Journal of Advanced Marine Engineering and Technology, Vol. 49, No. 3, pp. 157~167, 2025. 6.

Title: A simplified modelling method using idealized structural elements for conceptual design of the scaffolding system of LNG carrier cargo

Author(s): Simkwan Oh, Joo-Shin Park, Jung Kwan Seo

Abstract:

LNG carriers require a membrane insulation system in the cargo hold to maintain cargo at cryogenic temperatures and protect the hull. To facilitate this installation, a large temporary scaffolding system is used inside the cargo hold, which have been continuously used since the early days of membrane LNG carrier construction. However, with the increasing diversity of cargo hold designs, the need for structural improvements and safety evaluations of scaffolding systems has grown. Shipyards are striving to enhance scaffolding structures and installation methods to maximize productivity. However, challenges arise due to the lack of performance data for the current scaffolding and discrepancies with domestic design standards. Additionally, some existing scaffolding systems do not fully meet local performance evaluation criteria, making structural safety assessments difficult. To address these issues, this study establishes a design and evaluation guideline that reflects the characteristics and usage conditions of LNG cargo scaffolding. Furthermore, an efficient and rapid idealized structural element assessment method is developed to evaluate scaffolding strength. The results confirm that the proposed method ensures structural safety and compliance with allowable standards. This approach and application enable quick structural strength assessments for initial design and modifications and is expected to be an applicable to the future development of new cargo hold scaffolding systems.