Rules For Classification: Ships

RULES FOR CLASSIFICATION
Ships
Edition July 2020
Part 3 Hull
Chapter 8 Buckling
The content of this service document is the subject of intellectual property rights reserved by DNV GL AS ("DNV GL"). The user
accepts that it is prohibited by anyone else but DNV GL and/or its licensees to offer and/or perform classification, certification
and/or verification services, including the issuance of certificates and/or declarations of conformity, wholly or partly, on the
basis of and/or pursuant to this document whether free of charge or chargeable, without DNV GL's prior written consent.
DNV GL is not responsible for the consequences arising from any use of this document by others.
The electronic PDF version of this document, available at the DNV GL website dnvgl.com, is the official, binding version.
DNV GL AS
FOREWORD
DNV GL rules for classification contain procedural and technical requirements related to obtaining
and retaining a class certificate. The rules represent all requirements adopted by the Society as
basis for classification.
© DNV GL AS July 2020
Any comments may be sent by e-mail to rules@dnvgl.com
This service document has been prepared based on available knowledge, technology and/or information at the time of issuance of this
document. The use of this document by others than DNV GL is at the user's sole risk. Unless otherwise stated in an applicable contract,
or following from mandatory law, the liability of DNV GL AS, its parent companies and subsidiaries as well as their officers, directors and
employees ("DNV GL") for proved loss or damage arising from or in connection with any act or omission of DNV GL, whether in contract or in
tort (including negligence), shall be limited to direct losses and under any circumstance be limited to 300,000 USD.
CHANGES – CURRENT
Part 3 Chapter 8 Changes - current
This document supersedes the July 2019 edition of DNVGL-RU-SHIP Pt.3 Ch.8.
Numbering and/or title of items containing changes are highlighted in red colour.
Changes July 2020, entering into force 1 January 2021
Topic Reference Description
Buckling deck transverses Sec.2 [4.1.2] Subsection 4.1.2 moved to Sec.3.
Sec.3 [3.6] Subsection moved from previous Sec.2 [4.1.2] and modified.
The definition of span is changed and criteria for direct analysis
included.
Editorial corrections
In addition to the above stated changes, editorial corrections may have been made.
Rules for classification: Ships — DNVGL-RU-SHIP Pt.3 Ch.8. Edition July 2020 Page 3
Buckling
DNV GL AS
CONTENTS
Part 3 Chapter 8 Contents
Changes – current.................................................................................................. 3
Section 1 General.................................................................................................... 6
1 Introduction.........................................................................................6
1.1 Assumption...................................................................................... 6
2 Application........................................................................................... 6
2.1 Scope..............................................................................................6
3 Definitions........................................................................................... 7
3.1 Assessment methods........................................................................ 7
3.2 Buckling utilisation factor.................................................................. 7
3.3 Buckling acceptance criteria............................................................... 8
3.4 Allowable buckling utilisation factor................................................... 10
Section 2 Slenderness requirements..................................................................... 11
1 Structural elements........................................................................... 11
1.1 General..........................................................................................11
2 Plates................................................................................................. 11
2.1 Application..................................................................................... 11
2.2 Net thickness of plate panels........................................................... 11
3 Stiffeners........................................................................................... 12
3.1 Proportions of stiffeners...................................................................12
4 Primary supporting members............................................................ 13
4.1 Proportions and stiffness..................................................................13
4.2 Web stiffeners of primary supporting members................................... 14
5 Brackets............................................................................................. 15
5.1 Tripping brackets............................................................................ 15
5.2 End brackets.................................................................................. 16
5.3 Edge reinforcement......................................................................... 17
6 Pillars.................................................................................................18
6.1 Proportions of I-section pillars.......................................................... 18
6.2 Proportions of box section pillars...................................................... 18
6.3 Proportions of circular section pillars................................................. 18
7 Edge reinforcement in way of openings.............................................19
7.1 Depth of edge stiffener................................................................... 19
7.2 Proportions of edge stiffeners...........................................................19
Section 3 Hull girder buckling...............................................................................20
Buckling
DNV GL AS
1 General.............................................................................................. 20
Part 3 Chapter 8 Contents
1.1 Scope............................................................................................ 20
1.2 Equivalent plate panel..................................................................... 20
2 Hull girder stress............................................................................... 21
2.1 General..........................................................................................21
2.2 Stress combinations........................................................................ 22
3 Buckling criteria.................................................................................22
3.1 Overall stiffened panel.....................................................................22
3.2 Plates............................................................................................ 23
3.3 Stiffeners....................................................................................... 23
3.4 Vertically corrugated longitudinal bulkheads....................................... 23
3.5 Horizontally corrugated longitudinal bulkhead..................................... 23
3.6 Deck primary supporting members.................................................. 24
Section 4 Buckling requirements for direct strength analysis............................... 26
1 General.............................................................................................. 26
1.1 Application..................................................................................... 26
2 Stiffened and unstiffened panels....................................................... 26
2.1 General..........................................................................................26
2.2 Stiffened panels..............................................................................32
2.3 Unstiffened panels.......................................................................... 33
2.4 Reference stress............................................................................. 35
2.5 Lateral pressure..............................................................................35
2.6 Buckling criteria..............................................................................36
3 Corrugated bulkhead......................................................................... 36
3.1 General..........................................................................................36
3.2 Reference stress............................................................................. 36
3.3 Overall column buckling................................................................. 37
3.4 Local buckling................................................................................ 38
4 Vertically stiffened longitudinal plating in way of horizontal
neutral axis.......................................................................................... 38
5 Struts, pillars and cross ties.............................................................. 40
Changes – historic................................................................................................ 41
Buckling
DNV GL AS
SECTION 1 GENERAL
Part 3 Chapter 8 Section 1
1 Introduction
1.1 Assumption
1.1.1 This chapter contains the strength criteria for buckling and ultimate strength of local supporting
members, primary supporting members and other structures such as pillars, corrugated bulkheads and
brackets. These criteria shall be applied as specified in Ch.6 for hull local scantlings and in Ch.7 for finite
element analysis.
1.1.2 For each structural member, the characteristic buckling strength shall be taken as the most
unfavourable/critical buckling failure mode.
1.1.3 Unless otherwise specified, the buckling strength of structural members in this chapter are based on
net scantling obtained by deducting tc from the gross offered thickness, where tc is defined in Ch.3.
1.1.4 In this chapter, compressive and shear stresses shall be taken as positive, tension stresses shall be
taken as negative.
2 Application
2.1 Scope
2.1.1 The buckling checks shall be performed according to:
— Sec.2 for the slenderness requirements of plates, longitudinal and transverse stiffeners, primary
supporting members and brackets
— Sec.3 for the hull girder buckling requirements of plates, longitudinal and transverse stiffeners, supporting
members and other structures
— Sec.4 for the buckling requirements of the direct analysis for the plates, stiffened panels and other
structures. Buckling analysis according to Sec.4 is also applicable for beam analysis of structure elements
subjected to compressive and shear stresses
— the Society's document DNVGL-CG-0128 Buckling, for the buckling capacity.
2.1.2 Stiffener
The buckling check of the stiffeners referred to in this chapter is applicable to the stiffener fitted parallel to
the long edge of the plate panel.
2.1.3 Platforms for permanent means of access
Platforms for permanent means of access (PMA) inclusive enlarged stiffeners, shall be considered as primary
support members (PSM) and shall comply with the following requirements:
— slenderness requirement for PSM as given in Sec.2 [4]
— buckling strength of web plate as given in Sec.3 [3] and Sec.4 [2]
— buckling strength of web stiffener as given in Sec.3 [3] and Sec.4 [2], when a web stiffener is fitted
— tripping bracket requirement for PSM as given in Sec.2 [5], unless buckling strength for stiffeners as given
in Sec.3 [3] and Sec.4 [2] are complied with. For PMA platforms with web stiffening the buckling capacity
of flange may be assessed according to DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.3 [4].
Buckling
DNV GL AS
3 Definitions
3.1 Assessment methods
The buckling assessment is carried out according to one of the two methods taking into account different
boundary condition types:
— Boundary condition A: all the edges of the elementary plate panel are forced to remain straight (but free
to move in the in-plane directions) due to the surrounding structure/neighbouring plates. This method is
applicable to large continuous panels like bottom shell, side shell, deck inner hull and plane bulkheads.
— Boundary condition B: the edges of the elementary plate panel are not forced to remain straight due to
low in-plane stiffness at the edges and/or no surrounding structure/neighbouring plates. This method is
applicable to web of primary supporting members.
3.2 Buckling utilisation factor
3.2.1 The utilisation factor, η, is defined as the ratio between the applied loads and the corresponding
ultimate capacity or buckling strength.
3.2.2 For combined loads, the utilisation factor, ηact, shall be defined as the ratio of the applied equivalent
stress and the corresponding buckling capacity, as shown in Figure 1, and shall be taken as:
where:
Wact = applied equivalent stress due to the combined membrane stress as defined in DNVGL-CG-0128
Buckling
Wu = equivalent buckling capacity as defined in DNVGL-CG-0128 Buckling
γc = stress multiplier factor at failure.
Figure 1 illustrates the buckling capacity and the buckling utilisation factor of a structural member subjected
to σx and σy stresses.
Buckling
DNV GL AS


