Bureau Veritas (BV) is one of the world's oldest classification societies and a founding member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). Its "Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships" establish comprehensive and stringent technical requirements for marine construction materials, particularly hull structural steel plates, ensuring structural safety and long-term service performance of ships under various sea conditions.

Regarding steel plate specifications, Bureau Veritas classifies hull steel into ordinary strength grades (A, B, D, E) and higher strength grades (such as AH32, AH36, AH40, DH32, DH36, DH40, EH32, EH36, EH40), based on structural importance, stress conditions, and environmental temperature. Each grade has specific requirements for chemical composition, mechanical properties, and toughness. To ensure weldability and resistance to brittle fracture, BV rules strictly control carbon equivalent (Ceq) and limit harmful elements such as sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P), with even stricter requirements for high-strength and low-temperature service steels.

Mechanical properties are central to BV’s plate requirements. The rules specify yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, and Charpy V-notch impact energy (KV2) at ambient and low temperatures (e.g., 0°C, -20°C, -40°C). For vessels operating in cold or polar waters, critical structural components (such as side shells, bow areas, and decks) must use plates that pass impact tests at -40°C or lower to verify toughness in cold environments.

Additionally, BV sets detailed requirements for manufacturing processes, surface quality, dimensional tolerances, and non-destructive testing (e.g., ultrasonic testing). Steel production must be witnessed by BV-authorized surveyors (WITNESS), who supervise the entire process from steelmaking and rolling to heat treatment and testing. All plates used in primary hull structures must be accompanied by full material certification and maintain complete traceability from slab to final product.

In summary, Bureau Veritas ensures the reliability and safety of marine steel plates in demanding maritime environments through a scientific material grading system, rigorous performance verification, and comprehensive quality control, providing high-standard technical support for global shipbuilding.

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