Large-scale models of two ship hulls were constructed and tested in the linear and non-linear regions with increasing moment up to collapse. The first model was designed to represent a typical single bottom tanker. The second model was designed to examine several possible mechanisms of failure of an open deck hull.; The likely modes of failure--plate buckling between stiffeners, instability of longitudinal stiffeners and overall grillage instability--were analytically examined based on the approximate characterization of the strength of the different elements of the hull cross-sections under compressive loads.; The influences of weld-induced imperfections, including residual stresses and initial distortions, are investigated in detail. In addition, the effect of boundary conditions and plate aspect ratio on the plate strength are also discussed.; A number of possible reasons for the discrepancy between theoretical and experiment results are investigated and discussed in detail. Finally, the ultimate strength of the models are re-evaluated including the effects of initial distortions and residual stresses. The results show reasonable agreement with experimental results.; Recommendations are made for further research.
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