Figure 1 Example of buckling capacity and buckling utilisation factor
3.3 Buckling acceptance criteria
3.3.1 A structural member is considered to have an acceptable buckling strength if it complies with the
following criterion:
where:
ηact = buckling utilisation factor based on the applied stress, defined in [3.2.2]
ηall = allowable buckling utilisation factor as defined in [3.4].
3.3.2 Closed form method (CFM) is applicable for evaluation of buckling structural components given in Table
1
Table 1 Closed form method (CFM)
Structural component Criterion Definitions/comments
ηOverall is maximum utilization factor as defined in DNVGL-
Overall stiffened panel ηOverall < ηall
CG-0128 Sec.3 [2.1].
ηPlate is maximum utilization factor as defined in DNVGL-CG-0128
Plate ηPlate ≤ ηall
Sec.3 [2.2].
ηStiffener is maximum utilization factor as defined in DNVGL-
CG-0128 Sec.3 [2.3].
Stiffener ηStiffener ≤ ηall Note: This capacity check can only be fulfilled when the overall
stiffened panel capacity, as defined in DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.3
[2.1], is complied with.
Buckling
DNV GL AS
ηFlange = σbhd/σc is the maximum utilization factor for the flange of
the corrugation.
ηFlange ≤ ηall 2
σc is critical stress, in N/mm , as defined in DNVGL-CG-0128
Sec.3 [2.2].
Corrugation of vertically and
horizontally corrugated bulkheads
ηShear = τbhd/τc is the maximum shear utilization factor for the
web of the corrugation.
ηShear ≤ ηall
τc is critical shear stress, in N/mm2, as defined in DNVGL-
CG-0128 Sec.3 [2.2].
Horizontally corrugated η is the overall column utilisation factor, defined in DNVGL-
longitudinal bulkheads and CG-0128 Sec.3 [3]. Each corrugation, within the extension of half
vertically corrugated bulkheads
η ≤ ηall
flange, web and half flange shall comply with this criterion.
exposed to high axial forces
η is maximum buckling utilisation factor of struts, pillars or cross
Struts, pillars and cross ties η ≤ ηall ties, defined in DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.3 [4] and DNVGL-CG-0128
Sec.3 [5].
ηOpening is maximum web plate utilisation factor in way of
Web plate in way of openings ηOpening ≤ ηall
openings, as defined in DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.3 [2.4].
3.3.3 Semi analytical buckling code, PULS, can be used as an alternative to CFM for overall stiffened panel,
plates and stiffeners.
Table 2 Semi analytical buckling code, PULS
ηPanel is the usage of the stiffened panel by DNVGL-CG-0128
Stiffened panel ηPanel ≤ ηall
Sec.4, PULS S3 panel.
ηPlate is the usage of the plate panel by DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.4,
Plate ηPlate ≤ ηall PULS U3 panel. Not applicable if the plate is checked the stiffened
panel option, PULS S3 panel.
ηPanel is the usage of the stiffened panel with secondary buckling
Orthogonally stiffened panel ηPanel ≤ ηall
stiffeners by DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.4, PULS S3 panel.
ηPlate is the usage of the plate panel by DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.4,
Irregular stiffened panel ηPlate ≤ ηall
PULS U3 panel. Alternatively PULS T1 panel may be used.
η is maximum utilization factor for the corrugation as defined in
Corrugation of vertically and
horizontally corrugated bulkheads
η ≤ ηall DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.4, PULS K3 Panel.
Alternatively, PULS U3 panel may be used.
Horizontally corrugated
longitudinal bulkheads and
η ≤ ηall η is utilization factor, defined in DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.4 PULS K3
vertically corrugated bulkheads panel.
exposed to high axial forces
Buckling
DNV GL AS
3.4 Allowable buckling utilisation factor
The allowable buckling utilisation factor is defined in Table 3.
Table 3 Allowable buckling utilisation factor ηall
Design load
Structural member Acceptance criteria 2) ηall
scenario
(3)
AC-I S 0.8
Plates and stiffeners/stiffened panels AC-II S + D 1.00

