RELIABILITY METHODS IN SHIP STRUCTURES

Some of the difficulties in implementing reliability concepts in the analysis of ship structures are addressed with the objective of defining suitable and reliable procedures which will eventually lead to such implementation. The nominal strength of the hull girder and the different modes of failure are discussed. The factors which influence the as-built hull strength are identified and briefly investigated. Based on the analyses of the combined loads and the as-built hull strength, approximate structural reliability models are presented emphasizing the roles of engineering judgement in the reliability analysis and the problems associated with the implementation of full and explicit reliability measures in hull design. Shortcomings in the models and in the available engineering data are emphasized and certain areas of future research are indicated.