NAVAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE DESIGN OF FLOATING DOCK

A brief introduction about floating docks, its advantages and types have been described. The naval architectural considerations which play a significant role in the design of floating dock have been explained. Typical ratios of L/B and L/D as a function of Dock's lifting capacity have been presented. Empirical formulation for the same have also been indicated wherever applicable. Intact stability and its criterion as applicable for a floating dock have been described. Critical positions during evolution of docking operation and important considerations while performing stability calculations have been highlighted. Attention has also been drawn to the damage stability of floating dock. Aspects of longitudinal and transverse bending moment, which are the governing aspects in the scantling calculations have been described. Also typical methods for securing and mooring of floating dock, without compromising on flexibility for docking operations have been described. Methodology and consideration which has to be kept in mind while using design software (such as NAPA) have been indicated. Simple size optimization techniques which result in steel / ballast volume reduction have also been explained.