1)
AC-III A, T 1.00
AC-I S 0.65
Struts, pillars and cross-ties AC-II S + D 0.75

1)
AC-III A, T 0.75
(4)
Corrugation of corrugated bulkheads under lateral AC-I S 0.72
pressure from, liquid loads
AC-II S + D 0.90
For corrugation angle between 45° and 55° the
1)
reduction in ηall as given in Ch.3 Sec.6 [6.1.1] applies AC-III A, T 0.90
1) For members of the collision bulkhead, AC-I shall be used.
2) See Ch.1 Sec.2 [4.2].
3) ηall = 0.85 when hull girder permissible loads for harbour operations or special operations are applied.
4) ηall = 0.77 when hull girder permissible loads for harbour operations or special operations are applied.
Buckling
DNV GL AS
SECTION 2 SLENDERNESS REQUIREMENTS
Symbols
For symbols not defined in this section, see Ch.1 Sec.4.
bf‐out = maximum distance, in mm, from the web to the flange edge as shown in Figure 1
hw = depth of stiffener web, in mm, as shown in Figure 1
ℓb = effective length of edge of bracket, in mm, as defined in Table 5
ℓ = length of stiffener between effective supports, in m
seff = effective width of attached plate of stiffener, in mm, taken equal to:
seff = 0.8 s
tf = net flange thickness, in mm
tp = net thickness of plate, in mm
tw = net web thickness, in mm.
1 Structural elements
1.1 General
All structural elements shall comply with the applicable slenderness and proportion requirements given in [2]
to [4]. These requirements may be based on a lower specified minimum yield stress value than the actual
value provided that the requirements specified in Sec.3 and Sec.4 are satisfied for the lower value.
2 Plates
2.1 Application
Based on buckling control in accordance with Sec.3 and Sec.4, slenderness requirements according to [2.2]
may be specially considered. The plate slenderness requirement does not apply to transversely stiffened bilge
plates and gunwale with radius.
2.2 Net thickness of plate panels
The net thickness of plate panels, in mm, shall comply with:
where:
b = distance, in mm, between stiffeners at mid length of plate field, as shown in Ch.3 Sec.7 Figure 12
C = slenderness coefficient taken as given in Table 1.
Buckling
DNV GL AS
Table 1 Slenderness coefficient for plates
Slenderness coefficient C
Description
For vessel's length L < 90 m For vessel's length L ≥ 90 m
Outer shell including strength deck except in
125 100
superstructure.
Structures in deckhouse/superstructure.
Internal structures in vessel with more than three 175
continuous decks, except tank boundary.
Other structures not mentioned above. 125
Other values for C may be applicable for specific ship types, see Pt.5.
3 Stiffeners
3.1 Proportions of stiffeners
3.1.1 Net thickness of all stiffener types
The net thickness of stiffeners shall comply with:
a) Stiffener web plate:
b) Flange:
where:
Cw, Cf = slenderness coefficients given in Table 2.
If requirement b) is not fulfilled the effective free flange outstand, in mm, used in strength assessment shall
not be taken greater than:
Buckling
DNV GL AS


Figure 1 Stiffener scantling parameters
Table 2 Slenderness coefficients for stiffeners
Type of profile Cw Cf
1)
Angle, L2 and L3 bars 75 12
1)
T-bars 75 12
Bulb bars 45 -
Flat bars 22 -
1) Cf= 22, non-continuous straight flanges with end bracket.
3.1.2 Dimensions of angle and T-bars
The total flange breadth, in mm, for angle and T-bars shall comply with:
Provided that [3.1.1] a) is satisfied for web plate of angle and T-bar based on slenderness coefficient CW =
45 as for bulb bar, the above requirement for total flange breath of angle and T-bars may be disregarded.
4 Primary supporting members
4.1 Proportions and stiffness
4.1.1 Proportions of web plate and flange
The net thicknesses of the web plates and flanges of primary supporting members shall comply with the
following criteria:
a) Web plate:
Buckling
DNV GL AS
b) Flange:
where:
sw = plate breadth, in mm, taken as the spacing of the web stiffeners, see also DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.3
[2.4.2]
Cw = slenderness coefficient for the web plate taken as:
Cw = 125 for double skin construction
Cw = 100 elsewhere.
Cf = slenderness coefficient for the flange as shown in Table 2.
If requirement b) is not fulfilled, the effective free flange outstand, in mm, used in strength assessment shall
not be taken greater than:
4.2 Web stiffeners of primary supporting members
4.2.1 Proportions of web stiffeners
The net thickness of web and flange of web stiffeners fitted on primary supporting members shall comply
with the requirements specified in [3.1.1] and [3.1.2].
4.2.2 Bending stiffness of web stiffeners
4
The net moment of inertia, in cm , of web stiffener, Ist, fitted on primary supporting members, with effective
attached plate, seff, shall not be less than the minimum moment of inertia defined in Table 3.
Table 3 Stiffness criteria for web stiffeners
4
Stiffener arrangement Minimum net moment of inertia of web stiffeners, in cm
Web stiffeners fitted along the PSM span

