scope:

Application

This rule chapter applies to high speed and/or light craft being constructed from fibre reinforced thermoset matrix composites (FRP), typically in single skin and/or sandwich construction using glass, carbon or aramid fibres. Alternative material combinations may be accepted after special consideration.

This rule chapter envisages primarily structural integrity of vessels hull including structural components listed in Ch.1 Sec.1.

Guidance note:

Any note in this chapter addressing issues other than relating to structural integrity shall be considered as recommendation or guidance to designer, builder, owner, et al.

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A single skin construction is considered to be a structure consisting of an FRP laminate supported and stiffened locally by a system of relatively closely spaced FRP stiffeners.

A sandwich construction is considered to be a structural element consisting of three components: a FRP skin laminate on each side of a lower density core.

The methodologies offered in this are especially suitable for vessel structures composed by and designed to a clear hierarchy of structural elements, i.e:

- plating

- stiffeners

- girders

- bulkheads

- hull.

Any other types of structural arrangements require individual case-by-case evaluation by the Society.

Neither all facets nor all elements of structural design can be covered by this chapter. For structural elements not completely covered by this chapter alternative methods may be applied subject to the acceptance by the Society.

Construction shall be carried out according to Pt.2 Ch.4 Fabrication and testing.

Rules compliance equivalence

Designs deviating from the requirements or the methodologies of this chapter in their type or design may be approved, provided that their structures are recognized by the Society to be equivalent to the Society's requirements. The term equivalent shall be understood as to:

- Providing the same level of structural reliability, if not higher; for all relevant load cases specified in the rules.

- Resulting in at least the same expected operational life time.