4.1 The thickness of the frame lower brackets
shall not be less than the greater of tw and tw,min +
2 mm, where tw is the fitted thickness of the side frame
web. The thickness of the frame upper bracket shall not be less than
the greater of tw and tw,min.
4.2 The section modulus SM of the frame and bracket
or integral bracket, and associated shell plating, at the locations
shown in figure 1, shall
not be less than twice the section modulus SMF required for the frame
midspan area.
4.3 The dimensions of the lower and upper brackets
shall not be less than those shown in figure 2.
4.4 Structural continuity with the upper and lower
end connections of side frames shall be ensured within topside and
hopper tanks by connecting brackets as shown in figure 3. The brackets shall
be stiffened against buckling according to the criteria of a classification
society which is recognized by the Administration in accordance with
the provisions of SOLAS regulation XI-1/1,
or with applicable national standards of the Administration which
provide an equivalent level of safety.
4.5 The section moduli of the side longitudinals
and sloping bulkhead longitudinals which support the connecting brackets
shall be determined with the span taken between transverses according
to the requirements of a classification society which is recognized
by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS regulation XI-1/1, or with applicable
national standards of the Administration which provide an equivalent
level of safety. Where other arrangements are adopted at the discretion
of the Administration or a recognized classification society, the
section moduli of the side longitudinals and sloping bulkhead longitudinals
shall be determined according to the applicable criteria for the purpose
of effectively supporting the brackets.