Web stiffeners fitted normal to the PSM span

Buckling
DNV GL AS
4
Stiffener arrangement Minimum net moment of inertia of web stiffeners, in cm
where:
C = slenderness coefficient to be taken as:
C = 0.72
Other values for C may be applicable for specific ship types, see Pt.5
ℓ = length of web stiffener, in m
2
Aeff = net section area of web stiffener including effective attached plate, seff, in cm
tw = net web thickness of the primary supporting member, in mm
2
ReH = specified minimum yield stress of the material of the web plate of the primary supporting member, in N/mm .
5 Brackets
5.1 Tripping brackets
5.1.1 Unsupported flange length
Dimensions of tripping brackets shall be in accordance with Ch.3 Sec.6 [4.3]. The unsupported length of
the flange of the primary supporting member, in m, i.e. the distance between tripping brackets, shall not be
greater than:
Sb = Cbf , not to be taken less than 3.0 m or greater than Sb-max
where:
C = coefficient given in Table 4
Sb‐max = maximum distance between tripping brackets/support in m, given in Table 4.
Table 4
C
Primary supporting member location Sb-max
Symmetrical flange Unsymmetrical flange
Deck and bottom 0.020 0.025 6.0
Bulkheads and side 0.015 0.020 5.0
5.1.2 Edge stiffening
Tripping brackets on primary supporting members shall be stiffened by a flange or edge stiffener if the
effective length of the edge, ℓb as defined in Table 5, in mm, is greater than:
where:
tb = bracket net web thickness, in mm.
Buckling
DNV GL AS
5.2 End brackets
5.2.1 Proportions
The net web thickness of end brackets, in mm, subjected to compressive stresses shall not be less than:
where:
db = depth of brackets, in mm, as defined in Table 5
C = slenderness coefficient as defined in Table 5
2
ReH = specified minimum yield stress of the end bracket material, in N/mm .
ReH shall not be taken less than the value of the non-continuous member it is supporting, but need not be
taken greater than that value.
Table 5 Buckling coefficient, C, for proportions of brackets
Mode C
Brackets without edge stiffener

where:
Buckling
DNV GL AS
Mode C
Brackets with edge stiffener

C = 70
5.3 Edge reinforcement
5.3.1 Edge reinforcements of bracket edges
The depth of stiffener web, in mm, of edge stiffeners in way of bracket edges shall not be less than:
where:
C = slenderness coefficient taken as:
75 for end brackets
50 for tripping brackets.
2
ReH = specified minimum yield stress of the stiffener material, in N/mm , not to be taken less than the
value of the bracket.
5.3.2 Proportions of edge stiffeners
The net thickness of the web plate and flange of the edge stiffener shall comply with the requirements
specified in [3.1.1] and [3.1.2].
Buckling
DNV GL AS
6 Pillars
6.1 Proportions of I-section pillars
For I-sections, the thickness of the web plate and the flange thickness shall comply with requirements
specified in [3.1.1] and [3.1.2].
6.2 Proportions of box section pillars
The thickness of thin walled box sections shall comply with the requirements specified in item (a) of [3.1.1].
6.3 Proportions of circular section pillars
The net thickness of circular section pillars, in mm, shall comply with the following criterion:
where:
r = mid thickness radius of the circular section, in mm.
Buckling
DNV GL AS
7 Edge reinforcement in way of openings
7.1 Depth of edge stiffener
When fitted as shown in Figure 2, the depth of web, in mm, of edge stiffeners in way of openings shall not be
less than:
or 50 mm, whichever is greater
where:
C = slenderness coefficient, taken equal 50
2
ReH = specified minimum yield stress of the edge stiffener material, in N/mm .
7.2 Proportions of edge stiffeners
The net thickness of the web plate and flange of the edge stiffener shall satisfy the requirements specified in
[3.1.1] and [3.1.2].

Figure 2 Typical edge reinforcements
Buckling
DNV GL AS
SECTION 3 HULL GIRDER BUCKLING
Symbols
For symbols not defined in this section, see Ch.1 Sec.4.
ηall = allowable buckling utilisation factor, as defined in Sec.1 [3.4]
EPP = elementary plate panel as defined in Ch.3 Sec.7 [2.1]
LCP = load calculation point as defined in Ch.3 Sec.7 [2.2] and Ch.3 Sec.7 [3.2].
1 General
1.1 Scope
1.1.1 This section applies to plate panels and stiffeners subjected to hull girder compression and shear
stresses. In addition the following structural members shall be checked:
— vertically corrugated longitudinal bulkheads subjected to hull girder shear stresses
— horizontally corrugated longitudinal bulkheads subjected to hull girder compression and shear stresses.
1.1.2 The hull girder buckling strength requirements apply along the full length of the ship.
1.1.3 Design load sets
The buckling checks shall be performed for all design load sets defined in Ch.6 Sec.2 [2].
For each design load set, for all dynamic load cases, the lateral pressure shall be determined according to
Ch.4 at the load calculation point (LCP) defined in Ch.3 Sec.7, and shall be applied together with the hull
girder stress combinations given in [2.2].
1.2 Equivalent plate panel
1.2.1 When the plate thickness varies over the width b, of a plate panel, the buckling check shall be
performed for an equivalent plate panel width, combined with the smaller plate thickness, t1. The width of
this equivalent plate panel, beq, in mm, is defined by the following formula:
where:
ℓ1 = width of the part of the plate panel with the smaller net plate thickness, t1, in mm, as defined in
[1.2.2]
ℓ2 = width of the part of the plate panel with the greater net plate thickness, t2, in mm, as defined in
[1.2.2].
Buckling
DNV GL AS


