AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF SHIP HULL ULTIMATE STRENGTH

This paper summarises results of an experimental investigation to determine the ultimate strength of ship hull girders. The 2-year experimental investigation was conducted at the University of California experimental facility. In the first phase a stiffened steel hull model of approximate dimensions 42 ft x 8 ft x 30 inches was tested. The model represented the middle section of a 75,600 dwt tanker and was subjected to a sagging moment in order to examine the failure behaviour of the deck under compression. The second model (phase 2) was designed to reflect several possible modes of failure of an open deck ship. It was tested with loads simulating a hogging bending moment along with lateral pressure on the bottom. A comparison between simple theoretical analyses and the experimental results for the two models are presented. Approximate methods for including the effects of residual stresses and initial distortions on the moment capacity of the models are also discussed. A number of possible reasons for the discrepancy between theoretical and experimental results are investigated in detail. Recommendations are also made for further research.