Geometric solution in progressive collapse analysis of hull girder

This paper presents a calculation model for stiffened plates to determine the ultimate strength of ship hull girders from their curvatures using a geometrical approach. The present study employed Smith's method, in which the cross-section is divided into smaller elements consisting of a stiffener(s) and attached plating. The strength of beam-columns and stiffened plates was obtained using an iterative numerical approach. The deflection curve was evaluated using the curvature values directly instead of by solving differential equations. The deflection curve was taken as an assembly of chains of circular arcs. The ultimate strength of the hull girder of a 1/3 scaled frigate model was analyzed using the proposed method through an iterative approach. The present method produced reasonably accurate solutions with low modeling and computational times.