scope:

Introduction

General

Classification

In accordance with the requirements found in 1-1-3/3 of the ABS Rules for Conditions of Classification (Part 1) and 5C-10-1/1 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels (Marine Vessel Rules), the classification notation A1 Vehicle Carrier is to be assigned to vessels with ro-ro cargo spaces or vehicle spaces designed for carriage of unoccupied vehicles without cargo and built to the requirements of this Guide and other relevant sections of the Marine Vessel Rules. In addition, the classification notation SH, SHCM is to be assigned to vessels complying with this Guide.

Optional Class Notation for Design Fatigue Life

Vessels designed and built to the requirements in this Guide and other relevant requirements of the Rules are intended to have a structural fatigue life of not less than 20 years. Where a vessel's design calls for a fatigue life in excess of the minimum design fatigue life of 20 years, the optional class notation FL (year) will be assigned at the request of the applicant. This vessel is eligible for the notation provided the excess design fatigue life is verified to be in compliance with the criteria in Appendix 3, "Rule-based Fatigue Strength Assessment" of this Guide. Only one design fatigue life value is published for the entire structural system. Where differing design fatigue life values are intended for different structural elements within the vessel, the (year) refers to the least of the varying target lives. The 'design fatigue life' refers to the target value set by the applicant, not the value calculated in the analysis.

The notation FL (year) denotes that the design fatigue life assessed according to Appendix 3 is greater than the minimum design fatigue life of 20 years. The (year) refers to the fatigue life equal to 25 years or more (in 5-year increments) as specified by the applicant. The fatigue life will be identified in the Record by the notation FL (year) (e.g., FL(30) if the minimum design fatigue life assessed is 30 years).

Application

General

Due to the similarity of structural arrangements, this Guide has many cross-references to the general requirements for hull construction in Part 3 of the Marine Vessel Rules, specifically the requirements found in Part 5C, Chapter 10 of the Marine Vessel Rules for vessels intended to carry vehicles. These cross-references are presented in a simple format throughout the Guide in order to provide quick reference to the users, (i.e., 1-2-3/4.5.6 of the Rules denotes Part 1, Chapter 2, Section 3/Subparagraph 4.5.6 of the Rules).

Size and Proportion

The requirements contained in this Guide are applicable to vehicle carriers for unrestricted service, having lengths of 130 meters (427 feet) or more, and having parameters within the ranges as specified in 3-2-1/1 of the Marine Vessel Rules.

Direct Calculations (1 February 2023)

Direct calculations with respect to the determination of design loads and the establishment of alternative strength criteria based on first principles will be accepted for consideration, provided that all the supporting data, analysis procedures, and calculated results are fully documented and submitted for review. In this regard, due consideration is to be given to the environmental conditions, probability of occurrence, uncertainties in load and response predictions, and reliability of the structure in service. For long-term prediction of wave loads, realistic wave spectra covering the North Atlantic Ocean and a probability level of 10^-8 are to be employed.

The racking stress of hull structure and critical details are to be evaluated using a full ship finite element model.

At the request of the Owner, the Dynamic Loading Approach and Spectral Fatigue Analysis may be performed in addition to the above requirements. Vessels complying with the requirements for this additional analysis will be identified in the Record by the notations SH-DLA and SFA.

SafeHull Construction Monitoring Program

For the class notation SH, SHCM, a Construction Monitoring Plan for critical areas, prepared in accordance with the requirements of Part 5C, Appendix 1 of the Marine Vessel Rules, is to be submitted for approval prior to commencement of fabrication. See Part 5C Appendix 1, "SafeHull Construction Monitoring Program" of the Marine Vessel Rules.

Internal Members

Section Properties of Structural Members

The geometric properties of structural members may be calculated directly from the dimensions of the section and the associated effective plating (see 3-1-2/13.3 of the Marine Vessel Rules or Section 5, Figure 3 of this Guide, as applicable). For structural members with angle θ (see Section 1, Figure 1) between web and associated plating not less than 75 degrees, the section modulus, web sectional area, and moment of inertia of the standard (θ = 90 degrees) section may be used without modification. Where the angle θ is less than 75 degrees, the sectional properties are to be directly calculated about an axis parallel to the associated plating (see Section 1, Figure 1).

Detailed Design

The detail design of internals is to follow the guidance given in 3-1-2/15 of the Marine Vessel Rules. For more information, see Appendix 3 "Rule Based Fatigue Strength Assessment" of this Guide.

Breaks

Special care is to be taken to provide structural reinforcements against local stresses at the ends of the cargo hold spaces, superstructures, etc., and throughout the structure in general. The main longitudinal bulkheads are to be suitably tapered at their ends. Where effective longitudinal bulkheads are provided in the poop or deckhouse, they are to be located such as to provide effective continuity between the structure in way of and beyond the main cargo spaces.

Additional Plans and Documents to be Submitted

In addition to information called for elsewhere in this Guide, plans and documents describing the following are to be submitted for review:

• Arrangement of the bow or stern ramps and movable decks, if any

• Information on masses of ramps and movable decks, if any

• Arrangement of connections of ramps, lifting, and/or hoisting appliances to the hull structures, with indication of design loads (amplitude and direction)

• Arrangements of hydraulic jacks connections to the hull, if fitted

Plans and documents describing the following are to be submitted for information:

• Arrangements of securing and locking devices

• Arrangement of vehicles including the securing and load bearing arrangements, axle load, axle spacing, number of wheels per axle, wheel spacing, and size of tire print

• Arrangements of hoisting devices

• Arrangements of hydraulic jacks, if fitted

In addition, any plans and documents required for review are to be submitted when certificatation or classification is requested in compliance with the ABS Guide for Certification of Lifting Appliances.

Units

This Guide is written in three systems of units, SI units, MKS units, and US customary units. Each system is to be used independently of any other system. Unless indicated otherwise, the format of presentation in this Guide of the three systems of units is as follows:

SI units (MKS units, US customary units)