Structural Design of River Tank Barges

Tank barge size has increased substantially over the past two decades. Existing rules and regulations are based largely on the design of shorter barges and are concerned primarily with the ability of tank boundary structure and hull structure to withstand local loads. The designer of a long barge, a barge which will not be uniformly loaded, a barge which is to carry high-density cargoes, or a barge which is to carry products with appreciable vapor pressures is well advised to conduct a rational analysis of the loading and strength of his barge. This paper provides guidelines, based on studies of barge loading and strength, for conducting such an analysis.