RINA Grade D40(DH40) Shipbuilding Steel Plate

RINA Grade D40(DH40) Shipbuilding Steel Plate

RINA Grade D40 Shipbuilding Steel Plate – High-Strength Hull Structural Steel

RINA Grade D40 is a high-strength shipbuilding steel plate certified by the Italian Classification Society (RINA) with minimum yield strength 390 MPa, excellent weldability and low-temperature toughness for marine structures.

Cutting, welding, bending, forming, machining, cold and hot forming

RINA Grade D40 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Introduction

RINA Grade D40 (equivalent to RINA DH40) is a normalized or thermomechanically rolled high-strength hull structural steel defined by the RINA Rules for the Classification of Ships. It offers a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa, good tensile properties, and reliable impact toughness at -20 °C. Key features include:

  • Suitable for primary and secondary hull structures, decks, and offshore components
  • Fine-grained and fully killed steel with controlled microalloying (Nb, V, Ti) for strength and weldability
  • Low carbon equivalent (Ceq ≤ 0.43) to avoid cold cracking during welding
  • Meets strict through-thickness property requirements when specified (e.g., Z25/Z35)

RINA Grade D40 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Chemical Composition

Chemical composition limits according to RINA Rules for DH40/D40. Microalloying elements may be added in varying combinations to achieve the required strength and toughness. The maximum carbon equivalent (Ceq) is 0.43. When through-thickness (Z-grade) properties are required, sulfur content may be further restricted.

ElementSpecified Value (max / range)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤ 0.18Ladle analysis
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.50-
Manganese (Mn)0.90 – 1.60-
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.035-
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.035Lower for Z-grade (e.g., ≤0.008 for Z35)
Chromium (Cr)≤ 0.20-
Nickel (Ni)≤ 0.40-
Molybdenum (Mo)≤ 0.08-
Copper (Cu)≤ 0.35-
Aluminium (Al, total)≥ 0.015Acid-soluble; grain refining element
Niobium (Nb)0.02 – 0.05Optional microalloy
Vanadium (V)0.05 – 0.10Optional microalloy
Titanium (Ti)≤ 0.02Optional microalloy
Nitrogen (N)≤ 0.012If supplied, e.g., controlled rolling
Carbon Equivalent (Ceq)≤ 0.43Ceq = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15

RINA Grade D40 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following values are typical for normalized or thermomechanically rolled high-strength low-alloy carbon-manganese steel. Exact values depend on the final microstructure and temperature. These data can be used for engineering design and simulation.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7850kg/m³At room temperature
Elastic Modulus (E)200 – 210GPaAt 20 °C
Shear Modulus (G)78 – 82GPaAt 20 °C, calculated from E and ν
Poisson Ratio (ν)0.28 – 0.30Elastic range at room temperature
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.1 – 12.510⁻⁶ / K20 – 200 °C, mean linear coefficient
Thermal Conductivity (λ)45 – 52W/(m·K)At 20 °C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)460 – 500J/(kg·K)At 20 °C
Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e)0.15 – 0.25Ω·mm²/mAt 20 °C

RINA Grade D40 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties depend on product thickness. Tests are performed in accordance with RINA requirements. Tensile specimens are taken in the transverse or longitudinal direction as agreed; impact specimens are longitudinal. Bending tests on plates are carried out to verify formability without cracking.

PropertySpecified ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 390MPaThickness ≤ 50 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 370MPa50 mm < Thickness ≤ 100 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 350MPa100 mm < Thickness ≤ 150 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)510 – 650MPaThickness ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)470 – 610MPa100 mm < Thickness ≤ 150 mm
Elongation (A5)≥ 20%Thickness ≤ 50 mm, L0=5.65√S0 (transverse)
Elongation (A5)≥ 19%50 mm < Thickness ≤ 70 mm
Elongation (A5)≥ 18%70 mm < Thickness ≤ 100 mm
Charpy Impact Energy (KV, longitudinal)≥ 41JAt -20 °C, thickness ≤ 50 mm
Charpy Impact Energy (KV, longitudinal)≥ 34JAt -20 °C, 50 mm < thickness ≤ 70 mm
Charpy Impact Energy (KV, longitudinal)≥ 27JAt -20 °C, 70 mm < thickness ≤ 100 mm
Bend Test (180° bend)d = 4a-Thickness ≤ 25 mm
Bend Test (180° bend)d = 5a-25 mm < Thickness ≤ 50 mm

RINA Grade D40 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-4S420M / S420MLThermomechanical rolled, similar strength and toughness
USA / ABSABS RulesABS Grade DH40Same yield class and -20 °C impact requirement
Norway / DNVDNV RulesDNV DH40Identical designation under IACS UR W28
UK / LRLloyd's Register RulesLR DH40Equivalent mechanical and chemical requirements
France / BVBureau Veritas RulesBV DH40Equivalent high-strength hull steel
China / CCSCCS RulesCCS DH40Complies with IACS unified requirements
InternationalIACS UR W28DH40 (HS40)Common specification recognized by all IACS members

RINA Grade D40 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Application Introduction

RINA Grade D40 is specifically designed for welded ship and offshore structures requiring a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa and guaranteed notch toughness at -20 °C. It is suitable for both longitudinal and transverse strength members. Typical use includes:

  • Primary hull structures: sheer strakes, bilge strakes, hatch coaming, deck stringer plates
  • Secondary members: stiffeners, brackets, web frames
  • Offshore platform topsides, jacket legs, and flare booms where moderate cold temperature toughness is needed
  • Marine machinery foundations and lifting appliance structures

Product Applications: Ship hulls, decks, bulkheads, transverse and longitudinal frames, Offshore platform decks and module support beams, Tubular joints and node connectors for jackets, Barge and pontoon structures, Hatch covers and crane pedestals

Processed into products: Hull plates (bottom, side, deck), Sheer strake plates, stringer plates, and bilge keel plates, Welded T-joints, cruciform joints, and bracket assemblies, Machinery foundations, engine seatings, Windlass and mooring winch foundations, Flare boom and boat landing stiffeners

Application industries: Shipbuilding (commercial, naval, LNG carriers, bulk carriers, container ships), Offshore oil & gas (platforms, FPSO modules), Marine renewable energy (wind turbine foundations, tidal turbine structures), Heavy engineering (dock gates, lock gates, structural components in marine environment)

RINA Grade D40 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Comparable or Similar Alternative Materials

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
Italy / RINARINA RulesRINA Grade D36 / DH36Yield strength 355 MPa; lower strength, good economy where 390 MPa not required
Italy / RINARINA RulesRINA Grade E40 / EH40Same strength, but lower impact test temperature (-40 °C); for more severe service
Italy / RINARINA RulesRINA Grade A40Same strength; impact test at 0 °C or none; less demanding toughness applications
EuropeEN 10025-4S460M / S460MLHigher yield strength (460 MPa); may require adjusted welding procedures
EuropeEN 10025-3S420N / S420NLNormalized condition; similar strength but different delivery condition

Notes:

Special requirements: When through-thickness deformation (Z-grade) is required, specify Z25 or Z35 with improved sulfur levels and ultrasonic testing. Surface condition and tolerances shall meet RINA standard UT/MT requirements. Plates are normally delivered with shot blasting and shop primer. Welding should follow approved procedures with preheat/interpass temperatures calculated according to carbon equivalent and thickness. Post-weld heat treatment is generally not required.

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