What are the vertical transverse structures found in a double bottom called?

The vertical transverse structures found in a double bottom are referred to as floors. In shipbuilding, the double bottom is an area in the hull below the waterline that often serves as a tank for ballast or fuel, and the floors provide structural support to this area. They are horizontal members that connect the vertical frames, providing rigidity and stability to the ship’s structure.

These floors help distribute loads and stresses across the double bottom and help maintain the overall integrity of the hull. Their placement is critical in ensuring that the ship can withstand the forces encountered during operation, especially when the vessel is at sea. This reinforces the structural integrity of the entire vessel, ensuring safety and stability in various conditions.

The other terms mentioned refer to different structural components in a ship. For instance, bulkheads are vertical partitions that divide a ship into compartments, frames are the longitudinal structures that create the shape of the hull, and skids are not typically associated with the double bottom structure but can refer to frameworks used for supporting equipment or cargo during transport. Understanding these differences clarifies why floors is the correct choice in this context.