Page 1 of 6

Lloyd’s Register Rulefinder 2015 – Version 9.23

Rulefinder Version 9.23 (January 2015) - Lloyd’s Register Rules and Regulations - Rules for the Manufacture,
Testing and Certification of Materials, July 2014, Incorporating Notice No. 1 - Testing Procedures for Metallic
Materials - Tensile tests

Section 2 Tensile tests

2.1 Dimensions of test specimens

2.1.1. Proportional test specimens with a gauge length L0 of or 5d where So is the cross-sectional area, d the
diameter and LC the parallel test length, have been adopted as the standard form of test specimen, and in subsequent
Chapters in these Rules the minimum percentage elongation values are given for test specimens of these proportions.

2.1.2. The gauge length is to be greater than 20 mm and may be rounded off to the nearest 5 mm provided that the
difference between the adjusted gauge length and the calculated one is less than 10 per cent of the calculated gauge
length.

2.1.3. For forgings and castings (excluding those in grey cast iron) proportional test specimens of circular cross-section
are to be machined to the dimensions shown in Fig. 2.2.1.

Fig. 2.2.1 Test specimen dimensions for forgings and castings - I

2.1.4. For hot rolled bars and similar products, the test specimens are to be as in Fig. 2.2.1, except that for small sizes
they may consist of a suitable length of bar or other product tested in the full cross-section.

2.1.5. As an alternative to 2.1.3 and 2.1.4, proportional or non-proportional test specimens of other dimensions may be
used, subject to any requirements for minimum cross-sectional area given in subsequent Chapters of these Rules.
Where the size of proportional test specimens is other than as shown in Fig. 2.2.1, the general dimensions are to
conform with Fig. 2.2.2.

Fig. 2.2.2 Test specimen dimensions for forgings and castings - II and aluminum
alloys
2.1.6. For plates, strip and sections, the test specimens are to be machined to the dimensions shown in Fig. 2.2.3 or
Fig. 2.2.4. Where the capacity of the available testing machine is insufficient to allow the use of a test specimen of full
thickness, this may be reduced by machining one of the rolled surfaces. Alternatively, for materials over 40 mm thick,
test specimens of circular cross-section machined to the dimensions shown in Fig. 2.2.1 may be used. The axes of
these test specimens are to be located at approximately one quarter of the thickness from one of the rolled surfaces.

mk:@MSITStore:C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\AppV\Client\Integration\9B818915-980... 05/10/2018
 Page 2 of 6

Fig. 2.2.3 Test specimen dimensions for plates, strip and sections - I and aluminum
alloys

Fig. 2.2.4 Test specimen dimensions for plates, strip and sections - II
2.1.7. As an alternative to 2.1.6, test specimens with a width of other than 25 mm may be used subject to any
requirements for minimum cross-sectional area given in subsequent Chapters of these Rules. A ratio of width/thickness
of 8:1 should not be exceeded.

2.1.8. For pipes and tubes, the test specimens may consist of a suitable length tested in full cross-section with the ends
plugged. The gauge length is to be or 50 mm, and the length of the test specimen between the grips or
plugs, whichever is the smaller, is to be not less than the gauge length plus D, where D is the external diameter.
Alternatively, test specimens may be prepared from strips cut longitudinally and machined to the dimensions shown in
Fig. 2.2.5 or Fig. 2.2.6. The parallel test length is not to be flattened, but the enlarged ends may be flattened for
gripping in the testing machine. The cross-sectional area of this type of test specimen is to be calculated from:

where

So = cross-sectional area

a = average radial thickness

b = average width

Test specimens of circular cross-section may also be used provided that the wall thickness is sufficient to allow the
machining of such specimens to the dimensions shown in Fig. 2.2.1, with their axes located at the mid-wall thickness.

Fig. 2.2.5 Test specimen dimensions for pipes and tubes - I

Fig. 2.2.6 Test specimen dimensions for pipes and tubes - II

mk:@MSITStore:C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\AppV\Client\Integration\9B818915-980... 05/10/2018
 Page 3 of 6

2.1.9. For wire, the test specimen may consist of a suitable length tested in full cross-section. The gauge length is to be
200 mm and the parallel test length 250 mm.

