Common Structural Rules Software LLC, a joint venture company formed by ABS and Lloyd’s Register (LR), has released a software upgrade that simplifies compliance with current and pending IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR).

“As requirements change, it is imperative for classification societies to provide services and solutions that keep pace,” says ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. “By updating this software, we ensure our tools are effective and provide the most help to end users.”

Improvements to this software facilitate compliance to existing and future IACS Common Structural Rules, providing users with an easy way to evaluate designs. Developed from the technical strengths of LR and ABS, version 2.5 of the CSR Prescriptive Analysis and CSR Finite Element (FE) Analysis software allow assessment of whole vessel structures – including new bulk carrier and oil tanker designs – using compliance information for the current CSR, which entered into force on 1 July 2015, as well as for the rule changes that come into force on 1 July 2017. Both class societies will use these tools to evaluate new designs against the CSR.

The updated CSR Prescriptive Analysis software requires only that the user input the appropriate data. All of the outputs are clear, straightforward and easy to read. A summary report provides required and offered scantlings with graphic representation of any deficiencies. An intermediate report summarises dominant criteria for each structure and a detailed report provides data for every parameter value. In conjunction with CSR FE Analysis, this complete tool makes verifying compliance with CSR possible with minimal effort.

The software, which was licensed to nearly 500 users prior to the production release, is now being employed by nearly 1,000 users. Regular updates for additional structural coverage and functionality will address ongoing CSR changes.

LR Marine and Offshore Director Nick Brown echoes ABS’ views. “The Common Structural Rules provide the only industry route to compliance with IMO’s Goal-Based Standards for tanker and bulk carrier structures,” he says. “By working together, LR and ABS have provided fully up-to-date straightforward and accessible tools for the whole industry to use when applying CSR.”

Tags: ABS, Common Structural Rules Software LLC, Lloyd’s Register