Section 3 Main hull structure
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Naval Ships, January 2023 - Volume 1 Ship Structures - Part 3 Design Principles and Constructional Arrangements - Chapter 2 Ship Design - Section 3 Main hull structure

Section 3 Main hull structure

3.1 General

3.1.1 The Rules are formulated to provide for scantling derivation for designs comprising the following structural framing systems. Details of the requirements are given in Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 2 Design Tools.

  1. Primary/secondary stiffener systems - where, due to the relative differences in stiffness of the members, the secondary members are considered to act independently of, and are supported by, the primary members.

  1. Grillage systems - where the relative stiffness of the orthogonal stiffening is similar and work together to support the applied loads. The grillage system is in turn supported by major structural members such as bulkheads or decks.

3.1.3 For practical reasons of fabrication and continuity of structure, orthogonal systems using members of the same depth should not be employed. A minimum web depth difference of 40 mm is generally to be used to allow for the passage through the web at the intersections.

3.1.4 It is recognised that there will be a reduction in transverse ‘racking’ strength in association with the grillage stiffening system where the predominantly stiffer transverse web of the primary/secondary system is missing. In large areas of grillage systems the ‘racking’ strength, therefore, will be specially considered.

3.1.5 For NS1 and NS2 ships, longitudinal framing, in general, is to be adopted in the bottom shell, decks and inner bottom, with transverse or longitudinal framing at the side shell and longitudinal bulkheads. In NS3 ships, transverse or longitudinal framing may be universally adopted.

3.1.6 The adopted framing system whether longitudinal or transverse is required to be continuous. Where it is impracticable to comply with these requirements or where it is proposed to terminate the framing structure in way of other primary members such as the transom, bulkheads or integral tank boundaries, they are to be bracketed in way of their end connections to maintain the continuity of structural strength. Particular care is to be taken to ensure accurate alignment of the brackets. Brackets are in general to have soft toes and to terminate on structure that is capable of supporting the transmitted bending moment and forces.

3.1.7 The arrangement of the connection between any stiffener and bracket is to be such that at no point in the connection are the section modulus and inertia reduced to less than that of the stiffener with associated plating.

3.1.8 The arrangement of material is to be such as will ensure structural continuity. Abrupt changes of shape or section, sharp corners and points of stress concentration are to be avoided.

3.1.9 Where members abut on both sides of a bulkhead or similar structure, care is to be taken to ensure good alignment and continuity of strength.

3.1.10 The fitting of pillar bulkheads is preferable to pillars. The fitting of pillars is to be avoided in hangar and vehicle decks and where connected to the inner bottom. Where enhanced shock and blast requirements are specified, only pillar bulkheads may be fitted. When fitted, pillars and pillar bulkheads are to be in the same vertical line wherever possible, and elsewhere arrangements are to be made to transmit the out of line forces satisfactorily. The load at head and heel of pillars is to be effectively distributed and arrangements are to be made to ensure the adequacy and lateral stability of the supporting members.

3.1.11 End connections of structural members are to provide adequate end fixity and effective distribution of the load into the supporting structure.

3.1.12 The corners of large openings in the shell and decks from 0,25L R to 0,75L R are to be elliptical, parabolic or circular. Where predominantly unidirectional stress fields are anticipated, elliptical or parabolic corners are recommended. Where biaxial or torsional stress fields are expected, circular corners are recommended.

3.1.13 Where elliptical corners are arranged the major axis is to be fore and aft, the ratio of the major to minor axis is to be not less than 2 to 1 nor greater than 2,5 to 1, and the minimum half-length of the major axis is to be defined by l 1 in Figure 2.3.1 Opening geometry Where parabolic corners are arranged, the dimensions are also to be as shown in Figure 2.3.1 Opening geometry. An increase in plate thickness will not generally be required.

Figure 2.3.1 Opening geometry

3.1.14 Where circular corners are arranged, a radius not less than 1/20 of the breadth of the opening is to be used with a minimum of 75 mm. For circular corners, inserts of the size and extent shown in Figure 2.3.2 Inserts in way of openings will, in general, be required. The thickness of insert plates is to be not less than 25 per cent greater than the adjacent plating with a minimum increase of 4 mm. The increase need not exceed 7 mm.

