Vertical transverse plate floors are provided both where the bottom is
transversely and longitudinally framed. At the ends of bottom tank spaces and
under the main bulkheads, watertight or oiltight by closing any holes in the
plate floor and welding collars around any members which pass through the
floors. Elsewhere ‘solid plate floors’ are fitted to strengthen the bottom
transversely and support the inner bottom. These run transversely from the
continuous centre girder to the bilge, and manholes provided. Lightening holes
are cut in each solid plate floor. Also small air and drain holes may be
drilled at the top and bottom respectively of the solid plate floors in the
tank spaces. The spacing of the solid plate floors varies according to the
loads supported and local stresses experienced. At intermediate frame spaces
between the solid plate floors, ‘bracket floors’ are fitted. The bracket floor
consists simply of short transverse plate brackets fitted in way of the centre
girder and tank sides (see Figures 10 and 11).
