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Abstract

The world bulk carrier fleet is ageing. In this situation it is required to ensure that the transportation of cargo is carried out by quality vessels. This is possible with old bulk carriers as long as their condition can be properly evaluated. Ship structures are subjected to variable cyclic loading during voyage. Areas which are subjected to cyclic stresses may fail due to fatigue damage. Fatigue cracking usually appears on places with high stress concentration such as welds, notches and sharp geometric transitions. A fatigue crack starts at a localized spot and will with cyclic stress gradually increase over the cross section of the component. This study aims to document the calculated fatigue life of longitudinal members amidships. These fatigue calculations are theoretical calculations that should be used as a guidance for close-up inspections when ships are surveyed periodically to verify that they are maintained in an acceptable condition in accordance with international conventions, the Rules of Classification societies, etc.

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