Figure 1 Plate thickness change over the width
1.2.2 In case of transverse butt weld, when a EPP is made with different thicknesses, the buckling check of
the plate and stiffeners shall be made for each thickness considered constant on the EPP, the stresses and
pressures being estimated for the EPP at the LCP.
1.2.3 Materials
When the plate panel is made of different materials, the minimum yield strength shall be used for the
buckling assessment.
2 Hull girder stress
2.1 General
2.1.1 Hull girder stress applicable for load components S
2
The hull girder bending stresses, σhg, in N/mm , for load component S shall be taken as:
where:
2
σhg‐sw = hull girder bending stress, in N/mm , due to vertical still water bending moment as defined in
Ch.5 Sec.3 [2] for ships without large deck openings and in Ch.5 Sec.3 [3] for ships with large
deck openings.
2.1.2 Hull girder stress applicable for load components S+D
2
The hull girder bending stresses, σhg, in N/mm , for load component S+D shall be taken as defined in Ch.5
Sec.3 [2] for ships without large deck openings and in Ch.5 Sec.3 [3] for ships with large deck openings.
2.1.3 The hull girder shear stresses, τhg, in N/mm , are determined according to Ch.5 Sec.3 [3].
2
Buckling
DNV GL AS
2.2 Stress combinations
Each elementary plate panel, and stiffeners, shall comply with the criteria defined in [3] with the following
stress combinations:
a) Longitudinal stiffening arrangement:
— stress combination 1 with:
b) Transverse stiffening arrangement:
3 Buckling criteria
3.1 Overall stiffened panel
The buckling strength of overall stiffened panels shall comply with:
ηOverall ≤ ηall
where:
ηOverall = maximum utilisation factor as defined Sec.1 [3.3].
Buckling
DNV GL AS
3.2 Plates
The buckling strength of elementary plate panels shall comply with:
ηPlate ≤ ηall
where:
ηPlate = maximum plate utilisation factor calculated according to SP-A, see Sec.1 [3.3].
For the determination of ηPlate for vertically stiffened plating, the cases 12 and 16 in DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.3
Table 3 corresponding to the shorter edge of the plate panel clamped, may be considered together with a
mean σy stress and ψy = 1, provided that the shorter edges are supported by longitudinal plating/decks and
are located within 0.7z1 from horizontal neutral axis. z1 is the distance from the horizontal neutral axis to
equivalent deck line or baseline respectively as defined in Ch.5 Sec.2 [1.6]
3.3 Stiffeners
The buckling strength of stiffeners shall comply with:
ηStiffener ≤ ηall
where:
ηStiffener = maximum stiffener utilisation factor, see Sec.1 [3.3].
3.4 Vertically corrugated longitudinal bulkheads
The shear buckling strength of vertically corrugated longitudinal bulkheads shall comply with:
ηShear ≤ ηall
where:
ηShear = maximum shear corrugated bulkhead utilisation factor as defined in Sec.1 [3.3].
3.5 Horizontally corrugated longitudinal bulkhead
Each corrugation, within the extension of half flange, web and half flange, shall comply with:
η ≤ ηall
where:
η = overall column utilisation factor, as defined in Sec.1 [3.3].
End constraints factor corresponding to pinned ends shall be applied except for fixed end support to be used
in way of stool with width exceeding two (2) times the depth of the corrugation.
Buckling
DNV GL AS
3.6 Deck primary supporting members
3.6.1 Deck primary supporting members supporting longitudinals subjected to axial compressive hull girder
stresses shall have sufficient buckling capacity to be effective support for the stiffened deck panels.
For deck transverse the buckling capacity is acceptable if complying with the following criterion:
where:
Ipsm‐n50 = net moment of inertia, in cm4, of deck transverse primary supporting member, with effective
width of attached plate equal to 0.8 S
ℓ = length between zero-points of bending moment curve of deck transverse primary supporting
member with uniformly distributed load, in m:
ℓ = ℓ0 for deck transverse primary supporting member arranged above the deck without
strong rotational support at ends
ℓ = 0.7 ℓ0 for deck transverse primary supporting member arranged under the deck and
connected to side tank,
where ℓ0 is the unsupported length of the deck transverse primary supporting member
S = spacing of deck transverse primary supporting members, in m, as defined in Ch.3 Sec.7
4
Ist = net moment of inertia, in cm , of longitudinal or stiffener necessary to satisfy the lateral buckling
mode:
for
for
4
IA = net moment of inertia of the stiffener, in cm , about the axis perpendicular to the expected
direction of buckling
2
A = net cross sectional area of the stiffener including effective attached plate, in cm
2
ReH = specified minimum yield stress of the material of the attached plate, in N/mm
σhg‐cp = maximum compressive stress in deck in question based on Ch.5 Sec.3 [2] for ships without large
2
deck openings and Ch.5 Sec.3 [3] for vessels with large deck openings, in N/mm .
Alternatively, direct assessment of the buckling strength of the deck primary supporting members based
on methods given in DNVGL-CG-0128 may be used, e.g. buckling strength derived from overall eigenvalue
(elastic buckling stress) of a deck grillage structure obtained from finite element analysis. The allowable
utilisation factors for overall buckling of deck primary supporting members are:
for acceptance criterion AC-I
Buckling
DNV GL AS
for acceptance criteria AC-II and AC-III
Buckling
DNV GL AS
SECTION 4 BUCKLING REQUIREMENTS FOR DIRECT STRENGTH
ANALYSIS
Symbols
ηall = allowable buckling utilisation factor, as defined in Sec.1 [3.4].
1 General
1.1 Application
1.1.1 The requirements given in this section apply for the buckling assessment in direct strength analysis for
structural elements subjected to compressive stress, shear stress and lateral pressure.
1.1.2 Elements in the FE analysis carried out according to Ch.7 shall be assessed individually. The buckling
checks shall be performed for the following structural elements:
— stiffened and unstiffened panels
— web plate in way of openings
— corrugated bulkheads
— struts, pillars and cross ties.
This section applies to plate panels and stiffeners. In addition the following structural members subjected to
compressive stresses shall be checked:
— corrugation of vertically and horizontally corrugated bulkheads
— struts
— pillars
— cross-ties.
1.1.3 Verification of buckling strength in accordance with the requirements in this section is also applicable
for the structure analysed by beam elements when structural elements are subjected to compressive and
shear stresses.
1.1.4 Procedure for overall buckling of pillar and cross-tie and the procedure for buckling of plane and curved
plate as well as for stiffened plate panels are given in DNVGL-CG-0128.
2 Stiffened and unstiffened panels
2.1 General
2.1.1 Boundary condition A and boundary condition B as defined in Sec.1 [3.1] shall be used according to
Table 1.
Buckling
DNV GL AS
Table 1 Boundary conditions for structural members
Structural elements Assessment method Normal panel definition
Longitudinal structures, see example Figure 1
Shell envelope
Deck
Length: between web frames
Inner hull SP-A
Width: between primary supporting members
Hopper tank side
Longitudinal bulkheads
Double bottom longitudinal girders in line Length: between web frames
with longitudinal bulkhead or connected to SP-A
hopper tank side Width: full web depth
Web of double bottom longitudinal girders Length: between web frames
5)
not in line with longitudinal bulkhead or SP-B
not connected to hopper tank side Width: full web depth
Web of horizontal girders in double side Length: between web frames
space connected to hopper tank side SP-A
Width: full web depth
Web of horizontal girders in double side 5) Length: between web frames
space not connected to hopper tank side SP-B
Width: full web depth
Web of single skin longitudinal girders or 5)
SP-B
stringers with regular mesh Plate between local stiffeners/face plate/primary
Web of single skin longitudinal girders or support member (PSM)
5)
UP-B
stringers with irregular mesh
Transverse structures, see example Figure 2
Web of transverse deck frames including 5)
SP-B
brackets with regular mesh
Plate between local stiffeners/face plate/PSM
Web of transverse deck frames including 5)
UP-B
brackets with irregular mesh
5) Length: full web depth
Vertical web in double side space SP-B
Irregularly stiffened panels, e.g. web 5)
UP-B Plate between local stiffeners/face plate/PSM
panels in way of hopper tank and bilge
6) Length: full web depth
Double bottom floors SP-A
Vertical web frame including brackets with 5)
SP-B
regular mesh Plate between vertical web stiffeners/face plate/
Vertical web frame including brackets with PSM
5)
UP-B
irregular mesh
5)
Cross tie web plate with regular mesh SP-B Plate between vertical web stiffeners/face plate/
Cross tie web plate with irregular mesh UP-B
5) PSM
Transverse bulkheads, see example Figure 3
Buckling
DNV GL AS
Structural elements Assessment method Normal panel definition
Regularly stiffened bulkhead panels
inclusive the secondary buckling stiffeners Length: between primary supporting members
SP-A
perpendicular to the regular stiffener Width: between primary supporting members
(such as carlings)
Irregularly stiffened bulkhead panels, e.g.
web panels in way of hopper tank and UP-A Plate between local stiffeners/face plate
bilge
Web plate of bulkhead stringers including 5)
SP-B
brackets with regular mesh
Plate between web stiffeners/face plate
Web plate of bulkhead stringers including 5)
UP-B
brackets with irregular mesh
Transverse corrugated bulkheads and cross deck, see example Figure 3 and Figure 4
Length: between internal web diaphragms
Upper/lower stool including stiffeners SP-A
Width: length of stool side
Stool internal web diaphragm with regular 5)
SP-B
mesh
Plate between local stiffeners/face plate/PSM
Stool internal web diaphragm with 5)
UP-B
irregular mesh
Cross deck SP-A Plate between local stiffeners/PSM
1) SP = stiffened panel.
2) UP = unstiffened panel.
3) A = boundary condition A.
4) B = boundary condition B.
5) For PSM web panels with one of the long edges along the face plate or along the attached plating without "in-
line support", i.e. the edge is free to pull in, boundary condition B (SP-B or UP-B) shall be applied. In other cases
boundary condition A (SP-A or UP-A) is applicable.
6) Typically the short plate edge is attached to the plate flanges and boundary condition A (SP-A or UP-A) is applicable.
However in case of one of the long edges is without "in-line support" and is free to pull in, boundary condition B
(SP-B or UP-B) shall be applied.
2.1.2 Average thickness of plate panel
Where the plate thickness along a plate panel is not constant, the panel used for the buckling assessment
shall be taken as the average thickness, in mm:
where:
Ai = area of the i-th plate element
ti = net thickness of the i-th plate element
n = number of finite elements defining the buckling plate panel.
Buckling
DNV GL AS
2.1.3 Yield stress of the plate panel
The panel yield stress ReH_P is taken as the minimum value of the specified yield stresses of the elements
within the plate panel.

