Hull Scantling Design

Determination of Plate Thicknesses, Profiles and Structural Reinforcements

Hull scantling calculations involve the assessment and verification of:

• Minimum hull plate thicknesses

• Longitudinal and transverse structural profiles

• Primary and secondary reinforcements

• Load-bearing elements in deck and bottom structures

The objective is to ensure that the structure withstands hydrostatic, hydrodynamic, and operational loads without compromising overall structural integrity and maritime safety compliance.

Selection of Structural Materials and Minimum Thickness Requirements

The selection of structural materials is based on criteria such as mechanical strength, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, and classification society requirements.

The assessment considers:

• Marine structural steels

• Lightweight alloys (for yachts and high-speed craft)

• Regulatory minimum thickness requirements

• Applicable structural safety factors

Proper selection of materials and thicknesses minimizes structural risks and extends the vessel’s service life and long-term durability in compliance with maritime standards.

Structural Dimensioning of Frames, Beams and Floors

Structural dimensioning includes the calculation and verification of:

• Transverse frames

• Deck beams

• Floors

• Longitudinal stiffeners

• Structural bulkheads

The assessment must consider the vessel’s global hull stresses, localized load conditions, and overall stress distribution under real navigation and maximum loading scenarios, ensuring structural safety and compliance with applicable maritime engineering standards.

Application of Classification Society Rules

Hull scantling design is performed in accordance with the technical rules of internationally recognized Classification Societies, including:

• Lloyd’s Register (LR)

• DNV

• Bureau Veritas (BV)

• RINA

These rules define the required criteria for structural dimensioning, strength verification, and technical compliance for different types of vessels, ensuring conformity with international maritime engineering standards and regulatory requirements.

Weight–Strength Optimization

One of the primary objectives of hull scantling design is to optimize the balance between structural weight and mechanical strength. An efficient design minimizes unnecessary weight without compromising safety, improving vessel stability, energy efficiency and dynamic performance.

Structural optimization is particularly critical in high-performance yachts and high-speed craft, where weight reduction directly influences speed, fuel efficiency and overall operational performance.