Special Structural Shapes: Factors Affecting Usage in U.S. Shipbuilding

Abstract : Shipbuilders consider that the substitution of special structural steel shapes for standard shapes has potential for increasing productivity. The use of special shapes, e.g. long-leg angles and bulb flats, in ships is common throughout the rest of the world. In the United States, except where shipbuilders have resorted to fabricating shapes, standard angles, tees and channels that frequently need further processing are the norm. In response to shipbuilders' interest in the potential for increasing productivity, this report presents the results of an investigation of the major issues and problems affecting the adoption of special structural shapes by U.S. shipbuilders. The purpose of the study was not to do a detailed engineering analysis of the use of special structural shapes, but to bring into focus the major issues concerning their potential usage. Therefore, analyses of the attitudes of both shipbuilding and steel mill people significantly contributed to the findings and recommendations reported herein.