2.1.10. For grey iron castings, the test specimens are to be machined to the dimensions shown in Fig. 2.2.7 or Fig.
2.2.8.

Fig. 2.2.7 Test specimen dimensions for grey iron castings - I

Fig. 2.2.8 Test specimen dimensions for grey iron castings - II

2.1.11. For aluminium alloy plates and sections of thickness, a, less than or equal to 12,5 mm; the dimensions of
rectangular cross-sectioned test specimens are to be as shown in Fig. 2.2.3. The rectangular cross-sectioned test
specimen surfaces should remain as rolled/extruded. Where the thickness, a, is greater than 12,5 mm the test
specimens are to be or round type as shown in Fig. 2.2.2.

2.1.12. Deposited weld metal tensile test specimens are to be machined to the dimensions shown in Fig. 2.2.9, and
may be heated to a temperature not exceeding 250°C for a period not exceeding 16 hours for hydrogen removal, prior
to testing.

Fig. 2.2.9 Test specimen for deposited weld metal tensile

2.1.13. Butt weld tensile test specimens are to be machined to the dimensions shown in Fig. 2.2.10. For thicknesses of
more than 2 mm, the test width is to be 25 mm. For thicknesses less than 2 mm, the test width is to be reduced to 12
mm. The upper and lower surfaces of the weld are to be filed, ground or machined flush with the surface of the plate.

Fig. 2.2.10 Test specimen for butt weld

mk:@MSITStore:C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\AppV\Client\Integration\9B818915-980... 05/10/2018
 Page 4 of 6

2.1.14. Through-thickness tensile test specimens may be, at the option of the steelmaker, either plain test specimens,
or test specimens with welded extensions, in accordance with a Recognised Standard.

The extension pieces are to be of steel with a tensile strength exceeding that of the plate to be tested and may be
attached to the plate surfaces by manual, resistance or friction welding carried out in such a way as to ensure a
minimal heat affected zone.

2.1.15. Tolerances on tensile specimen dimensions are to be in accordance with ISO 6892-1 or another Recognised
Standard as appropriate.

2.2 Definition of yield stress for steel

2.2.1. The yield phenomenon is not exhibited by all the steels detailed in these Rules but, except for austenitic and
duplex stainless steels, the term `yield stress’ is used throughout when requirements are specified for acceptance
testing at ambient temperature. For the purposes of the Rules, the terms `yield stress’ and `yield strength’ are to be
regarded as synonymous.

2.2.2. Where reference is made to `yield stress’ in the requirements for carbon, carbon-manganese and alloy steel
products and in the requirements for the approval of welding consumables, either the upper yield stress or, where this
is not clearly exhibited, the 0,2 per cent proof stress or the 0,5 per cent proof stress under load is to be determined. In
cases of dispute, the 0,2 per cent proof stress is to be determined.

2.2.3. For austenitic and duplex stainless steel products and welding consumables, both the 0,2 and the 1,0 per cent
proof stresses are to be determined.

2.3 Procedure for testing at ambient temperature

2.3.1. Except as provided in 2.3.5, the elastic stress rate for the determination of the upper yield for steels and copper
alloys is to be between 6 and 60 N/mm2 per second and between 2 and 20 N/mm2 per second for aluminium. After
reaching the yield or proof load, the straining rate may be increased to a maximum of 0,008s–1 for the determination of
the tensile strength.

2.3.2. For steel, the upper yield stress is to be calculated from:

(a). the value of stress measured at the commencement of plastic deformation, or

(b). on a load/extension diagram using the value of stress measured at the first peak obtained during yielding even
when the peak is equal to or less than any subsequent peaks observed during plastic deformation at yield.

2.3.3. When a well defined yield point cannot be obtained, the 0,2 or 1,0 per cent proof stress (non-proportional
elongation) is to be determined from an accurate load/extension diagram by drawing a line parallel to the straight
elastic portion and a distance from it where the amount represents 0,2 or 1,0 per cent of the extensometer gauge
length. The point of intersection of this line with the plastic portion of the diagram represents the proof load, from which
the 0,2 or 1,0 per cent proof stress can be calculated.

