17 - Shell plating and framing

Abstract

This chapter deals with shell plating and framing. The shell plating forms the watertight skin of the ship and at the same time contributes to the longitudinal strength and resists vertical shear forces in merchant ship construction. Internal strengthening of the shell plating may be both transverse and longitudinal and is designed to prevent collapse of the plating under the various loads to which it is subject. The bottom and side shell plating consists of a series of flat and curved steel plates generally of greater length than breadth butt welded together. The side shell plating is maintained within 40% of the vessel's midship length and then tapers to the rule thickness at the ends. The thickness may be increased in regions where high vertical shear stresses occur, usually in way of transverse bulkheads in a vessel permitted to carry heavy cargoes with some holds empty.