EFFECT OF DOUBLE BOTTOM HEIGHT ON THE STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOUR OF BULK CARRIERS

This is the first of a series of companion papers that the authors propose to present on the effect that the new CSR Rules will have on the design of bulk carriers. Our initial focus will be on the new design framework established for the inner bottom height of such vessels, a parameter critical to their structural integrity. It examines the effect that double bottom height reduction has on the reliability of the bulk carrier structure, by applying a finite element 3D - 3 hold analysis of varying double bottom heights to a typical current Panamax bulk carrier design. The results are compared to pre and post IACS CSR[2] requirements. The conclusion reached is that the establishing of the double bottom height should not be left to direct calculations. A minimum acceptable height should be established in order to maintain a minimum level of structural reliability and safety.