Based on their structural configuration and function, bulkheads can be classified into several categories:
1. Transverse Bulkheads:
- Also known as main transverse bulkheads, these are the primary vertical barriers that divide a ship's hull into separate watertight compartments.
- They extend from the ship's bottom to the uppermost continuous deck or weather deck.
- The purpose of transverse bulkheads is to limit the spread of flooding in case of damage or breach in the ship's hull. By dividing the ship into compartments, transverse bulkheads enhance overall safety and allow for improved damage control.
2. Longitudinal Bulkheads:
- These are vertical barriers that run parallel to the ship's centerline.
- Longitudinal bulkheads provide additional structural strength to the ship's hull and help maintain the ship's overall shape and integrity.
- They also contribute to the subdivision of the ship into watertight compartments.
3. Collision Bulkheads:
- As the name suggests, these are reinforced bulkheads located at the extreme forward end of a ship.
- Their primary purpose is to provide additional protection against the impact of a potential collision.
- Collision bulkheads are designed to absorb and withstand the energy of a collision while minimizing damage to the rest of the ship.
4. Engine Room Bulkheads:
- These bulkheads enclose the engine room and machinery spaces, separating them from other areas of the ship.
- Engine room bulkheads are specially designed to contain heat and noise generated by the ship's machinery.
- They also serve as fire barriers, preventing the spread of fire from the engine room to other parts of the vessel.
5. Cargo Bulkheads:
- These are bulkheads that separate cargo holds or compartments from one another.
- Cargo bulkheads help prevent the shifting or movement of cargo during transportation, ensuring stability and safety.
- In refrigerated cargo ships, cargo bulkheads may be insulated to maintain desired temperatures within the cargo holds.
6. Accommodation Bulkheads:
- These bulkheads are used to divide crew and passenger accommodation areas from other sections of the ship.
- Accommodation bulkheads provide privacy, create separate living spaces, and help maintain a comfortable environment for passengers and crew.
7. Watertight Bulkheads:
- Watertight bulkheads are designed to maintain watertight integrity in case of hull breaches or damage.
- They are constructed with watertight doors and hatches that can be closed to prevent the ingress of water into adjacent compartments.
- Watertight bulkheads are crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of a ship in the event of flooding.
8. Non-Watertight Bulkheads:
- As the name implies, these bulkheads are not designed to be watertight.
- They are primarily used for structural support, compartmentalization, or as fire barriers.
- Non-watertight bulkheads can be constructed using a variety of materials, including wood, steel, or composite materials.
These classifications provide a comprehensive categorization of bulkheads based on their specific functions and structural features. Each type of bulkhead plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, stability, and efficiency of a ship's operation.