scope:

Introduction

The structural strength criteria specified in the ABS Rules are used by designers to establish acceptable scantlings in order for installations constructed to such standards and properly maintained to have adequate durability and capability to resist the failure modes of yielding, buckling and fatigue.

The application of the FPI Rules and other review techniques to assess a design for compliance with Rule criteria also gives the designer and ABS the ability to identify areas that are considered critical to satisfactory in-service performance.

Knowing that the actual structural performance is also a function of construction methods and standards, it is prudent to identify 'critical' areas, particularly those approaching design limits, and use appropriate specified construction quality standards and associated construction monitoring and reporting methods to limit the risk of unsatisfactory in-service performance.

Accordingly, this Appendix defines what is meant by critical areas, describes how they are to be identified and recorded, delineates what information the shipyard is to include in the construction monitoring plan and lays out the certification regime to be followed.