Methodology for Approximating Material Loss on Structural Plating Subjected to Dissimilar Marine Environments

This research defines and tests a new maintenance inspection methodology called relative material loss (RML) used for distinguishing the material loss contribution on each shell plate side separating dissimilar marine environments. The RML methodology leverages actual "at sea" environmental and operational conditions and the relationships between to solve for material loss contribution. In much the same fashion as a structural engineer isolate joints on a truss and solve free body diagram equations to determine member forces, relative loss equations are defined across various environmental boundaries (such as shell plating) and solved simultaneously to suggest solutions. A case study is presented using a sixty five year old "at-sea" structure; a dry dock caisson gate. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques are used to valid the model. Shell plate material loss contribution profiles are defined using statistical and regression techniques and correlated to profiles of environmental factors known to influence marine corrosion. Spin off discoveries and recommendations for future research are included.

Author

• Ernsting, Robert Alan

Language

• en

Keyword

• shell plate
• dry dock caisson gate
• dissimilar environments
• marine corrosion
• relative material loss
• maintenance inspection

Date created

• 2009

Type of Work

• Dissertation

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• School of Engineering and Applied Science

Degree

• Ph.D.

Advisor

• Mazzuchi, Thomas A.
• Sarkani, Shahram

Committee Member(s)

• Hack, Harvey P.
• Allario, Frank
• Murphree, Jr., Edward L.

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/0c483j51k