TABLE OF CONTENTS Initially welding was used in ships as a means of repairing various metal parts. During the First World War various authorities connected with shipbuilding, including Lloyd's Register, undertook research into welding and in some cases prototype welded structures were built. However, riveting remained the predominant method employed for joining ship plates and sections until the time of the Second World War. During and after this war the use and development of welding for shipbuilding purposes was widespread, and welding totally replaced riveting in the latter part of the 20 th century.
There are many advantages to be gained from employing welding in ships as opposed to having a riveted construction. These may be considered as advantages in both building and in operating the ship.
For the shipbuilder the advantages are:
Welding lends itself to the adoption of prefabrication techniques.
It is easier to obtain watertightness and oiltightness with welded joints.
Joints are produced more quickly.
Less skilled labour is required.
For the shipowner the advantages are:
Reduced hull steel weight; therefore more deadweight.
Less maintenance, from slack rivets, etc.
The smoother hull with the elimination of laps leads to a reduced skin friction resistance which can reduce fuel costs.
Other than some blacksmith work involving solid-phase welding, the welding processes employed in shipbuilding are of the fusion welding type. Fusion welding is achieved by means of a heat source which...
