The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers has published the technical bulletin Reliability-Based Design of Ship Structures: Current Practice and Emerging Technologies.

Traditionally, the longitudinal strength of ship structures has been determined by balancing the ship on a static wave. As an alternative to the static balance method, a methodology for reliability-based design of ship structures is provided in this document. The methodology consists of the following two approaches: (1) direct reliability-based design, and (2) load and resistance factor design (LRFD) rules. According to this methodology, loads can be linearly or nonlinearly treated, and linear or nonlinear analysis can be used. The reliability assessment and reliability-based design can be performed at several structural system levels, including hull-girder, grillage, panel, plate, and detail levels. The method offers a unified approach to structural-design limiting values for fatigue and maximum environmental loading, defines the dynamic components of the seaway response for specific operational requirements, and establishes probability of exceeding for given design limits. A bibliography is provided at the end of this document to facilitate future implementation of the methodology.

This new publication is identified as Technical and Research Report R-53, a 60-page report that is being issued as a CD. It may be ordered through cpujols@sname.org for $50 ($25 for SNAME members).

ALR 3/21/01