Attaching Structural Elements
When using DesignCalcs, it is important to pay close attention to your location in the Components pane. Certain types of components can only be added to the vessel, while others must have a host (such as a shell).
Base Ring
In order to add a base ring/base plate to a vessel, the vessel orientation must be vertical and skirt must be selected as the support type on the Vessel Information window. Base rings and base plates can only be added to the vessel itself. Make sure the vessel name or number is highlighted on the Components pane before attempting to select Base Ring/Base Plate from the Structural menu.
Intermediate Support
The location of this component in the component order is critical to the calculations.
In order to add an intermediate support to a vessel, the vessel orientation must be vertical and skirt must be selected as the support type on the Vessel Information window. Intermediate Support will only be available from the Structural menu when the vessel itself is highlighted on the Components pane. If any component is highlighted - including the shell - Intermediate Support will be disabled.
Leg
In order to add legs to a vessel, the vessel orientation must be vertical and unbraced leg must be selected as the support type on the Vessel Information window. Legs can only be added to the shell. Make sure the shell is highlighted on the Components pane before attempting to select Leg from the Structural menu.
Lug - Lifting
Lifting lugs may be added to vertical or horizontal vessels. The lug design options vary based on the vessel orientation. Lifting lugs can be added to the shell. Lifting lugs can be added to top heads when the vessel orientation is set to Vertical. Highlight the shell in the Components pane before selecting Lifting Lug from the Structural menu.
Lug - Support
In order to add supporting lugs to a vessel, the vessel orientation must be vertical and lug must be selected as the support type on the Vessel Information window. Supporting Lug will only be available from the Structural menu when the shell is selected. If any other component or the vessel itself is selected, Supporting Lug will be disabled.
Saddle
In order to add a saddle to a vessel, the vessel orientation must be horizontal and saddle must be selected as the support type on the Vessel Information window. Saddle will only be available from the Structural menu when the vessel itself is highlighted on the Components pane. If any component is highlighted - including the shell - Saddle will be disabled.
Skirt
The location of this component in the component order is critical to the calculations.
In order to add a skirt to a vessel, the vessel orientation must be vertical and skirt must be selected as the support type on the Vessel Information window. Skirt will only be available from the Structural menu when the vessel itself is highlighted on the Components pane. If any component is highlighted - including the shell - Skirt will be disabled.
Support Ring
In order to add a supporting ring to a vessel, the vessel orientation must be vertical and support ring must be selected as the support type on the Vessel Information window. Supporting Ring will only be available from the Structural menu when the shell is selected. If any other component or the vessel itself is selected, Supporting Ring will be disabled.
Related articles