Boat Construction Research Articles

Response Surface Methodology for Optimisation of Parameter on Water Absorption of Natural Fibre Hybrid Composite in Boat Construction

Today, the utilisation of natural or green fibre has supplanted engineered fibre as fibreglass has become a pattern in composite boat producing and other gears because of its lightweight, excellent relative mechanical properties, and more significant elements. For example, it is eco-accommodating, has manageable materials, and has lower costs compared to fibreglass. The utilisation of fibreglass is costly and has a high effect on the natural biological system. It also gets over the area of ecological contamination, word-related well-being, and security concerns. This study used the Woven Kenaf/fibreglass as reinforcement and polyester as matric to fabricate hybrid composite coupons. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) of Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was applied to optimise fibre contents (35 to 75 wt%) and water absorption performance for the development of Woven Kenaf/fibreglass to polyester hybrid composite material based on the parameters. The BBD revealed that 45% Woven Kenaf/fibreglass to polyester performed the optimum fibre content and water absorption. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) showed that the model satisfactorily correlated the parameters. After immersion, 45% Woven Kenaf/fibreglass to polyester composite also gained 9.48% weight.

Assessment of Life Cycle and Environmental Impact Hotspots Associated with the Construction and Disposal of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Fishing (FRP) Boats in the Small-Scale Fishing Sector of India

Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) is a durable thermosetting plastic widely used in small-scale marine boat building. The average life span of FRPsheathed boat is seven years, while that of FRP boat is 30 years. Once their service life ends, these boats are mostly abandoned in the coastal areas, leading to significant environmental harm. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluates a product’s entire life cycle, from raw material production to disposal, covering all intermediate stages. This study examines the LCA of boats made from FRP as a primary material and the wood/plywood boats sheathed with FRP, along the coast of Kerala, focusing on construction, use, maintenance, and disposal phases.The carbon footprint of FRP boats during their life cycle is 35.31 kg CO2 equivalent, which is considerably lower than the 63.01 kg CO2 equivalent for sheathed boats when normalised for a period of one year. Although FRP boats, require 2.4 times more materials like glass fibers and resins for construction than sheathed boats, their overall environment impact is lower due to their four times longer lifespan. The LCA findings show that resin compounds as the major contributors to environmental impacts. The study evaluated boat disposal methods in India, revealing that open burning of FRP boats generates 1253.58 kg CO2 equivalent, while landfilling reduces it to 1065.3 kg CO2 equivalent, both posing environmental risks. In contrast, sheathed boats produce a much lower carbon footprint of 77.70 kg CO2 equivalent when landfilled but have a substantially higher footprint of 596.67 kg CO2 equivalent when burned. The results underscore the pressing need for sustainable disposal methods for the end-of-life FRP fishing boats to minimize ecological damage. The results of the study also highlight the importance of material selection and waste management in reducing the environmental footprint of boat construction and disposal. These insights are crucial for promoting sustainability in small-scale boat-building yards, offering a path forward for the industry to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining the durability and longevity of the fishing boats.

Analysis Welding Types Pipe Fabrication Process in Missile Fast Attack Boat Construction

The equipment in the piping system consists of pipes, valves, flanges, filters, fittings, pumps, and others. The installation schedule for this piping system begins after the connection between blocks. Pipes as part of a ship's system have several steps in their installation procedure, one of which is welding. Welding on pipes is carried out by professional welders who have met more complex competency requirements than welders in general, such as flat position welders, vertical welders, or overhead welders. The purpose of this study was to determine the welding process and types of welding in pipe fabrication for the construction of the Missile Fast Attack Boat. Result comparison between the diameters of the welded pipes, the greater the value of the welding volume formed. The largest volume is 426 mm3, with a pipe length for the fabrication process of 4,3 m. On the other hand, the shortest fabrication is for welding pipes with a diameter of 2,5 m, which has a volume of 127 mm3. While the welding process using GTAW / Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG) is very appropriate for welding in small areas and thin pipes. The TIG welding process has an average volume of below 150 mm3.

