Abstract: In order to study the influence of elements C,Ni, Nb and Ti in steel on the toughness of submerged arc welding joint, the mechanical property tests and series of temperature Charpy impact tests were carried out for 3 batches of 12 mm E36 steel plates produced by TMCP process. The results indicated that the low-temperature toughness of the submerged arc welding joint could be improved by reducing the C element and adding the Ni element; Nb and Ti microalloying was helpful to refine the grain of parent material and at the same time to inhibit the grain coarsening of heat-affected zone; However, the Nb element should be controlled properly because of its adverse effect on the toughness of the submerged arc welding joint.