Hull-Girder Reliability of a Chemical Tanker

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to calculate hull-girder reliability of chemical tanker according to the reliability model proposed by International Maritime Organization (IMO). The probability of hull-girder failure is calculated using a first-order reliability method for two operational profiles—one typical for oil tanker and the other one modified in order to reflect differences between oil tanker and chemical tanker. The evaluation of the wave-induced load effects that occur during long-term operation of the ship in the seaway is carried out in accordance with International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) recommended procedure. The stillwater loads are defined on the basis of a statistical analysis of loading conditions from the loading manual. The ultimate collapse bending moment of the midship cross section, which is used as the basis for the reliability formulation, is evaluated by progressive collapse analysis and by single-step procedure. The reliability analysis is performed for "as-built" ship and for "corroded" ship according to corrosion deduction thickness from new Common Structural Rules for double-hull oil tankers. It is shown that hull-girder failure probability of "as-built" chemical tanker is well above the upper reliability bound proposed by IMO, while the "corroded" ship is slightly unconservative since the reliability index is lower than IMO lower reliability bound.