Figure 1 Longitudinal plates, ore carrier
Buckling
DNV GL AS

SP-A SP-A
SP-A
SP-A
SP-A
SP-A
SP-A

Figure 2 Transverse web frames, ore carrier
Buckling
DNV GL AS


Figure 3 Transverse bulkhead, ore carrier
Buckling
DNV GL AS


Figure 4 Upper deck, ore carrier
2.2 Stiffened panels
2.2.1 To represent the overall buckling behaviour, each stiffener with attached plate shall be modelled as a
stiffened panel of the extent defined in Table 1.
2.2.2 If the stiffener properties or stiffener spacing varies within the stiffened panel, the calculations shall
be performed separately for all configurations of the panels, i.e. for each stiffener and plate between the
stiffeners. Plate thickness, stiffener properties and stiffener spacing at the considered location shall be
assumed for the whole panel.
Buckling
DNV GL AS
2.3 Unstiffened panels
2.3.1 Irregular plate panel
In way of web frames, stringers and brackets, the geometry of the panel, i.e. plate bounded by web
stiffeners/face plate, may not have a rectangular shape. In this case, an equivalent rectangular panel shall be
defined according to [2.3.2] for irregular geometry and [2.3.3] for triangular geometry and to be used for the
buckling assessment.
2.3.2 Modelling of an unstiffened panel with irregular geometry
Unstiffened panels with irregular geometry shall be idealised to equivalent panels for plate buckling
assessment according to the following procedure:
a) The four corners closest to a right angle, 90 deg, in the bounding polygon for the plate are identified.

b) The distances along the plate bounding polygon between the corners are calculated, i.e. the sum of all
the straight line segments between the end points.

c) The pair of opposite edges with the smallest total length is identified, i.e. minimum of d1 + d3 and d2 +
d4.
d) A line joins the middle points of the chosen opposite edges (i.e. a mid point is defined as the point at half
the distance from one end). This line defines the longitudinal direction for the capacity model. The length
of the line defines the length of the capacity model, a measured from one end point.

Buckling
DNV GL AS
e) The length of shorter side, b in mm, shall be taken as:
where:
A = area of the plate, in mm²
a = length defined in d), in mm.

f) The stresses from the direct strength analysis shall be transformed into the local coordinate system of
the equivalent rectangular panel. These stresses shall be used for the buckling assessment.
2.3.3 Modelling of an unstiffened plate panel with triangular geometry
Unstiffened panels with triangular geometry shall be idealised to equivalent panels for plate buckling
assessment according to the following procedure:
a) Medians are constructed as shown below.

b) The longest median is identified. This median the length of which is ℓ1 in mm, defines the longitudinal
direction for the capacity model.

