Yes, BV AH36 can generally be replaced by CCS AH36 for most shipbuilding and marine engineering applications, as they are functionally equivalent grades of high-tensile strength steel.
Key Commonalities
Material Standards: Both grades comply with the same foundational mechanical requirements, typically featuring a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa and a tensile strength of 490–620 MPa.
Grade Definition: The "AH36" designation is standardized across major classification societies (such as ABS, LR, DNV, and BV). In this nomenclature:
- A: Refers to the impact testing temperature (0°C for AH grades).
- H: Indicates high-strength steel.
- 36: Represents the yield strength (36 kg/mm² or ~355 MPa).
Applications: Both are used primarily for ship hulls, offshore drilling platforms, and marine structural components.
Important Considerations for Replacement
While the material properties are nearly identical, the primary difference is the Classification Society Certification:
- BV AH36 is certified by Bureau Veritas.
- CCS AH36 is certified by the China Classification Society.
Replacement Protocol:
Approval: In a commercial or regulatory context, you must ensure that the project's specific classification society or owner allows the substitution. For example, if a ship is being built under BV class rules, the steel usually requires a BV certificate unless a "dual-certified" or "multi-class" plate is used.
Dual Certification: Many manufacturers produce steel plates that are multi-certified (e.g., stamped by both BV and CCS), which makes them universally acceptable for projects requiring either standard.
Chemical Composition (Max. %)
| Element | BV AH36/CCS AH36 |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.18 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.50 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.90-1.60 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.035 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.035 |
| Aluminum (Al) | ≥0.015 (Als) |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤0.40 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤0.20 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤0.08 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤0.30 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤0.020 |
Mechanical Properties (Room Temperature)
| Property | BV AH36/CCS AH36 |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength (σs, MPa) | ≥355 (t≤12.5mm); ≥345 (12.5<<t≤25mm); ≥335 (25<<t≤40mm); ≥325 (40<<t≤63mm) |
| Tensile Strength (σb, MPa) | 490-630 |
| Elongation (δ5, %) | ≥21 |
| Impact Test (V-notch) | ≥34 J at 0℃ (average of 3 specimens) |
| Test Direction | Transverse/Longitudinal (per standard requirements) |
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What is the difference between A36 and AH36 steel?
In this condition, ASTM AH36 steel and A36 steel is totally the same. However, at most times, ASTM A36 steel means another steel type, it is A36 mild steel. A36 mild steel is for general construction, seldom used for ship building. A36 mild steel strength is lower than ASTM AH36 shipbuilding steel strength.
What is material grade AH36?
METAL GRADES
AH36 is designed to resist the harsh saline conditions of marine environments, and micro-alloying technology is employed to enhance performance. Elements such as Nb, V, Ti, and other alloying metals, combined with a controlled rolling process, refines the grain and improves the toughness.
What is the tensile strength of ah36?
AH 36 plate is a high-strength shipbuilding steel used to construct ships and other marine structures. It has a minimum yield strength of 355MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 490-620MPa
What is grade AH36 steel?
ABS Grades AH36, DH36, and EH36 are higher-strength structural steels with a minimum specified yield strength of 51 ksi and specified minimum Charpy Vnotch impact toughness properties. Applications. Typical applications include shipbuilding and mobile offshore drilling units and structures.
| Other steel plate by GNEE | ||||
| Name | Material | Specification (mm) | Tons | Remark |
| Clad steel plate | P265GH+410,S355JR+410,A516Gr70+316, A537CL1+304L,Q235B+304L,Q345B+304, A516Gr70(NACE)+410,A537CL1+904L, A537CL1+316L,A516Gr70+304L,A537CL1+304 ,A516Gr70+410,A516Gr70+904L |
2-300mm(Based plate),1-50mm(Composited plate) | / | UT, AR, TMCP.Normalized, Quenched and Tempered,Z Direction Test, Charpy V-Notch impact TestThe Third Party Test , Coated or Shot Blasting and Painting. |
| Low Alloy | Q345A, Q345B, Q345C, Q345D, Q345E, Q390, Q420, Q460C, ST52-3, S355J2+N, SS400, SA302GrC, S275NL, 35CrMo | 6 - 350 | 5788.56 | Normalizing, tempered ,controlled rolling, hot rolling , Hot rolling,1st inspection, 2nd inspection, 3rd inspection |
| Pressure Vessel Plate | A204 Grade B,A515 Grade 70,A537 Class 1,SA387 Grade 11 Class 1,P265GH,S537 Class 2,P355Q,P275N,P355N,P690Q,Q345R, | 3 - 300 | 8650 | Normalizing, tempered ,controlled rolling, hot rolling , Hot rolling,1st inspection, 2nd inspection, 3rd inspection |
| High-Strength Plate | A514 Grade F, A572 Grade 50, A588 Grade A, S355JR, S690Q, SS400, S690QL, Q345B, Q345E | 8 - 120 | 3086.352 | Quenched and tempered |
| Wear-Resistant Plate | NM360, NM400, NM450, NM500 | 6 - 150 | 3866.297 | Quenched and tempered |
| Ship Plate | ABS AH32,ABS DH32,ABS EH32,ABS FH36,ASTM A131 A, ASTM A131 EH32,ASTM A131 AH36,CCS A,CCS AH32,LR AH32, DNV A36,BV AH32 |
8 - 200 | 2853.621 | Hot rolling, normalized ,hot rolling controlled rolling, quenched and tempered + toughness and brittleness |
