer's guidance for low‑temperature service. Storage: Coils should be stored in dry, covered conditions to prevent corrosion before fabrication.

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