Figure 2.3.2 Inserts in way of openings

3.1.15 For other shapes of corner, inserts of the size and extent shown in Figure 2.3.2 Inserts in way of openings will, in general, be required.

3.1.16 Manholes, lightening holes and other cut-outs are to be avoided in way of concentrated loads and areas of high shear. In particular, manholes and similar openings are not to be cut in vertical or horizontal diaphragm plates in narrow cofferdams or in floors and double bottom girders close to their span ends, or below the heels of pillars, unless the stresses in the plating and the panel buckling characteristics have been calculated and found satisfactory. The sizes of openings are to be in accordance with Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.2 Primary members 3.2.9.

3.1.17 Manholes, lightening holes and other openings are to be suitably framed and stiffened where necessary.

3.1.18 Provision is made for the free passage of air and water taking into account the pumping rates required.

3.1.19 Particular care is to be given to the positioning of drain holes to reduce stress concentrations and ensure adequate drainage from all parts of the ship’s hull to the suctions. They are to be placed as close to the bottom as practicable.

3.1.20 Suitable arrangements are to be made to provide free passage of air from all parts of tanks to the air pipes. They are to be placed as close to the top of the tank as practicable. Air pipes of sufficient number and area are to be fitted to each tank in accordance with Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 4, 7 Air and sounding pipes.

3.1.21  Air and drain holes, notches and scallops are to be kept at least 200 mm clear of the toes of end brackets and other areas of high stress. Openings are to be well rounded with smooth edges. Closely spaced scallops are not permitted.

3.1.22 Widely spaced air or drain holes, cut entirely in the web adjacent to, but clear of the welded connection, may be accepted, provided that they are of elliptical shape, or equivalent, to minimise stress concentrations, see Figure 2.3.3 Air/Drain hole geometry

Figure 2.3.3 Air/Drain hole geometry

3.2 Primary members

3.2.1 The following guidelines for the design of primary members are to be adopted. Scantling requirements for primary members are given in Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 3 Scantling Determination.

3.2.2 Primary members are to be so arranged as to ensure effective continuity of strength, and abrupt changes of depth or section are to be avoided. Where members abut on both sides of a bulkhead, or on other members, arrangements are to be made to ensure that they are in alignment. Primary members are to form a continuous line of support and, wherever possible, a complete ring system.

3.2.3 Primary members are to have adequate lateral stability and web stiffening and the stiffening structure is to be arranged to minimise hard spots and other sources of stress concentration.

3.2.4 Primary members are to be provided with adequate end fixity by end brackets or equivalent structure. The design of end connections and their supporting structure is to be such as to provide adequate resistance to rotation and displacement of the joint and effective distribution of the load from the member. Where a deck girder or transverse is connected to a vertical member on the shell or bulkhead, the scantlings of the latter may be required to be increased to provide adequate stiffness to resist rotation of the joint.

3.2.5 Where the primary member is supported by structure which provides only a low degree of restraint against rotation, the member is generally to be extended beyond the point of support and thereafter tapered and/or scarfed into the adjacent structure over a distance generally not less than two frame spaces.

3.2.6 Where primary members are subject to concentrated loads, particularly if these loads are out of line with the member web, additional strengthening may be required.

3.2.7 Where a member is continued over a point of support, such as a pillar or pillar bulkhead stiffener, the design of the end connection is to be such as to ensure the effective distribution of the load into the support. Brackets are generally required but alternative arrangements will be considered.

3.2.8 The thickness of the brackets supporting primary members is to be not less than that of the primary member web. The free edge of the bracket is to be stiffened.

3.2.9 Where openings are cut in the web or primary members, the depth of opening is not to exceed 50 per cent of the web depth, and the opening is to be so located that the edges are not less than 25 per cent of the web depth from the face plate. The length of opening is not to exceed the web depth or 60 per cent of the secondary member spacing, whichever is the greater, and the ends of the openings are to be equidistant from the corners of cut-outs for secondary members. Where larger openings are proposed, the arrangements and compensation required will be specially considered.

