Validation of the equivalent plate thickness approach for ultimate strength analysis of stiffened panels with non-uniform plate thickness

The stiffened plate structures in ships and ship-shaped offshore installations often consist of non-uniform plate thicknesses. Nonlinear finite element methods are usually employed to predict structural strength for such panels. However, the introduction of non-uniform plate thicknesses renders such calculations difficult when analytical methods and design equations are used. The authors have suggested an equivalent plate thickness method that is based on the weighted average approach to analyse the strength of stiffened panels with non-uniform plate thicknesses. In the present paper, the validity of the equivalent plate thickness method to the ultimate strength analysis of stiffened panels with non-uniform plate thicknesses is checked through nonlinear finite element method computations. It is concluded that the equivalent plate thickness method is accurate for the panel ultimate strength analysis under combined biaxial compression and lateral pressure loads.