2.3.4. For stainless steels the 1,0 per cent proof stress and/or 0,2 per cent proof stress is specified as required by the
relevant Chapters in these Rules.

2.3.5. For the determination of the tensile strength of flake graphite cast iron, the stress rate is not to exceed 10 N/mm2
per second.

2.3.6. A measured elongation value is to be regarded as valid only if the fracture occurs within the gauge length and at
least the following distances from the gauge marks:

Round test specimen: 1,25d

Flat test specimen: a plus width of specimen
The measurement is valid irrespective of the position of the fracture, if the percentage elongation after fracture reaches
at least the specified value, and this is to be stated in the test report.

2.4 Equivalent elongations

2.4.1. When a gauge length other than is used, the equivalent percentage elongation value is to be
calculated using the following formula:

mk:@MSITStore:C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\AppV\Client\Integration\9B818915-980... 05/10/2018
 Page 5 of 6

where

AR = actual measured percentage elongation of test specimen

So = actual cross-sectional area of test specimen

Lo = actual gauge length of test piece

A = equivalent percentage elongation for a test specimen with a gauge length of

2.4.2. Alternatively, where a number of test specimens of similar material and dimensions are involved, the actual
percentage elongation values may be recorded, provided that the equivalent specified minimum elongation value
appropriate for the test specimen dimensions is calculated from the formula in 2.4.1 and is recorded on the test
certificate.

2.4.3. For proportional test specimens having a gauge length other than , the equivalent elongation may be
calculated using the following factors (d is the diameter of the test specimen):

Actual gauge length Factor for equivalent elongation on

× 0,870
× 1,158
× 1,317
4d × 0,916
8d × 1,207
2.4.4. For non-proportional test specimens with gauge lengths of 50 mm and 200 mm, the equivalent elongation values
tabulated in ISO 2566 are to apply.

2.4.5. The above conversions are reliable only for carbon, carbon-manganese and low alloy steels with a tensile
strength not exceeding 700 N/mm2 in the hot rolled, annealed, normalised, or normalised and tempered condition.

2.4.6. For alloy steels in the quenched and tempered condition, the following conversions may be used for proportional
test specimens with a gauge length of :

Actual percentage elongation on Equivalent elongation on 5,65

22 17
20 15
18 13
17 12
16 12
15 11
14 10
12 8
10 7
8 5
2.4.7. Any proposals to use conversion factors for equivalent elongation values for the following materials are to be
agreed with the Surveyors:

(a). Carbon, carbon-manganese and alloy steels in the normalised or normalised and tempered condition with a
tensile strength exceeding 700 N/mm2.

(b). Cold-worked steels.

(c). Austenitic stainless steels.

mk:@MSITStore:C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\AppV\Client\Integration\9B818915-980... 05/10/2018
 Page 6 of 6

(d). Non-ferrous alloys.

2.5 Procedure for testing at elevated temperatures

2.5.1. The test specimens used for the determination of lower yield or 0,2 per cent proof stress at elevated
temperatures are to have an extensometer gauge length of not less than 50 mm and a cross-sectional area of not less
than 65 mm2. Where, however, this is precluded by the dimensions of the product or by the test equipment available,
the test specimen is to be of the largest practicable dimensions.

2.5.2. The heating apparatus is to be such that the temperature of the specimen during testing does not deviate from
that specified by more than ± 5°C.

2.5.3. The straining rate when approaching the lower yield or proof load is to be controlled within the range 0,1 to
0,3 per cent of the extensometer gauge length per minute.

2.5.4. The time intervals used for estimation of strain rate from measurements of strain are not to exceed 6 seconds.

Copyright 2015 Lloyd's Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and
Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Lloyd's Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees
or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Lloyd's Register'. Lloyd's Register assumes no responsibility and shall
not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever
provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Lloyd's Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in
that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.

mk:@MSITStore:C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\AppV\Client\Integration\9B818915-980... 05/10/2018