3.2.10 Openings are to have well rounded corners and smooth edges and are to be located having regard to the stress distribution and buckling strength of the panel in which they are situated.

3.2.11 Cut-outs for the passage of secondary members are to be designed to minimise the creation of stress concentrations. The breadth of cut-out is to be kept as small as practicable and the top edge is to be rounded, or the corner radii made as large as practicable. The extent of the direct connection to the web plating, or the scantlings of lugs or collars, is to be sufficient for the loads to be transmitted from the secondary member, see also Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 6, 6.5 Arrangement at intersection of continuous secondary and primary members

3.2.12 Stiffeners in areas likely to experience slamming, impact or dynamic loads are to be lugged or bracketed to the web of the primary member at their intersections, see also Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 6, 6.5 Arrangement at intersection of continuous secondary and primary members

3.3 Shell plating

3.3.1 Scantling requirements for shell plating are given in Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 3, 5 Shell envelope plating.

3.3.2 The sheerstrake is generally to be taken as the side shell, locally reinforced in way of deck/hull connection. The amount of local reinforcement will be dependent upon the arrangement of structure and the proposed service.

3.3.3 In general, openings are not to be cut in the sheerstrake; however, if operational requirements dictate, openings that are less than 20 per cent of the depth of the sheerstrake may be accepted. Openings greater than 20 per cent of the depth of the sheerstrake will require special consideration.

3.3.4 Where large side shell openings, such as side aircraft lifts, are proposed, detailed calculations are to be submitted.

3.3.5 Where rounded gunwales are fitted, arrangements are to ensure a smooth transition from rounded gunwale to angled gunwale.

3.3.6 At the ends of superstructures where the side plating is extended and tapered to align with the bulwark plating, the transition plating is to be suitably stiffened and supported. Where freeing ports or other openings are essential in this plate, they are to be suitably framed and kept well clear of the free edge.

3.3.7 Sea-inlets, or other openings, are to have well rounded corners and, so far as is practicable, are to be kept clear of the bilge radius, chine or radiused sheerstrake. Arrangements are to be made to maintain the strength in way of the openings. Additional thickness is to be required in accordance with Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 3, 5.7 Sea inlet boxes. Adequate provision is to be taken to prevent local resonance problems. Additional guidance for the design of sea-inlets or other openings, is given in Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 1, 8 Design guidance for the reduction of radiated noise underwater due to sea inlets or other openings.

3.3.8 Openings on or near the bilge radius may be accepted provided that they are of elliptical shape, or equivalent, to minimise stress concentrations and are, in general, to be kept clear of weld connections.

3.3.9 The scantlings of appendages (e.g. ‘A’ brackets) are covered in Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 3 Ship Control Systems. However, in way of the hull penetrations, particular care will be required to be given to the strength and watertight integrity of the shell.

3.4 Shell framing

3.4.1 The scantlings of shell structure are to be determined in accordance with Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 3, 6 Shell envelope framing

3.4.2 Longitudinal framing is, in general, to be adopted in the bottom, but special consideration will be given to proposals for transverse framing in this region, see Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.1 General 3.1.5

3.4.3 For NS1 and NS2 ships, the bottom and side longitudinals are to be continuous in way of both watertight and non-watertight floors, but equivalent arrangements will be specially considered.

3.4.4 Bottom and side longitudinals are to be supported by primary transverse structure such as bottom transverses, floors or bulkheads, generally spaced not more than 2,5 m apart in NS1 and NS2 ships, and 1,5 m in NS3 ships.

3.4.5 Bottom and side transverses, where fitted, are to be continuous and substantially bracketed at their end connections to side and deck transverses and bottom floors.

3.4.6 Bottom and side frames are to be effectively continuous and bracketed at their end connections to side frames, deck beams and bottom floors as appropriate. Side frames are to be supported by decks or stringers spaced not more than three metres apart.

3.4.7 Bottom girders and side stringers supporting transverse frames are to be continuous through transverse bulkheads and supporting structures. They are to be supported by deep transverse web frames, floors, bulkheads, or other primary structure, generally spaced not more than three metres apart.

