GRP DECKHOUSE DEVELOPMENT FOR NAVAL SHIPS

Abstract

A lightweight glass reinforced plastic (GRP) concept for the design and construction of ship deckhouses and similar offshore structural applications is presented. The concept involved the prefabrication of high quality GRP single-skin stiffened panels by resin transfer moulding and their attachment to steel or GRP framing using bolted and bonded joint details. The paper discusses the evolution of the deckhouse design concept through a series of tests and analyses. Included were static tests on GRP beams and dynamic tests on GRP panels and modules under air blast loading. Associated analytical tools for the prediction of air blast response are also validated. The effects of hull/deckhouse interaction on the buckling response of the GRP deckhouse concept and the effect of elevated temperatures on structural performance are also considered. The high strength to weight concept provides an attractive option for reducing topside weight, reducing life cycle costs through improved fatigue performance over conventional structures and providing an inherent capability for deckhouse fire containment.