Buckling
DNV GL AS
c) The width of the model, ℓ2, in mm, shall be taken as:
where:
2
A = area of the plate, in mm .

d) The lengths of shorter side, b, and of the longer side, a, in mm, of the equivalent rectangular plate panel
shall be taken as:
where:
e) The stresses from the direct strength analysis shall be transformed into the local coordinate system
of the equivalent rectangular panel and shall be used for the buckling assessment of the equivalent
rectangular panel.
2.4 Reference stress
2.4.1 The stress distribution shall be taken from the direct strength analysis and applied to the buckling
model. Method for calculation of stress based reference stresses is defined in DNVGL-CG-0128 App.D.
2.5 Lateral pressure
2.5.1 The lateral pressure applied to the direct strength analysis shall also be applied for the buckling
assessment.
2.5.2 Where the lateral pressure is not constant over a buckling panel defined by a number of finite plate
2
elements, an average lateral pressure, N/mm , is calculated using the following formula:
Buckling
DNV GL AS
where:
2
Ai = area of the i-th plate element, in mm
2
Pi = lateral pressure of the i-th plate element, in N/mm
n = number of finite elements in the buckling panel.
2.6 Buckling criteria
The compressive buckling strength shall satisfy the following criterion:
η ≤ ηall
where η is the maximum of the relevant utilization factors:
ηUP‐A = maximum plate utilisation factor for boundary condition A, [2.1], see Sec.1 [3.3]
ηUP‐B = maximum plate utilisation factor for boundary condition B, [2.1], see Sec.1 [3.3]
ηSP‐A = maximum stiffened panel utilisation factor taken as the maximum of:
— the overall stiffened panel capacity, see Sec.1 [3.3]
— the plate capacity calculated according to boundary condition A, [2.1], see Sec.1 [3.3]
— the stiffener buckling strength, see Sec.1 [3.3], considering separately the properties
(thickness, dimensions) and reference stresses of each EPP at both sides of the stiffener

ηSP‐B = maximum stiffened panel utilisation factor taken as the maximum of:
— the overall stiffened panel capacity, see Sec.1 [3.3]
— the plate capacity calculated according to boundary condition B, [2.1], see Sec.1 [3.3]
— the stiffener buckling strength, see Sec.1 [3.3], considering separately the properties
(thickness, dimensions) and reference stresses of each EPP at both sides of the stiffener
ηopening = maximum web plate utilisation factor in way of openings, see Sec.1 [3.3].
3 Corrugated bulkhead
3.1 General
3.1.1 Three buckling failure modes shall be assessed on corrugated bulkheads:
— corrugation overall column buckling
— corrugation flange panel buckling
— corrugation web panel buckling.
3.2 Reference stress
3.2.1 Each corrugation flange and web panel shall be assessed.
3.2.2 The membrane stresses at element centroid shall be used.
3.2.3 The maximum normal stress parallel to the corrugation and the maximum shear stress are defined
according to the following methodology:
— element stresses shall be averaged over the width of the considered member (flange or web)
Buckling
DNV GL AS
— when the stress value at b/2 from ends cannot be obtained directly from FE element, the stress at this
location shall be obtained by interpolation on elements in this area. This interpolation shall be made on
elements extending to a distance equal to 3b from the end of the corrugation. The normal stress parallel
nd
to the corrugation is interpolated at b/2 in accordance with DNVGL-CG-0128, i.e. using the 2 order
polynomial curve. The shear stress at b/2 is obtained by linear interpolation between the elements most
close to b/2
where:
b = width of the considered member of the corrugation, i.e. flange or web.
3.2.4 Where more than one plate thickness is used for a flange panel, the maximum stress shall be obtained
for each thickness range and to be checked with the buckling criteria for each thickness.
Buckling criteria is given in [3.4.1].
3.3 Overall column buckling
3.3.1 The overall buckling failure mode of corrugated bulkheads subjected to axial compression shall be
checked for column buckling, e.g. horizontally corrugated bulkheads and vertically corrugated bulkheads
subjected to local vertical forces.
Table 2 Application of overall column buckling for corrugated bulkhead
Corrugation orientation
Horizontal Vertical
Longitudinal bulkhead Required Required, when subjected to local

vertical forces, e.g. crane loads
Transverse bulkhead Required
3.3.2 Each corrugation unit within the extension of half flange, web and half flange, i.e. single corrugation as
shown in grey in Figure 5, shall comply with:
ηOverall ≤ ηall
where:
ηOverall = maximum overall column utilisation factor, see Sec.1 [3.3], considered as a pillar with an
unsupported length taken as the length of the corrugation except for vertically corrugated
bulkheads where the length, ℓbdg, shall be applied as defined in Ch.3 Sec.6 [6.1.4].

