Bulk cargo liquefaction incidents during marine transportation and possible causes. (1st September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Munro, Michael C.; Mohajerani, Abbas
• Is Part Of: Ocean engineering. Volume 141(2017)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2017-09-01
• Subjects: CFC Critical Failure Curve -- DWT Dead Weight Tonnage -- FT Failure Threshold -- GWC Gross Water Content -- IMO International Maritime Organization -- IMSBC Code International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code -- IOF Iron Ore Fines -- IOFP Iron Ore Fines Plunger -- MDD Maximum Dry Density -- MPFT Modified Proctor/Fagerberg Test for IOF -- NWC Net Water Content -- OMC Optimum Moisture Content -- TML Transportable Moisture Limit; Marine transportation -- Bulk carrier incidents -- Iron ore fines -- Shear strength failure -- Cyclic loading -- Liquefaction; Ocean engineering -- Periodicals; Ocean engineering; Periodicals; 620.4162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2017.06.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-8018

Abstract

Abstract: During marine transportation, a combination of cyclic loading, fine particles and moisture within a bulk cargo can result in liquefaction causing the bulk carrier to list or capsize. The objective of this study is to investigate incidents where bulk cargoes liquefied during transportation and what resulted from these incidents, including the loss of human life and industry assets. In addition, the effectiveness of determining the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) using the Modified Proctor/Fagerberg Test (MPFT) for Iron Ore Fines (IOF) is questioned by developing an apparatus used to observe the apparent shear strength of a sample of IOF. Between 1988 and 2016, 23 incidents were reported where liquefaction of a bulk cargo was suspected. These incidents resulted in 138 casualties and the loss of 17 vessels. It was found that incidents are continuing to occur even after the implementation of mandatory testing. Using an apparatus developed for this study, samples of IOF showed a sudden loss of shear strength at moisture contents lower than the TML with indications liquefaction had occurred. Although further testing is required to confirm some assumptions made, the study concluded that the IOF tested was assumed to be liquefiable at the TML determined using the MPFT. Highlights: Investigates liquefaction incidents on board bulk carriers during sea transportation. Loss human life and industry assets was recorded after IMSBC Code implementation. While transporting cargoes, 23 incidents resulting in 138 casualties were recorded. Investigates apparent shear strength of iron ore fines under cyclic loading. Determines failure threshold and critical failure curve of a sample of iron ore fines.