LONGITUDINAL STRENGTH

The longitudinal strength comprises “Shearing Force (SF)” and “Bending Moment (BM)” which
apply a force to shear or bend the hull respectively. These strength are results of weight /
buoyancy distribution to each position on the hull and once any of them exceed the allowable
limit, it must be considered that there is a great risk of the hull being sheared and / or snapped.

As both SF and BM are results of balance of weight and buoyancy at each part of the hull, these
forces as well occur due to wave action when the ship is under way.

Therefore, in planning loading / discharging cargo, uppermost attention should be paid to keep
values of such strength at any part of the hull within the allowable limit in any stage of cargo
work, ballasting / deballasting operation and when ship is navigating.

SF (shearing force)

weight

buoyancy

BM (bending moment)
weight

sagging
buoyancy
buoyancy

weight weight

hogging

buoyancy