3.4.8 For primary members the web stability, openings in the web and continuity and alignment are to be in accordance with Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.2 Primary members 3.2.9

3.4.9 For ships intended for beach landing operations, see Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 2, 8 Strengthening requirements for beach landing operations.

3.4.11 Where the shell framing is of unusual design or proportions, the scantlings are to be determined by direct calculation.

3.5 Single bottom structure

3.5.1 Scantling requirements for single bottom structure are given in Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 3, 7 Single bottom structures.

3.5.2 The requirements of this section provide for single bottom construction in association with transverse and longitudinal framing systems, see Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.1 General 3.1.5

3.5.3 All girders are to extend as far forward and aft as necessary and care is to be taken to avoid any abrupt discontinuities. Where girders are cut at bulkheads, alignment and longitudinal strength are to be maintained.

3.5.4 Particular care is to be taken to ensure that the continuity of structural strength in way of the intersection of transverse floors and longitudinal girders is maintained. The face flats of such stiffening members are to be effectively connected.

3.5.5 The single bottom structure in way of the keel and girders is to be sufficient to withstand the forces imposed by dry-docking the ship, see Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 2, 8 Strengthening requirements for beach landing operations

3.5.6 A continuous centreline girder is, in general, to be fitted in all ships throughout the length of the hull as far forward and aft as practicable.

3.5.7 Where the floor breadth at the upper edge exceeds 6,0 m, side girders are to be fitted at each side of the centre girder such that the spacing between the side and centre girders or between the side girders themselves is not greater than 3 m. In general, side girders where fitted are to be continuous, extend as far forward and aft as practicable and to terminate in way of bulkheads, deep floors or other primary transverse structure. In addition, continuous intercostal longitudinal stiffeners are to be fitted where the panel size exceeds the ratio 4 to 1.

3.5.8 In ships with a transversely framed bottom construction, the bottom shell plating is, in general, to be reinforced with additional continuous, or intercostal, longitudinal stiffeners. Alternative arrangements to be considered.

3.5.9 For ships intended for beach landing operations, see Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 2, 8 Strengthening requirements for beach landing operations

3.5.10 In longitudinally framed ships, plate floors are to be fitted as given in Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.4 Shell framing 3.4.4. The connections with side transverse web frames are to be as required by Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.4 Shell framing 3.4.6. Additional transverse floors or webs are in general to be fitted at the half spacing of primary transverse structure in way of engine seatings, thrust bearings, pillars, skegs, bilge keels and the bottom of the ship forward.

3.5.11 The tops of the floors may be level from side to side. However, in ships having considerable rise of floor the depth of floors may require to be increased to maintain the required section modulus.

3.5.12 In general, the floors in way of the sterntubes, shaft brackets, etc. are to provide effective support for these items.

3.6 Double bottom structure

3.6.1 Scantlings of double bottoms are to be in accordance with Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 3, 8 Double bottom structures.

3.6.2 Double bottoms are in general to be fitted in NS1 ships and are to extend from the collision bulkhead to the aft peak bulkhead, as far as this is practicable within the design and proper working of the ship. The specified subdivision and stability standard may contain additional requirements for the height and extent of the double bottom.

3.6.3 A double bottom is generally not required in way of watertight compartments used exclusively for the carriage of liquids, provided the safety of the ship in the event of bottom damage is not thereby impaired. Suitable scarfing arrangements are to be made to maintain continuity of the inner bottom.

3.6.4 The inner bottom is to be continued to the ship’s side as far as practicable, in such a manner as to protect the bottom to the turn of bilge or chine.

3.6.5 The centreline girder and side girders are to extend as far forward and aft as practicable and care is to be taken to avoid any abrupt discontinuities. Where girders are cut at bulkheads, their alignment and longitudinal strength are to be maintained.

3.6.6 Small wells constructed in the double bottom structure are not to extend in depth more than necessary. A well extending to the outer bottom may, however, be permitted at the after end of the shaft tunnel of the ship. Other well arrangements (e.g. for lubricating oil under main engines) may also be considered provided they give protection equivalent to that afforded by the double bottom.

