Thickness

Measurement and
Reporting

By: Lee Whye Long

Date: 4 August 2016

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 Thickness Measurement and
Reporting

Learning Objectives

• To understand the important & requirement of Thickness

Measurements

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 Thickness Measurement and
Reporting
Scope of Sharing

∗ Why thickness measurement is important?

∗ Thickness measurement requirements
∗ Thickness measurements reporting

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Why Thickness Measurement is
important?

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Thickness Measurement

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 Thickness Measruements

∗ Thickness Measurements (TMs) for hulls are an integral part of the

Special Survey, and should be carried out simultaneously with the
close-up survey in order for the latter to be truly meaningful.
However, TM reports should never be a substitute for a close-up
survey.

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 Section Modulus 1
B1

A T1
yNA CL
hA

Neutral hB
Axis (NA)
B T2
Key:
A : Shell plate
hC B2
B : Web plate
C : Flange plate
YNA: Offset shell to NA C T3
hB : Offset NA to centroid of plate
B3 Side Shell Stiffener Section

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Section Modulus 2 CL
B1
A T1
yNA hA

Neutral hB
Axis (NA) B T2

hC
B2

C T3

B3
50% Reduction in Shell Thickness (T1) = 7% Reduction in Section Modulus
50% Reduction in Web Thickness (B2) = 15% Reduction in Section Modulus
50% Reduction in Flange Thickness (T3) = 31% Reduction in Section Modulus

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 Thickness Measurement
∗ Carried out by Class approved Service
suppliers
∗ TMs under control of the surveyor (Surveyor
requires to be on board to the extent
necessary)
∗ Location and extent to be agreed during
pre-survey meeting on board
(owners superintendents/ Master, Surveyor
and TM operators)
∗ Owners should note that the extent of TMs
may need to be increased depending on
results of Close-up survey and initially
agreed TMs

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 Thickness Measurement
Requirements in LR

∗ Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships - Part 1, Chapter 3,

sections 3 to 9
∗ Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Inland Waterway Ships -
Part 1, Chapter 3
∗ Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft Part
1, Chapters 3 and 4
∗ ‘Thickness Measurement and Close-up Survey Guidance’ booklet
∗ ‘Enhanced Survey Programme’ booklets

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 Thickness Measurements Reporting

∗ Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended TMs are recorded/ reported

using Class TM Software
∗ TM operators to promptly inform Owners superintendents and surveyors of areas
found with excessive diminution/ substantial corrosion for timely rectification
∗ Owners to be reminded that delayed submission of the completed TM Reports
leads to delayed reporting with delay in the issue of ESP documentation (for ESP
ships). This may affect their chartering potential.

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 Thickness Measurement

∗ Example: Thickness measurement requirements are given in LR Rules

(Part 1, Ch. 3 Tables 3.5.3, 3.5.4, 3.5.5, 3.61, 3.6.2, 3.6.3, 3.6.4, 3.7.2 , 3.7.3,
3.7.5, 3.7.6, 3.8.2, 3.8.3, 3.8.4, 3.9.2 and 3.9.3)
∗ Requirements as given in TM Requirement Tables must be carried out
∗ Where coatings in GOOD condition, extent of TMs for those areas subject to Close-
up survey only may be specially considered
∗ Some representative readings must be taken in all cases and reported for areas
subject to Close-up survey for areas/ spaces reported with GOOD coating condition

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Thickness Measurements

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Thickness Measurements

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 Thickness Measurements

∗ At least two readings (fore & aft) for each plate

∗ Where plating extends over more than one space/tank, separate TMs i.w.o. each
space
∗ Sufficient readings for side shell frames/brackets stiffeners, and other structure
to determine condition/ diminution
∗ Single measurements recorded to represent average multiple measurements
taken
∗ Please do not include measurements in way of isolated pits to work out above
single measurement

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 Thickness Measurements

∗ Where substantial corrosion found, extent of TMs to be increased:

- 5 point pattern over each m2 plating
- At least 3 readings each in line across web and flange
∗ TMs for areas of Close-up survey to be held along with Close-up surveys

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 Thickness Measurements

∗ Original thickness readings from plans on board

∗ Permitted diminution limits from TM & Close-up survey guidiance
booklet
∗ Where readings are in the excessive diminution range a COC is imposed
and for readings in substantial corrosion range a memorandum is
imposed
∗ Separate COC/ memo imposed for each space/ tank affected

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 Thickness Measurements
∗ Sample Report

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Substantial Corrosion Diminution within
this range is considered
acceptable
- no action required

Maximum
allowable

original thickness
diminution

Example :
Max. allowable = 20%
Substantial
Substantial = >15%
corrosion range
= >75% of
For thickness of 10mm
maximum
Max. allowance = 2mm
allowable
Substantial => 1.5mm
diminution.

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Evaluation of Longitudinal
Strength

∗ Required for oil tanker of length > 130 m and of age > 10 years during
Special survey
∗ Required by SOLAS (SAFCON requirement) and is also a class
requirement
∗ Details of requirements covered by amended IMO Resolution A744(18)
∗ Results of evaluation required for the issue of ESP survey file
∗ Software application TmCalc developed to assist TM service suppliers/
surveyors
∗ TmCalc Model file available from Cd-Live

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Evaluation of Longitudinal Strength

∗ Software application TmCalc

developed by LR to assist TM
service suppliers/ surveyors

∗ TmCalc Model file

available on CD-Live
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Evaluation of Longitudinal Strength

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Questions