With the advent of novel and high speed craft types the need for good structural detail has never been more important. Most structural failures that occur in the service life of a craft result from fatigue. A considerable amount of published data exists for more conventional steel vessels, however, little or no such data exists for the novel or high speed craft constructed from aluminium alloy or composite materials. Lloyd’s Register has amassed considerable knowledge in respect of structural detail which has demonstrated satisfactory service experience in resisting structural failure from fatigue. The details contained within these Guidance Notes are therefore provided to assist Builders and designers in identifying a minimum level of design detail which has provided acceptable levels of resistance to structural failure arising from fatigue.
It is not intended that the details contained within these Guidance Notes are the only solution to a particular structural design. Alternative structural details that have demonstrated satisfactory service experience will be acceptable.