ClassNK releases Guidelines for Use of Structural Adhesives
Leading classification society ClassNK has released its Guidelines for Use of Structural Adhesives for the shipbuilding industry.
Compared with other joining methods such as welding, structural adhesives are easy to construct and control. In addition, because they can be used without the need for fire, they are used in a wide variety of fields including the railway and automobile industries, and to connect heat-resisting tiles of space rockets.
On the other hand, the use of structural adhesives in the shipbuilding industry on ships other than those using reinforced plastic has not been advancing. The application of structural adhesives is anticipated to streamline workflow, increase workplace safety at shipyards, and reduce vessel weight. In light of these anticipated benefits, industry requests were made for guidelines to facilitate their wider use.
In response to these requests, ClassNK established the Committee of the Development of Guidelines for Use of Structural Adhesives in 2015 in cooperation with relevant institutions and organizations to discuss the necessary requirements. After careful deliberation, the Committee decided that structural adhesives could be widely used with a focus on joints of materials excluding major structural parts of the hull and marine equipment fixing. The necessary requirements were compiled and the Guidelines for Use of Structural Adhesives were developed.
