Abstract
This paper examines the problems of forming efficient joints between the major structural components of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) ships and boats. Joint types addressed by the paper are concerned primarily with stiffened single-skin construction ships, with regard to 1. (i) tee-joints between panels, for example between watertight bulkheads and shell plating; 2. (ii) attachment of top-hat stiffeners to plating. The development of numerical models to asses failure modes is discussed and the results of finite element analysis and validation testing of a range of alternative configurations is described. Optimised joint designs capable of achieving higher strength at reduced weight are presented. These new concepts would also facilitate the use of pre-formed stiffeners and mechanised production equipment for rapid rates of joint formation and therefore they offer the possibility of significantly reduced labour hours and ship build cost.
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