A risk-based method for minimizing welding distortion in steel ship production

Abstract

The paper presents a novel approach, entitled responsibility-sharing management (RSM) which can be used to assist in effective management of welding distortion in ship production that takes into account scientific methods, procedures and management issues. The paper begins by outlining the nature of welding distortion, its impact on steel ship production and traditional methods of dealing with it before suggesting the alternative way forwards. The principles of the RSM approach are then explained and the key features of its six elements are examined. An illustrative example is used to demonstrate the effective use of this approach in a shipyard. The main conclusions are the following. Firstly, since welding distortion has a significant impact on ship production, there is, therefore, a need for a fresh systematic approach for dealing with this problem which could address not only technical aspects but also management, operation and human factors. Secondly, it is essential to encourage the development of a positive culture in the management of ship production and this is particularly relevant in efforts to minimize welding distortion.