Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Fire Resistance for Bulkhead and Deck Structures of Ships and Offshore Installations

Abstract

Investigating the loss of integrity (E) in cabin walls and decks, as well as the role of insulation capabilities, holds significant implications for preventing serious human, economic and environmental damage caused by the ignition of cabins in ships and ocean platforms due to fires and explosions. In this study, the fire resistance of A-60 class ship bulkheads and decks was evaluated through two groups of standard fire resistance tests. In the first test, the steel structure side of the bulkhead was exposed to the fire, while in the second test, the mineral wool and L-shaped stiffeners side of the deck was exposed to the fire. Numerical material models for steel and mineral wool were established based on standards, and the temperature distribution and structural deformation were simulated using Abaqus. The results showed a good correlation with the experimental data. The maximum and average temperature increases on the unheated surface of the bulkhead during the standard fire resistance test were 158 °C and 136 °C, respectively. The corresponding values for the deck were 176 °C and 138 °C. Upon the conclusion of the experiment, the maximum displacement deformation in the direction towards the furnace from the center of the cabin wall was 54 mm, and from the center of the deck, the maximum displacement deformation towards the furnace was 28 mm. This research can provide guidance for the design of fire-resistant ship compartment structures.