THE BOATBUILDING PRACTICES AMONG BOATBUILDERS (TUKANG TIMBAL) IN TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA: A CASE STUDY IN WATER TRANSPORTATION, MARITIME HERITAGE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP IN ASEAN

This case study explores the boatbuilding practices among boatbuilders (Tukang Timbal) in Terengganu, Malaysia, and their significance in preserving maritime heritage and craftsmanshipin ASEAN. By examining the techniques, materials, and cultural influences involved incontemporary boat construction, the research aims to document and analyse the unique practices of these skilled artisans. Employing a qualitative researchapproach, the study combines interviews, observation, and analysis of boatbuilding processes to uncover the knowledge andskills passed down through generations of boatbuilders in Terengganu. It investigates the factors that shape their practices, including local ecological conditions, cultural traditions, and modernadvancements in technology. The research emphasises the role of boatbuilders as culturalcustodians, highlighting the importance of their craftsmanship in preserving Southeast Asianmaritime heritage. By documenting their practices and understanding their cultural significance,the study contributes to the recognition and appreciation of this unique cultural tradition. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into contemporary boatbuilding practices inTerengganu, Malaysia. Examining the techniques and materials employed by boatbuilders,the research deepens our understanding of both the cultural and technological aspects of boat construction in ASEAN today. Ultimately, this case study sheds light on the boatbuilding practices among boatbuilders in Terengganu, Malaysia, contributing to the broader discourse on maritime heritage and craftsmanship in ASEAN. By documenting their unique techniques andmaterials, the study underscores the importance of preserving and promoting these traditionalskills in order to sustain cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.

Clarisia racemosa: phytochemical characterization and biological activities a brief literature review

Clarisia racemosa is a valuable resource in the wood industry, commonly used as raw material for furniture, boat construction, civil engineering, and various other applications. However, this species is used in other sectors as well. Research has shown that this plant has therapeutic potential for medicinal purposes. This review aims to present the various biological activities of the Clarisia racemosa plant. This study was conducted by postgraduate students in the Morphotechnology program at the Federal University of Pernambuco, from September 1st to October 6th, 2023, as part of a course on scientific article and patent preparation. The research findings confirmed that the species has the ability to promote various beneficial activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, toxicological, insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and photoprotective effects. This review aims to increase the value of species found in the Brazilian flora by obtaining products with high added value.

Antioxidant Activity and Total Flavonoid of Extract of Bark Vitex pinnata L.

Background: The bark of Vitex pinnata L is not yet optimally utilized, primarily being used in boat construction while the remaining material becomes waste that is either buried or burned in trash. Therefore, it is necessary to explore more efficient and economically valuable uses for the bark of the laban tree. Objective: The aim of this research is to identify the chemical compounds, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity present in the methanol extract of Vitex pinnata L bark. Method: Phytochemical screening was conducted on the methanol extract of Vitex pinnata L. bark. To obtain the extract, the simplicia powder was macerated using methanol as the solvent. The total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity were then tested using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazil (DPPH) method. Results: the phytochemical screening indicated that the Vitex pinnata L. bark extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. The total flavonoid test yielded 17.27%, and the antioxidant activity test revealed that the methanol extract of the laban tree bark has antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 43.22 ppm. Conclusion: This extract has strong potential as an antioxidant agent.

Shipyard Archaeology in the Southern Baltic

In the past two decades, the topic of archaeological studies of shipyard sites has regularly appeared in research devoted to maritime archaeology around the world. The closer attention of archaeologists to shipyard sites is due to the increased interest in studies of the maritime cultural landscape, ship graveyards, and coastal archaeology. The purpose of this paper is to review the problems of archaeological research of shipyard sites in the southern Baltic Sea and to compare these problems with previous research results from other regions. Seasonal or occasional sites for the building or repair of boats and ships have been created since the earliest times. Isolating such sites is often problematic since sleepers or simple wooden supports were sufficient for the construction of plank boats and the work was carried out in the open air. In the coastal cities of the southern Baltic, there is evidence for the existence of designated permanent shipbuilding yards, although without permanent shipbuilding structures, since the late Middle Ages. These were places in which a ship’s carpenter received permission from the city authorities to use a particular section of the yard for shipbuilding in return for an appropriate fee. Structures used for construction were assembled each time to a specific order from the builder’s materials and they could be dismantled after completion of the project. Archaeological research of the Gdansk Lastadia site remains the best recognized shipyard providing a more complete picture of the maritime cultural landscape of this southern Baltic city from the late Middle Ages to the 19th century.

