LR Grade A structural steel plate is a type of shipbuilding steel certified by Lloyd's Register (LR), a maritime classification society. It is widely used in the construction of ship hulls and marine structures due to its excellent strength, weldability, and resistance to harsh maritime environments.
Key Characteristics of LR Grade A Steel:
1. Mechanical Properties:
- Yield Strength: Minimum of 235 MPa (34,000 psi).
- Tensile Strength: 400–520 MPa (58,000–75,000 psi).
- Elongation: Typically around 22% in 200 mm.
2. Chemical Composition:
- Carbon (C): ≤ 0.21%.
- Manganese (Mn): ≤ 2.5%.
- Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.5%.
- Sulfur (S) and Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.035% each.
3. Dimensional Availability:
- Thickness: Typically ranges from 4 mm to 200 mm.
- Width: Commonly 1200 mm to 4000 mm.
- Length: Customizable, but generally between 6 m and 12 m.
4. Certification and Testing:
- Certified by Lloyd's Register to ensure compliance with maritime safety standards.
- Subject to toughness tests (Charpy V-notch) at designated temperatures to confirm resistance to impacts in marine conditions.
5. Key Features:
- High ductility and toughness, ideal for structural integrity under dynamic loads.
- Corrosion-resistant when used with proper coatings.
- Excellent weldability with various welding processes.
Applications:
- Shipbuilding: Used in the construction of the ship's hull and deck.
- Marine Structures: Offshore platforms, docks, and other maritime frameworks.
- Other Applications: Coastal and port infrastructure like cranes or storage tanks exposed to seawater.
When selecting LR Grade A steel, it's important to ensure that the material's thickness and specifications match the project's requirements to maintain structural and regulatory compliance. For more demanding conditions, higher grades like LR DH36 or EH36 might be preferable.