Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft, July 2016
Scantling Determination for Mono-Hull Craft Part 6, Chapter 3
Section 1

symmetrical arrangement of connection to transverse members is to be incorporated. This can be achieved by fitting backing
structure on the opposite side of the transverse web or bulkhead.
1.28.8 Where a bracket is fitted to the primary member web plate in addition to a connected stiffener it is to be arranged on the
opposite side to, and in alignment with, the stiffener. The arm length of the bracket is to be not less than the depth of the stiffener,
and its cross-sectional area through the throat of the bracket is to be included in the calculation of the area of the primary web
stiffener in way of the connection.
1.28.9 Alternative arrangements will be considered on the basis of their ability to transmit load with equivalent effectiveness.
Details of the calculations made and testing procedures are to be submitted.

1.29 Openings

1.29.1 Manholes, lightening holes and other cut-outs are to be avoided in way of concentrated loads and areas of high shear.
In particular, manholes and similar openings are not to be cut in vertical or horizontal diaphragm plates in narrow cofferdams or in
floors and double bottom girders close to their span ends, or below the heels of pillars, unless the stresses in the plating and the
panel buckling characteristics have been calculated and found satisfactory.
1.29.2 Manholes, lightening holes and other openings are to be suitably framed and stiffened where necessary.
1.29.3 Air and drain holes, notches and scallops are to be kept at least 200 mm clear of the toes of end brackets and other
areas of high stress. Openings are to be well rounded with smooth edges. Closely spaced scallops are not permitted. Widely
spaced air or drain holes may be accepted, provided that they are of elliptical shape, or equivalent, to minimise stress
concentration and are, in general, cut clear of the weld connection.

1.30 Fittings and attachments, general

1.30.1 The quality of welding and general workmanship of fittings and attachments as given in Pt 6, Ch 3, 1.31 Bilge keels and
ground bars and Pt 6, Ch 3, 1.32 Other fittings and attachments are to be in accordance with Ch 13 Requirements for Welded
Construction of the Rules for Materials.

1.31 Bilge keels and ground bars

1.31.1 It is recommended that bilge keels are not fitted in the forward 0,3L R region on ships intended to navigate in ice
conditions.
1.31.2 Bilge keels are to be attached to a continuous ground bar as shown in Figure 3.1.8 Bilge keel construction. Butt welds
in shell plating, ground bar and bilge keels are to be staggered.

Shell plating

As close as
practicable

Hole diameter
>
– 25 mm and > W

Bilge keel 4390/55

Figure 3.1.8 Bilge keel construction

304 Lloyd's Register

Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft, July 2016
Scantling Determination for Mono-Hull Craft Part 6, Chapter 3
Section 1

1.31.3 The thickness of the ground bar is to be not less than the thickness of the bottom shell or 6 mm, whichever is the
greater, but need not be taken as greater than 12 mm.
1.31.4 The material class, grade and quality of the ground bar are to be similar to those of the adjacent shell plating.
1.31.5 The ground bar is to be connected to the shell with a continuous fillet weld and the bilge keel to the ground bar with a
light continuous fillet weld.
1.31.6 Direct connection between ground bar butt welds and shell plating, and between bilge keel butt welds and ground bar
is to be avoided.
1.31.7 The end details of bilge keels and intermittent bilge keels, where adopted, are to be as shown in Figure 3.1.9 Bilge keel
end design.

Lloyd's Register 305

Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft, July 2016
Scantling Determination for Mono-Hull Craft Part 6, Chapter 3
Section 1

Zone 'B'
bilge keel web
100 mm

The width of flat ground bars is to be

(a) sufficiently small to facilitate good quality
welding to the shell

min. 20 mm

ground bar
taper 3:1 (minimum)

shell plating

r
2r = ground bar width
min. 50 mm Alternative end detail of ground bar
max. 100 mm

Zone 'A'

(b)
max. 15 mm bilge keel web H
ground bar

3H (minimum)
internal longitudinal stiffener shell plating
(if fitted)

internal transverse internal transverse

member member

R ~ 4H

max. 15 mm
H bilge keel web
R ~ 2H ground bar

(c)

3H (minimum)
shell plating

5794/01

Figure 3.1.9 Bilge keel end design

306 Lloyd's Register