Aluminum, an alternative to GRP for manufacturing of sports boats

Pollution is being discussed more and more in the world. It is known that the production of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester (GRP) is a polluting process. Also, the implementation of GRP is a process that can cause various ailments to the personnel who apply it. Over time, boats made of GRP suffer degradation due to interaction with the environment: cracks, exfoliation of the outer layer of gelcoat, etc. These degradations must be remedied, operations that involve the application of substances that are also polluting. More and more traditional manufacturers of sports boats are replacing GRP with aluminum. This, although the process of obtaining it from the ore is not without toxic components, is less polluting and friendlier to the executors than GRP. In this paper, we seek to elucidate the advantages that aluminum has over GRP in the construction of sports boats.

FENOMENA MISTIK DIBALIK RITUAL ANNYORONG LOPI DAN DAMPAK RITUAL BAGI KETANGKASAN PERAHU PINISI DALAM PERSFEKTIF AGAMA DAN KEPERCAYAAN

Annyorong Lopi is a form of gratitude from boat owners and craftsmen for the completion of the boat.This research aims to find out the rituals carried out by the Bontobahari community, with the aim of uncovering the symbolic meaning, impact of the ritual, and the religious perspective that accompanies its implementation. The research methodology used is qualitative-descriptive, using a phenomenological approach. Data collection was carried out through three methods, namely interview sessions, field observations, and ritual documentation. The data was analyzed through three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation, and verification. The research results reveal that: 1) Rituals have meaning in warding off negative influences and warding off disasters, the implementation of which includes various stages that reflect gratitude for the opportunity to carry out traditions and the various values therein. 2) Rituals have a broad impact on the construction of pinisi boats, including physical, spiritual and symbolic aspects. 3)The implementation of the ritual adheres to the religious beliefs of the surrounding community. Drawing on prayers from the Quran, the ritual is conducted in accordance with Islamic teachings while preserving the cultural identity and ancestral traditions of the Bontobahari community. This ritual exemplifies the harmony between tradition, ancestral beliefs, and religion in the lives of the Bontobahari community.

Assessment of plastic pollution in coastal areas of Karachi: Case study of West Warf, Kemari Jetty, and Manora

This study focused on marine pollution in coastal areas of Karachi, particularly West Warf, Kemari Jetty, and Manora. The research examined the sources and quantities of waste, from boat manufacturing, export units, and local commercial activities. Stakeholder interviews were conducted to understand waste management practices and identify the key contributors to ocean litter. The results indicated that restaurants, export units, boat construction, and tourist and commuter activities were the primary sources of marine pollution. Plastic was found to be the most prevalent litter category, with LDPE (e.g., single-use bags) and polystyrene (e.g., material in floating docks) being the most common types. Additionally, multi-layer packaging, such as chip wrappers, was frequently observed in the surveyed areas. Overall, this research highlights the urgent need for improved waste management and compliance measures in coastal regions to mitigate marine pollution.

Enhancing Friction Stir Welding in Fishing Boat Construction through Deep Learning-Based Optimization

In the present study, the authors have attempted to present a novel approach for the prediction, analysis, and optimization of the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process based on the Deep Neural Network (DNN) model. To obtain the DNN structure with high accuracy, the most focus has been on the number of hidden layers and the activation functions. The DNN was developed by a small database containing results of tensile and hardness tests of welded 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. This material and the production method were selected based on the application in the construction of fishing boat flooring, because on the one hand, it faces the corrosion caused by proximity to sea water and on the other hand, due to direct contact with human food, i.e., fish etc., antibacterial issues should be considered. All the major parameters of the FSW process, including axial force, rotational speed, and traverse speed as well as tool diameter and tool hardness, were considered to investigate their correspondence effects on the tensile strength and hardness of welded zone. The most important achievement of this research showed that by using SAE for pre-training of neural networks, higher accuracy can be obtained in predicting responses. Finally, the optimal values for various welding parameters were reported as rotational speed: 1600 rpm, traverse speed: 65 mm/min, axial force: 8 KN, shoulder and pin diameters: 15.5 and 5.75 mm, and tool hardness: 50 HRC.

