Ultimate strength analysis of a bulk carrier hull girder under alternate hold loading condition, Part 2: Stress distribution in the double bottom and simplified approaches

This is the second of two companion papers dealing with nonlinear finite element modelling and ultimate strength analysis of the hull girder of a bulk carrier under Alternate Hold Loading (AHL) condition. The methodology for nonlinear finite element modelling as well as the ultimate strength results from the nonlinear FE analyses was discussed in the companion paper (Part 1). The purpose of the present paper is to use the FE results to contribute towards developing simplified methods applicable to practical design of ship hulls under combined global and local loads. An important issue is the significant double bottom bending in the empty hold in AHL due to combined global hull girder bending moment and local loads. Therefore, the stress distributions in the double bottom area at different load levels i.e. rule load level and ultimate failure load level are presented in detail. The implication of different design pressures obtained by different rules (CSR-BC rules and DNV rules) on the stress distribution is investigated. Both (partially) heavy cargo AHL and fully loaded cargo AHL are considered. Factors of influence of double bottom bending such as initial imperfections, local loads, stress distribution and failure modes on the hull girder strength are discussed. Simplified procedures for determination of the hull girder strength for bulk carriers under AHL conditions are also discussed in light of the FE analyses.