Reliability analysis of novel stiffened panels using Monte Carlo simulation

The present study aims to perform reliability analyses using Monte Carlo simulation to compute and compare the time-invariant reliability indices of stiffened panels with either conventional T-stiffeners or novel Y (Hat + Tee/Angle) stiffeners profiles in a double hull oil tanker's bottom and deck panels under axial compressive loads. The ultimate strength and the applied axial compressive stress formulations used in the limit state functions are obtained based on the International Association of Classification Societies-Common Structural Rules for oil tankers considering the following failure modes: unstiffened plate buckling, stiffener beam-column buckling, and stiffener torsional/flexural buckling (tripping). With the Y-stiffeners profile, a considerable improvement in the panels’ reliability index throughout the vessel lifetime is achieved.