Flammability and morphology of Agel leaf fibre- epoxy composite modified with carbon powder for fishing boat applications

Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites have been extensively developed to construct fishing vessels. This study reports on the successful development of the Agel Leaf Fibre (ALF)-Epoxy composite reinforced with carbon powder and fabricated using the Vacuum Infusion method.The composites were prepared by varying the carbon powder filler content at volumes of 0%, 10%, and 30%. The fire resistance of the composites was investigated using a burning test according to ASTM D-3014 standards. The morphology of the composites was observed through SEM analysis and analysed using ImageJ software.The research findings reveal that adding 30% carbon powder in the HCP composite reduced the burning rate by 42.624 mm/sec and the time to ignition by 17.33 seconds, indicating improved fire resistance properties. The carbon powder inhibited flame propagation and reduced the combustion rate by 0.49%. The SEM examination confirmed that the fibre porosity decreased, resulting in a denser composite with enhanced fibre-matrix adhesion. Therefore, the implementation of fire-resistant composite materials in fishing vessel construction can be realised.The present study primarily examined the immediate effects of carbon powder additions on the morphology of the composites. However, it is crucial to consider these composites’ long-term stability and durability. Future research should investigate the ageing behaviour, considering environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and UV radiation, to assess their impact on the morphology and flammability resistance of the composites. Additionally, it is essential to acknowledge that other factors, including fibre orientation, fibre length, and matrix properties, can significantly influence the overall performance of the composites.The enhanced flammability resistance of Agel Leaf Fibre-Epoxy composites with carbon powder additions holds significant benefits for fishing boat applications. In marine environments, the risk of fire incidents on fishing boats is high, making materials with good fire resistance highly desirable. Therefore, implementing fire-resistant composite materials in fishing boat construction can be realised to reduce the risk of fire incidents in high-seas fishing vessels.Composites with added carbon powder exhibited smaller flames, slower burning rates, and a lack of significant flame propagation. This suggests that adding carbon powder acts as an oxygen barrier and reduces the availability of fuel within the composite.

Technologies of transportation: road, bridge and boat construction in colonial Punjab

The road and river transport have laid the foundations of human settlements since ancient times. After annexing Punjab in 1849, the British brought western technologies in road and river transportation for better movement of people and material for consolidation of their rule. The measures included building of roads, bridges and navigation through steam vessels. This paper gives a brief description of the technologies employed by the British in Colonial Punjab for construction of metalled roads, permanent and temporary bridges, native boats and introduction of steam vessels for river transportation. The technologies for road and bridge construction were western and modified as per local requirements. The best example of road construction was in the form of Grand Trunk road which traversed the region from Delhi to Peshawar. Permanent bridges were made using iron and masonry arched techniques. Steam vessels were brought to the rivers of Punjab after being constructed elsewhere. But owing to lack of depth in the rivers, the steam vessels did not succeed and were discontinued. Due to western technologies, the road and river transportation became quick and efficient and also generated employment, thereby impacting the local population.

Development of fishing boat collision models in extreme weather using computer simulation

