Abstract
In general, brackets found at tank boundary are design according to the Classification Society Rule. Since much man power is needed in manufacturing the brackets stiffened by flange, it is necessary to suggest alternative designs, of which flanges are removed, through the rigorous structural analysis. In this paper non-linear structural analysis for brackets with and/or without flange have been carried out to examine their structural behavior and ultimate strengths. Alternative designs for brackets are suggested based on the results of ultimate strength analysis so that the alternative brackets have the similar level of strength and stiffness to the original brackets. It has been seen that the structural safety of alternative brackets proposed in this paper are beyond the appropriate level. The primary benefit of replacing the original brackets by the alternatives is the reduction of man power in manufacturing brackets and 10 to 15% weight saving can be expected in additional. This paper ends with some comments about the extension of the present study.
