Adhesive bonding for stiffening thin-walled steel structures in shipbuilding applications: Experimental and numerical investigation of the bending capacity

This paper investigates the potential of structural adhesive bonding as an innovative joining technology for maritime steel construction, with a focus on shipbuilding and offshore applications. The study encompasses the selection and characterization of suitable adhesive systems and steel substrates, including the influence of protective shop primers. Experimental and numerical analyses are performed on plate components stiffened with both one and three stiffener profiles to evaluate the mechanical performance of adhesively bonded joints for ship building. Findings demonstrate that adhesive bonding can achieve high load-bearing capacities and maintain structural integrity. Furthermore, adhesive joining preserves the integrity of protective coatings and can simplify manufacturing processes where primer adhesion is verified by reducing the need for additional surface preparation and post-processing typical of welding. The results provide practical recommendations for surface pretreatment, adhesive selection, and process integration in shipyards, contributing to the wider adoption of adhesive technology in primary and secondary ship structures. Overall, the work highlights adhesive bonding as a viable alternative or supplement to conventional joining methods, supporting increased design flexibility, corrosion protection, and sustainable production in the maritime industry.