The incidence of fishing boat accidents in Indonesia is very worrying, with 342 people dying during 2018–2020. Based on this, it is crucial to investigate the construction strength of fishing vessels against the possibility of a collision. In this study, the fishing boat due to the impact load was investigated in extreme weather conditions using Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis. Traditional fishing boat was constructed by measuring the thickness of the hull, deck, keel, frames, and longitudinal structure of the fishing boat. The collision model is carried out with an impactor in the form of a mooring pole during extreme weather with a wave height of 6 meters and wind speeds 30 knots. Variations in velocity and frame spacing as in actual conditions are modeled to obtain differences in deformation, absorption energy values, and plasticity of boat construction due to collisions. The collision speed of 30 and 20 knots are set on the extreme weather conditions, while the collision speed of 7 knots is set on operating speed. Frame spacing of 0.5 and 0.6 meters is built according to the boat's frame spacing in the field. Computer simulation is carried out using application software ANSYS Research License. The fishing boat material used is mahogany wood with tested by using impact test with a toughness value of 39.1 kJ/m2. Based on the simulations results, the impact velocity has an effect deformation wider crash area and hull stress value. The speed of the ship collision was 7 knots, the collision did not damage the hull, but the construction failed at speeds of 20 and 30 knots. The closer of frame spacing, the higher collision performance of structure to withstand impact are indicated by the higher energy absorption. At a ship collision speed of 30 knots, the absorption energy of the construction at 0.5-meter frame spacing is 49.8 kJ, greater than 0.6-meter frame spacing with a value of 29.6 kJ

Methods for the detection and characterization of boat paint microplastics in the marine environment

Microplastics in the marine environment have been the focus of intense research recently, however little attention has been given to boat paint sources, despite its direct influence on the marine ecosystem. This is largely due to the lack of established analytical methods. Microplastics from boating sources may originate from antifouling paints on the underwater body, surface coatings on the top sides, deck, and superstructure, as well as plastic parts of the boat construction. Their release can occur during construction, operation (leisure boats and commercial ships), service, and maintenance, from the materials themselves or used chemicals (e.g., abrasive detergents). Most importantly, boat paint microplastics containing biocides, such as the metals copper and zinc, and particles containing tin (residues from old or current use of tributyl-tin ship hull paints) should raise higher concern on potential environmental impacts. This study aims to provide practical insight on methods for the quantification of boat paint microplastics in marine waters and provide a baseline survey on their occurrence. Sampling and analysis methods are applied on case studies, i.e., marinas on the Swedish coast. A multi-method approach for identifying and characterizing boat paint microplastics based on visual and chemical characteristics is presented. In general, the measured content of biocide-containing microplastics was remarkably high in all marinas, with concentration levels of copper-rich particles >10 μm between 400 and 1400 particles per L. Given that biocide paint particles are manufactured to be toxic, it is particularly important to take into account field measurements in future environmental status assessments. This work underlines the importance of monitoring data in the action work between relevant authorities and stakeholders.

Feasibility study of shell element-based elastic FE approach for welding-induced thermal distortion prediction in HDPE welded structures

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is considered an eco-friendly material for boat construction worldwide. However, managing thermal distortion in HDPE welding is challenging, impacting productivity. Traditional steel shipbuilding has established methods to predict welding-induced thermal distortion, but HDPE lacks comprehensive studies and standards. This research explores applying the elastic Finite Element (FE) approach, commonly used in steel structures, to HDPE welding. The elastic FE approach simplifies complex welding simulations, enabling its use in large structures like ship hulls. Our research assesses whether HDPE welded specimens exhibit similar distortion patterns to conventional welded structures and whether consistent parameters yield similar thermal distortion. Alignment between our FE analysis, based on specimen data, and experimental results validates the feasibility of using the elastic FE approach to predict HDPE thermal distortion. This study suggests it as a practical method to enhance HDPE boat manufacturing productivity.

Thermal analysis of natural fiber reinforced composites

Natural fiber composite materials grabs attention in modern industrial world. Evaluation of mechanical and thermal properties of composite requires lot of experimentation. In this paper an attempt is made to predict mechanical and thermal properties of natural fiber composite from mathematical relations. Different natural fibers and epoxy matrix were considered for the property prediction. Mechanical and thermal properties of composites were predicted using Halpin-Tsai and Chamis model respectively. Most common natural composite in traditional boat construction is wood. Here NFRP material is used as an alternative to wood. Stress concentration occurs on marine structures due to openings provided for electrical and plumping lines. In order to simulate the structural stability with NFRP material, a rectangular plate is selected for the study. The predicted properties used to study effect of thermal variation of plate with hole. Finite element model was developed to study the stress concentration over different hole diameter. L/D ratio is selected as the parameter for the study. L/D ratio versus stress plot revealed that structure is unsafe if the ratio is above 6.

