ASTM F3040/F3040M-13(2023)

Standard Test Method for Mechanical Static Load Testing of Non-Structural Marine Joiner Bulkheads

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The test method provides information regarding the behavior of a non-structural A, B, or C-Class bulkhead panel system under a static load. Test data for load, moment and deformation is measured.  
4.2 Static load test of non-structural marine joiner panel systems provide a standard method of obtaining data for research and development, quality control, acceptance or rejection under specifications, and special purposes. The tests cannot be considered significant for engineering design in applications differing widely from the loading type and magnitude of the standard test. Such applications shall require additional tests.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for evaluating the strength of non structural marine joiner of A, B, and C-Class bulkhead and liner systems. A, B, and C-Class bulkheads are defined and discussed in 2.1.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2023
• ICS: 47.020.10 - Hulls and their structure elements
• Technical Committee: F25 - Ships and Marine Technology
• Drafting Committee: F25.03 - Outfitting and Deck Machinery

Overview

ASTM F3040/F3040M-13(2023) is the standard test method for mechanical static load testing of non-structural marine joiner bulkheads. Developed by ASTM International, this method provides a clear and repeatable procedure for evaluating the static load performance of A, B, and C-Class marine bulkhead and liner systems. The test measures the behavior of these non-structural partitions under applied static loads, focusing on key variables such as load, moment, and deformation. The results support product development, quality assurance, and compliance for shipbuilding and marine outfitting.

Key Topics

• Scope of the Test: Defines procedures for assessing the strength and deformation characteristics of non-structural marine joiner bulkhead panel systems, specifically for A, B, and C-Class per international maritime safety regulations.
• Test Method Procedure:
  • Installation and mounting of panels in fixtures that replicate shipboard conditions
  • Application of incremental static loads using a loading bracket system at predefined measurement points
  • Measurement of panel deflection and load at multiple locations with dial indicators for detailed data collection
  • Clear criteria for recording failure modes such as cracking, delamination, or fastener pull-through
• Units of Measurement: Results can be reported in either SI or inch-pound units, but these systems must not be intermixed.
• Limitations: The test method is intended for standardized load conditions. Results are not directly applicable to scenarios with different load types or magnitudes without further testing.
• Reporting Requirements:
  • Detailed identification and documentation of tested bulkhead systems
  • Weight per length, number of specimens, sketches, deflection-moment curves, and photographic evidence of failures

Applications

The ASTM F3040/F3040M-13(2023) standard finds broad use across shipbuilding and marine industries where non-structural joiner bulkheads are installed for partitioning and lining. Its principal applications include:

• Research and Development: Provides engineers and designers with empirical data to support the innovation and optimization of marine joiner panel products.
• Quality Control: Assists manufacturers in validating consistency and compliance with design and safety specifications prior to installation on vessels.
• Acceptance and Specification Compliance: Offers shipbuilders and regulatory bodies a recognized method to assess whether joiner panel systems meet applicable requirements before use.
• Special Testing Purposes: Supports investigations into material behavior or system integrity for unique project needs or in response to observed performance issues.

By promoting standardized static load testing, this ASTM method ensures that non-structural marine joiner bulkheads are safe, reliable, and fit-for-purpose in marine environments.

Related Standards

• IMO SOLAS 2009 (International Maritime Organization, Safety of Life at Sea, Chapter II-2, Part A, Regulation 3): This standard references and aligns with internationally recognized definitions and requirements for A, B, and C-Class bulkheads as outlined by the IMO.
• ASTM F25 Standards: ASTM F3040/F3040M is developed under ASTM Committee F25 on Ships and Marine Technology, which covers multiple related standards for outfitting, deck machinery, and marine construction best practices.
• Other Testing and Material Standards: Compatibility with additional ASTM and ISO standards for structural and non-structural marine components to ensure holistic safety and performance assurance.

By utilizing ASTM F3040/F3040M-13(2023) in combination with referenced international and national standards, the marine industry strengthens safety, quality, and interoperability in vessel outfitting and construction.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3040/F3040M − 13 (Reapproved 2023) An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Mechanical Static Load Testing of Non-Structural Marine
Joiner Bulkheads
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3040/F3040M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.3 Mount three dial indicators at the back side of the center
panel to measure deflection at the centerline of the panel’s three
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for evaluating the
vertical quarter points. (See Fig. 1.)
strength of non structural marine joiner of A, B, and C-Class
bulkhead and liner systems. A, B, and C-Class bulkheads are 3.4 Load the bracket at no more than 10 kg [22 lb]
defined and discussed in 2.1. increments until a total load of 200 kg [441 lb] is obtained.
Record deflection from dial indicators at each incremental load
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
or until failure is reached.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to 3.5 If failure is not reached, extend the loading bracket
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be outward to the next moment arm from the panel and repeat
used independently of the other, and values from the two loading.
systems shall not be combined.
3.6 Continue to increase applied load until failure or until
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
maximum moment arm and loads are applied.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 The test method provides information regarding the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
behavior of a non-structural A, B, or C-Class bulkhead panel
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
system under a static load. Test data for load, moment and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
deformation is measured.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.2 Static load test of non-structural marine joiner panel
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
systems provide a standard method of obtaining data for
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
research and development, quality control, acceptance or
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
rejection under specifications, and special purposes. The tests
cannot be considered significant for engineering design in
2. Referenced Documents
applications differing widely from the loading type and mag-
2.1 International Maritime Organization Publication:
nitude of the standard test. Such applications shall require
SOLAS 2009 Consolidated Edition, Chapter II-2, Part A,
additional tests.
Regulation 3, Definitions
5. Apparatus
3. Summary of Test Method
5.1 Bulkhead Mounting Fixture—Secures the edges of the
3.1 Install panels into a mounting test fixture representative
panels in a position representative of the bulkhead system
of the bulkhead system.
installed on a ship. The two edges on the side of the test
specimen shall be fitted with typical edge trim. Top and bottom
3.2 Attach loading bracket to center panel at mid-width and
shoes, and panel connection mechanism capable of supporting
height of the center panel.
2135 mm 6 3 mm [84 in.] high by 3660 mm 6 3 mm [144 in.]
minimum wide joiner panel system shall be used.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships
5.2 Loading Bracket—Attach the loading bracket through
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.03 on
the bulkhead panel. The loading bracket has supports for
Outfitting and Deck Machinery.
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved
loading at different distances, 305 mm 6 3 mm [12 in.],
in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as F3040/F3040M – 13 (2018).
610 mm 6 3 mm [24 in.], and 915 mm 6 3 mm [36 in.] from
DOI: 10.1520/F3040_F3040M-13R23.
the bulkhead panel surface. The loading bracket bulkhead plate
Available from International Maritime Organization, 4 Albert Embankment,
London, Se1 7SR, http://www.imo.org. (Fifth Edition.) has four holes 305 mm 6 3 mm [12 in.] apart vertically and
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3040/F3040M − 13 (2023)
FIG. 2 Loading Bracket with Load Applied at 915 mm [36 in.]
5.5 Dial Indicators—Indicator shaft bears on the back side
of panel at three locations, suitable for measuring displacement
of the specimens and accurate to a minimum of 61 % of the
full scale reading and with travel adequate to measure the full
displacement anticipated.
6. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
6.1 The test specimen shall include joined panels so that the
test panel is supported by the bulkhead joiner system as per the
manufacturer installation instructions.
6.2 All components shall
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