Figure 5 Single corrugation
Buckling
DNV GL AS
3.3.3 End constraint factor, fend corresponding to pinned ends shall be applied except for fixed end support to
be used in way of stool with width exceeding 2 times the depth of the corrugation.
3.4 Local buckling
3.4.1 The compressive buckling strength of a unit flange and a unit web of corrugation bulkheads shall
comply with:
ηCorr ≤ ηall
where:
ηCorr = maximum unit flange or unit web utilisation factor, see Sec.1 [3.3].
Two stress combinations shall be considered:
— the maximum normal stress parallel to the corrugation plus the shear stress at the location where the
maximum normal stress parallel to the corrugation occurs
— the maximum shear stress plus the normal stress parallel to the corrugation at the location where the
maximum shear stress occurs.
The buckling assessment shall be performed for an aspect ratio α equal to 2, and for the thickness of the
member where the maximum compressive/shear stress occurs, see [3.2.4].
4 Vertically stiffened longitudinal plating in way of horizontal
neutral axis
4.1.1 Plating
The compressive buckling strength for vertically stiffened longitudinal plating with the shorter edges
supported by longitudinal plating/decks and located within 0.7z1 from horizontal neutral axis, where z1 is the
distance from horizontal neutral axis to equivalent deck line or baseline respectively as defined in Ch.5 Sec.2
[1.6], may be verified based on the following criterion:
ηvsp ≤ ηall
Buckling
DNV GL AS
where:
ηvsp = maximum utilization factor calculated according to method A as defined in DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.3
[2.2.1] and considering the following boundary conditions and stress combinations:
— 4 edges simply supported, see cases 1, 2 and 15 in DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.3 Table 3:
a) Pure vertical stress:
— the maximum vertical stress of stress elements is used with
α = 1 and ψx = 1
b) Maximum vertical stress combined with longitudinal and shear stress:
— the maximum vertical stress in the buckling panel plus the shear and longitudinal
stresses at the location where the maximum vertical stress occurs is used with
α = 2 and ψx = ψy = 1
— the plate thickness to be considered in the buckling strength check is the one where the
maximum vertical stress occurs.
c) Maximum shear stress combined with longitudinal and vertical stress:
— the maximum shear stress in the buckling panel plus the longitudinal and vertical
stresses at the location where maximum shear stress occurs is used with
α = 2 and ψx = ψy = 1
— the plate thickness to be considered in the buckling strength check is the one where the
maximum shear stress occurs.
— The 2 shorter edges of the plate panel clamped, see cases 11, 12 and 16 in DNVGL-CG-0128
Sec.3 Table 3:
a) Distributed longitudinal stress associated with vertical and shear stress:
— the actual size of the buckling panel is used to define α
— the average values for longitudinal, vertical and shear stresses shall be used
— ψx = ψy=1
— the plate thickness to be considered in the buckling strength check is based on Sec.3
[1.2.2].
Buckling
DNV GL AS


Figure 6 Boundary condition/load combination (a), (b), (c) and (d) for vertically stiffened
longitudinal plating in way of horizontal neutral axis
4.1.2 Vertical stiffeners
The buckling strength for vertical stiffeners attached to longitudinal plating within 0.7z1 from horizontal
neutral axis, where z1 is the distance from horizontal neutral axis to equivalent deck line or baseline
respectively as defined in Ch.5 Sec.2 [1.6], shall comply with:
ηstiffener ≤ ηall
where:
ηstiffener = maximum stiffener utilization factor, as defined in DNVGL-CG-0128 Sec.3 [2.3].
5 Struts, pillars and cross ties
5.1.1 The compressive buckling strength of struts, pillars and cross ties shall comply with:
ηPillar ≤ ηall
where:
ηPillar = maximum utilisation factor of struts, pillars or cross ties, see Sec.1 [3.3].
Buckling
DNV GL AS
CHANGES – HISTORIC
Part 3 Chapter 8 Changes – historic
July 2019 edition
Finite element acceptance Sec.1 Table 3 The allowable buckling utilisation factor for AC-I is updated.

criteria
July 2018 edition
Flange breadth requirement to be based on gross scantlings.
Revision of rule text Sec.2 [3.1.2]
Former net scantling approach leads to rounding problems.
January 2018 edition
Changes January 2018, entering into force as from date of
publication
Clarification of rule Sec.2 [3.1.2] As a simplification, the definition of web height has been

requirements. changed from gross to net in order to be aligned with the
common definition.
Sec.2 [5.2.1] A cross reference to the yield stress of the non-continuous
stiffener is added with respect to the yield stress of the end
bracket(s).
Sec.2 [5.3.1] A clarification with respect to the yield strength of edge
stiffeners not to be taken less than the yield stress of the
bracket is inserted.
January 2017 edition
Main changes January 2017, entering into force as from date of
publication
• Sec.1 General
— Sec.1 [2.1.3]: The buckling criteria for PMA platforms are clarified.
Buckling
DNV GL AS
Part 3 Chapter 8 Changes – historic
• Sec.2 Slenderness requirements
— Sec.2 [5.1]: The required maximum distance between tripping brackets is found unreasonable for some
structural members and has been modified to be more in line with established industry standards.
July 2016 edition
Main changes July 2016, entering into force as from date of
publication
• Sec.1 General
— Sec.1 [3.4]: Reduced allowable buckling utilization factor for corrugation angles between 45° and 55° is
added.
• Sec.2 Slenderness requirements
— Sec.2 [2.2]: Slenderness criteria for plates have been made independent on ReH.
— Sec.2 [3.1.2]: Net stiffener height (hw) has been changed to gross stiffener height (hw-gr) to avoid
rounding problems.
October 2015 edition
This is a new document.
The rules enter into force 1 January 2016.
Amendments 1 January 2016
• Sec.2 Slenderness requirement
— [4.1.1]: Modified the slenderness criteria for PSM in double skin construction.
• Sec.4 Buckling requirements for direct strength analysis
— [3.2] and [4.1]: Clarification of the application of buckling criteria for vertically stiffened panels.
— [2.1]: Clarification of the application of boundary condition A and B.
Buckling
DNV GL AS
About DNV GL
DNV GL is a global quality assurance and risk management company. Driven by our purpose of
safeguarding life, property and the environment, we enable our customers to advance the safety
and sustainability of their business. We provide classification, technical assurance, software and
independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas, power and renewables industries.
We also provide certification, supply chain and data management services to customers across a
wide range of industries. Operating in more than 100 countries, our experts are dedicated to helping
customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.
SAFER, SMARTER, GREENER

Rules For Classification: Ships

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Rules For Classification: Ships

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

RULES FOR CLASSIFICATION

Topic Reference Description

Buckling deck transverses Sec.2 [4.1.2] Subsection 4.1.2 moved to Sec.3.

Section 3 Hull girder buckling...............................................................................20

Structural component Criterion Definitions/comments

Structural component Criterion Definitions/comments

Plates and stiffeners/stiffened panels AC-II S + D 1.00

Struts, pillars and cross-ties AC-II S + D 0.75

Deck and bottom 0.020 0.025 6.0

Bulkheads and side 0.015 0.020 5.0

Cross deck SP-A Plate between local stiffeners/PSM

Longitudinal bulkhead Required Required, when subjected to local

Finite element acceptance Sec.1 Table 3 The allowable buckling utilisation factor for AC-I is updated.

Clarification of rule Sec.2 [3.1.2] As a simplification, the definition of web height has been

You might also like