3.6.7 Sufficient manholes are to be cut in the inner bottom, floors and side girders to provide adequate access to, and ventilation of, all parts of the double bottom. Openings are to be in accordance with Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.2 Primary members 3.2.9

3.6.8 The number and position of manholes are to be such that access under service conditions is neither difficult nor dangerous.

3.6.9 Manholes and their covers are to be of an approved design or in accordance with a recognised National or International Standard.

3.6.10 Provision is to be made for the free passage of air and water from all parts of the tanks to the air pipes and suctions, account being taken of the pumping rates required.

3.6.11 Adequate access is also to be provided to all parts of the double bottom for future maintenance, surveys and repairs. The edges of all openings are to be smooth.

3.6.12 A plan showing the location of manholes and access openings within the double bottoms is to be submitted.

3.6.13 Manholes, lightening holes and other cut-outs are to be avoided in way of concentrated loads and areas of high shear. Details are given in Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.1 General 3.1.16

3.6.14 Air and drain holes, notches and scallops are to be in accordance with Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.1 General 3.1.8

3.6.15 The Rules are formed on the basis that access to double bottoms will be by means of manholes with bolted covers. However, alternative arrangements will be specially considered.

3.6.16 In way of ends of floors and girders and transverse bulkheads, the number and size of holes are to be kept to a minimum, the openings are to be circular or elliptical and edge stiffening may be required.

3.6.17 Holes are not to be cut in the centre girder, except in tanks at the forward and after ends of the ship or where tank widths are reduced unless additional stiffening and/or compensation is fitted to maintain the structural integrity.

3.6.18 Centreline and side girders are to be continuous and sufficient to withstand the forces imposed by dry-docking the ship, see Vol 1, Pt 4 Military Design and Special Features. Vertical stiffeners are to be fitted at every bracket floor.

3.6.19 Where the breadth of floor is greater than 6,0 m, additional side girders having the same thickness as the floors are to be fitted. The number of side girders is to be such that the distance between the side girders and centre girder and margin plate, or between the side girders themselves, does not exceed 3,0 m (for transversely framed ships, 5,0 m for longitudinally framed ships).

3.6.20 Side girders where fitted are to extend as far forward and aft as practicable and are in general to terminate in way of bulkheads, deep floors or other primary transverse structure.

3.6.21 Plate floors are, in general, to be continuous between the centre girder and the margin plate. Vertical stiffeners are to be fitted to the floors, the number and positions of these stiffeners being dependent on the arrangement of the double bottom structure.

3.6.22 In longitudinally framed ships, plate floors or equivalent structure are, in general, to be fitted in accordance with Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.4 Shell framing 3.4.4 and additionally at the following positions:

  1. At every half spacing of primary transverse structure as given in Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.4 Shell framing 3.4.4, in way of the bottom of the ship forward of 0,8L R.

  2. Underneath pillars and bulkheads.

3.6.23 In transversely framed NS3 ships, plate floors are to be fitted at every frame in the engine room, under bulkheads, in way of change in depth of double bottom and elsewhere at a spacing not exceeding 1,5 m.

3.6.24 Between plate floors, the shell and inner bottom are to be supported by bracket floors. The brackets are to have the same thickness as plate floors and are to be stiffened on the unsupported edge.

3.6.25 In longitudinally framed ships, the bracket floors are to extend from the centre girder and margin plate to the adjacent longitudinal, but in no case is the breadth of the bracket floor to be taken as less than 75 per cent of the depth of the centre girder. They are to be fitted at every frame at the margin plate, and those at the centre girder are to be spaced not more than 1,0 m apart.

3.6.26 In transversely framed ships, the breadth of the bracket floors, attaching the bottom and inner bottom frames to the centre girder and margin plate, is to be not less than 75 per cent of the depth of the centre girder, see Figure 1.5.5 Transverse framing system.

3.6.27 Inner bottom longitudinals are to be supported by inner bottom transverses, floors, bulkheads or other primary structure, generally spaced not more than 2,5 m apart in NS1 and NS2 ships, and 1,5 m in NS3 ships.

