Exam Question
Sketch a plane bulkhead, showing connections to deck, sides and double bottom and the arrangement of stiffeners. (16)
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
SC&S
📅 Jul 2025
Reference Answer
### 1. Concept and Purpose of a Plane Bulkhead
A plane bulkhead is a primary structural member of a ship, consisting of a flat steel plate stiffened by a system of rolled sections or fabricated stiffeners. Its primary functions are:
* **Transverse Strength:** To act as a diaphragm, resisting racking stresses and maintaining the ship's transverse form.
* **Subdivision:** To divide the ship into watertight or oil-tight compartments, as mandated by SOLAS and MARPOL regulations, to limit the extent of flooding or cargo leakage in case of damage.
A plane bulkhead is a primary structural member of a ship, consisting of a flat steel plate stiffened by a system of rolled sections or fabricated stiffeners. Its primary functions are:
* **Transverse Strength:** To act as a diaphragm, resisting racking stresses and maintaining the ship's transverse form.
* **Subdivision:** To divide the ship into watertight or oil-tight compartments, as mandated by SOLAS and MARPOL regulations, to limit the extent of flooding or cargo leakage in case of damage.
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