King Khufu’s Second Boat: Scientific Identification of Wood Species for Deckhouse, Canopy, and Forecastle

Very little published information is available on the scientific identification of wood species used in the construction of boats in ancient Egypt. This paper deals with the scientific identification of wood species used in the construction of the deckhouse, canopy, and forecastle of King Khufu’s second wooden boat (4th Dynasty—Old Kingdom) in detail. This paper also discusses the principal technological characteristics of the identified woods, considering specifically their utilization for construction of the deckhouse, canopy, and forecastle. Almost all the woods used in the boat’s deckhouse, canopy, and forecastle were made of two imported species of wood (Cedrus libani A.Rich. and Juniperus sp.), with two native species (Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd. and Vachellia sp.) also identified. The analysis most surprisingly revealed the presence of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd. in 25% of the analyzed forecastle samples, which was discovered for the first time for making cross beams in the construction of boats in ancient Egypt. Another intriguing aspect of the boat’s construction is the presence of Juniperus sp., which surprisingly showed that almost 85% of the analyzed samples were Juniperus sp., used in the deckhouse’s boards, frames, and cross beams. The data let us examine the specific employment of the wood species used in the parts of the boat, which evidenced that the identified woods were suitably used for the construction of the different parts of the deckhouse, canopy, and forecastle of the boat.

Experimental determination of flexural strength of Bholuka bamboo (BambusaBalcooa) of Assam, India

In everyday life bamboo occupies a prominent place and is extensively used for both structural and non-structural purposes. Being a material that compares favourably with timber in strength, bamboo is increasingly being used in many structural applications like posts, pole fencing, scaffoldings, house building, etc. Bamboo has been used worldwide in various construction works as an alternative to steel and wood as bamboo is more fibrous and has more tensile strength than steel. Possibilities of construction of boats with bamboo using traditional knowledge enriched with advanced techniques could be visualized and eventually local Bholuka Bamboo of Assam was found to be very useful for construction of the boat hull using the lower thick stem of the whole Bholuka Bamboo.The work investigates the bending strength of the locally grown Bholuka Bamboo. Lime water treated bamboo stems are shaped roughly into square logs by cutting arcs from two sides. Both circular and square section stems of gauge lengths over 300 mm are deflected in Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The direct bending strength test gives an ultimate breaking load and ultimate stress as 13.10kN and 4 MPa for the circular cross section whereas 15.85kN and 5 MPa for square cross section respectively. Three point bending test conducted on Instron-Dynamic UTM on specimens taken from freshly felled culms, preferably from the lowest section of the culm containing nodes at two ends. Half section of the total length of 345 mm is considered for the test. The flexural test for I-section beams of the bamboo yields a Modulus of Elasticity of 3762.94 MPa which is 87.5 % less than Charotar bamboo and 57.9 % less than Moso bamboo.

Repositioning the Sea on the Great Altar of Pergamon: A Demonstration of Hellenistic Boat Construction on the Telephos Frieze

The Telephos frieze of the Great Altar of Pergamon contains a rare testimony of boat construction in the Hellenistic period, portraying specialized tools and working practices in an ancient boatyard. The sculpture documents the building of a small boat, offering rare insight into ancient boatbuilding. The vessel of Auge, mother of the Trojan hero Telephos, is a symmetrical skiff with two rounded ends resembling a coffin, a typology barely evidenced archaeologically. This article notes iconographic idiosyncrasies on the frieze that depart from the principal sources of the Telephos myth in the depiction of the infant accompanying his mother Auge to her watery tomb. To build the boat-coffin shown on the frieze, the trained craftsmen use the bow saw, bow drill, two-handled adze, and mallet and chisel, tools known from shipwrecks but documented only rarely in visual representations. Beyond a close technical examination of these implements, our discussion considers relevant maritime funerary rituals and examines several different ship typologies in relation to the boat depicted on the Telephos frieze. From his mother’s tiny skiff to her son the mythical hero’s mighty warships, their careful portrayal on the altar symbolizes the expansion by Eumenes II (r. 197–159 BCE) of his kingdom into the Aegean.1