3.6.28 The inner bottom longitudinals are to be continuous through the supporting structure.

3.6.29 Inner bottom transverses are to be continuous and to be substantially bracketed at their end connections to bottom transverses, bottom floors and tank side brackets.

3.6.30 In general, whilst the fitting of pillars connecting to the inner bottom is to be avoided, where they are fitted, the connections of the floors to the girders, and of the floors and girders to the inner bottom, are to be suitably increased. Where pillars are not directly above the intersection of plate floors and girders, partial floors and intercostals are to be fitted as necessary to support the pillars. Manholes are not to be cut in the floors and girders below the heels of pillars. Where longitudinal framing is adopted in the double bottom, equivalent stiffening under the heels of pillars is to be provided. Where the heels of pillars are carried on a tunnel, suitable arrangements are to be made to support the load.

3.6.31 Double bottoms are to be tested in accordance with the requirements of Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 6, 7 Inspection and testing procedures of the Rules.

3.6.32 The Rules are formed on the basis that access to double bottoms will be by means of manholes with bolted covers. However, alternative arrangements will be specially considered.

3.7 Deck structure

3.7.1 Scantlings of decks are to be in accordance with the requirements of Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 3, 10 Deck structures.

3.7.2 Where an inner bottom is not fitted, consideration of the ship's stability and strength following bottom damage is required. It may be appropriate to consider designing the lowest deck to be watertight. This is to be determined in conjunction with the damage stability analysis, assuming bottom damage.

3.7.3 The deck plating is to be supported by transverse beams with fore and aft girders; by longitudinals with deck transverses, or alternatively, by a grillage system of orthogonal and primary structure as provided for in Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.1 General 3.1.1 The transverse beams and deck transverses are to align with side main frames and side transverses respectively. For NS1 and NS2 ships, longitudinal framing is generally to be adopted, see Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 2, 3.1 General 3.1.5

3.7.4 Where transversely stiffened, beams are to be fitted at every frame and bracketed to the side frames. Deck transverses should also be fitted at the ends of large openings in the deck.

3.7.5 Primary stiffening members are to be continuous and substantially bracketed at their end connections to maintain continuity of structural strength.

3.7.6 Secondary stiffening members are to be effectively continuous and bracketed at their end connections as appropriate.

3.7.7 The ends of beams, longitudinals, girders and transverses are to be effectively built into the adjacent structure, or equivalent arrangements provided.

3.7.8 Arrangements to prevent tripping are to be fitted on deep webs.

3.7.9 The deck plating and supporting structure are to be suitably reinforced in way of cranes, masts, and deck equipment or machinery.

3.7.10 Deck structures subject to concentrated loads are to be suitably reinforced. Where concentrations of loading on one side of a stiffening member may occur, such as out of line pillars, the member is to be adequately stiffened against torsion. Additional reinforcements may be required in way of localised areas of high stress.

3.7.11 The end connection of strength deck longitudinals to bulkheads are to provide adequate fixity and, so far as is practicable, direct continuity of longitudinal strength. For NS1 and NS2 ships, the strength deck longitudinals are to be continuous through transverse structure, including bulkheads, but alternative arrangements will be considered.

3.7.12 Transverses supporting deck longitudinals are, in general, to be spaced not more than 2,5 m apart in NS1 and NS2 ships, and 1,5 m in NS3 ships. They are to be aligned with primary side structure.

3.7.13 All openings are to be supported by an adequate framing system, pillar bulkheads or cantilevers. When cantilevers are used, the scantlings are to be determined by direct calculation.

3.7.14 Where stiffening members terminate in way of an opening they are to be attached to carlings, girders, transverses or coaming plates, in such a way as to minimise stress concentrations.

3.7.15 Other openings in the strength deck outside the line of major openings are to be kept to the minimum number consistent with operational requirements. Openings are to be arranged clear of other opening corners and, so far as possible, clear of one another. Where necessary, plate panels in which openings are cut are to be adequately stiffened against compression and shear buckling. The corners of all openings are to be well rounded and the edges smooth. Attention is to be paid to structural continuity and abrupt changes of shape, section or thickness are to be avoided.

