A Study on the Design and Strength Evaluation of the Pipe Support Structure and Hull Reinforcement

In the case of gas carriers and oil tankers, pipes are installed on the upper deck as a moving passage to load LPG, LNG, crude oil, etc. Pipes used for loading or unloading liquid cargo in cargo holds are connected to the hull through support structures. However, many cases of hull damage have been reported where the various equipment and support structures are installed on the upper deck. It is assumed that not only the structural discontinuity where the hull and the pipe support structure meet, but also action due to the pipe loads and the hull girder bending moment are simultaneously affected. This paper deals with the design and strength evaluation of the support structure of pipes and cables installed on the upper deck of commercial ships and offshore structures. For these supporting structures, design conditions and working loads were defined. The design procedure was established through the structure analysis on the method of determining the member dimensions. A series of finite element analysis was performed on the factors to be considered in the design and the effects were discussed. The accuracy and design periods of the strength evaluation was improved and reduced by application of the automation program in the finite element analysis. It is also expected that the design reliability of the shipyard is improved.