3.7.16 Gutterway bars and spurn waters at the upper deck are to be so arranged that the effect of main hull stresses on them is minimised and that they do not cause stress concentrations in the deck or sheerstrake, see also Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 3, 3.6 Local reduction factors

3.7.17 For flight decks, consideration should be given to the effect on fatigue life of welding attachments (e.g. cable trays and piping brackets) directly to the deck plating or stiffeners. It is recommended that attachments be made by other means or that the effect be accounted for in any fatigue analysis which may be undertaken.

3.7.18 It is recommended that the working areas of the weather deck have an anti-slip surface. Working areas of all decks where there is the possibility of leakage of fuel, hydraulic or other oils are to be provided with anti-slip deck coatings, or equivalent, and guard rails, as appropriate.

3.7.19 Where decks are sheathed with wood or other materials, details of the method of attachment are to be submitted, see also Vol 1, Pt 6 Hull Construction in Steel.

3.7.20 Where large or novel hatch openings are proposed, detailed calculations are to be submitted to demonstrate that the scantlings and arrangements in way of the openings are adequate to maintain continuity of structural strength.

3.7.21 Where large side shell openings such as side aircraft lifts are proposed, detailed calculations are to be submitted.

3.7.22 Pipe or cable runs through watertight decks are to be kept to a minimum and are to be fitted with suitable watertight glands of a type, approved and pressure tested for the maximum head of water indicated by any required damage stability calculations.

3.7.23 The specified subdivision and stability standard(s) may require all deck penetrations to be of a nominated standard.

3.7.24 Heat-sensitive materials are not to be used in pipe or cable runs which penetrate watertight decks, where deterioration of such systems in the event of fire would impair the watertight integrity of the deck.

3.7.25 The number of openings in watertight decks is to be reduced to the minimum compatible with the design and proper working of the ship. Where openings are permitted in watertight decks, they are to be provided with suitable closing devices in accordance with Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 4, 4 Watertight doors and hatches in watertight subdivision boundaries.

3.8 Deep tank structure

3.8.1 The scantlings of deep tank structure are to be in accordance with the relevant Sections of Vol 1, Pt 6 Hull Construction in Steel.

3.8.2 Above the top of floors, the side shell structure of deep tanks is to be effectively supported by a system of primary framing with web frames, stringers, cross ties and/or perforated flats.

3.8.3 The maximum spacing of side shell transverses in longitudinally framed deep tanks is generally not to exceed 2,5 m in NS1 and NS2 ships, and 1,5 m in NS3 ships.

3.8.4 The maximum spacing of side shell web frames in transversely framed deep tanks is generally not to exceed five frame spaces. They are to extend from the tank top to the level of the lowest deck above the design waterline.

3.8.5 The maximum spacing of horizontal stringers is generally not to exceed 3,0 m.

3.8.6 Where decks terminate at deep tanks, suitable scarfing arrangements are to be arranged and the side shell supported by a stringer at deck level. The stringer can be either fully effective or acting as part of a grillage. Bulkhead stiffeners are to be supported at the deck level against tripping.

3.8.7 A centreline bulkhead is, generally, to be fitted in deep tanks which extend from side to side. The bulkhead may be intact or perforated as desired. If intact, the scantlings are to comply with the requirements of Vol 1, Pt 6 Hull Construction in Steel for tank boundary bulkheads. If perforated, they are to comply with the requirements of Vol 1, Pt 6 Hull Construction in Steel for wash plates. Where brackets from horizontal girders on the boundary bulkheads terminate at the centreline bulkhead, adequate support and continuity are to be maintained.

3.8.8 The thickness of any longitudinal bulkheads may be required to be increased to ensure compliance with the shear strength requirements of Vol 1, Pt 6 Hull Construction in Steel. In the case of a centreline or perforated wing bulkhead, the proportion of the total shear force absorbed by the bulkhead will be specially considered.

3.8.9 The thickness of plating of wash bulkheads may also be required to be increased to take account of shear buckling.

3.8.10 Where longitudinal wash bulkheads support bottom transverses, the lower section of the bulkhead is to be kept free of non-essential openings for a depth equal to 1,75 times the depth of the transverses. The plating is to be assessed for local buckling requirements.


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