AS 4132.3-1993 PDF

Full title and description

AS 4132.3-1993 — Boat and ship design and construction — Part 3: Fibre-reinforced plastics construction. Specifies structural requirements for fibre‑reinforced plastics (FRP) vessels not exceeding 35 m in length, including multi‑hull vessels; excludes novel types such as hovercraft, hydrofoils and SWATH vessels. Guidance on avoidance of osmosis is included in an appendix.

Abstract

This Australian Standard (Part 3 of the AS 4132 series) sets out design and construction requirements for FRP small craft and ships up to 35 m, addressing structural strength, construction practice and measures to limit osmosis in hull laminates. It was prepared by Standards Australia committee ME/059 (Shipbuilding).

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (document shown as withdrawn in Standards Australia records / product listings; amendment history includes AMDT 1-1993).
• Publication date: Published 17 May 1993 (first edition, 1993).
• Publisher: Standards Australia (Standards Australia / Standards Association of Australia).
• ICS / categories: Shipbuilding and marine structures (ICS field 47 — shipbuilding / marine structures).
• Edition / version: 1st edition (AS 4132.3—1993).
• Number of pages: 36 pages.

Scope

This Standard specifies the structural requirements for FRP vessels not exceeding 35 m in length. It includes multi‑hull vessels but expressly excludes novel vessel types such as hovercraft, hydrofoils and small‑waterplane‑area twin‑hull (SWATH) vessels. The document also provides an appendix offering guidance on preventing osmosis in FRP hulls.

Key topics and requirements

• Structural design principles for fibre‑reinforced plastics hulls and structural members.
• Construction and fabrication requirements specific to FRP materials and laminates.
• Design considerations for vessels up to 35 m, including multi‑hull configurations.
• Limitations/exclusions for novel vessel types (hovercraft, hydrofoils, SWATH).
• Guidance on osmosis prevention and hull laminate protection (appendix material).
• References to related shipbuilding and material standards used for calculations and testing.

Typical use and users

Used by naval architects, marine engineers, boatbuilders, surveyors and compliance officers involved in the design and construction of small FRP vessels (private and commercial craft up to 35 m). Also used by standards librarians and procurement teams when specifying FRP construction practices and verifying conformance to Australian design expectations of the period.

Related standards

Part of the AS 4132 series on boat and ship design and construction (other parts include design loadings and aluminium construction). The standard references other Australian standards for materials and structural methods (for example, marine plywood and timber design standards referenced historically). Note: AS 4132.3-1993 has an amendment record (AMDT 1—1993) and later withdrawal status in Standards Australia listings.

Keywords

AS 4132.3-1993; fibre‑reinforced plastics; FRP; boat design; ship construction; small craft; osmosis prevention; multi‑hull; Standards Australia; shipbuilding.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS 4132.3-1993 is the Australian Standard titled "Boat and ship design and construction — Part 3: Fibre‑reinforced plastics construction", providing structural and construction requirements for FRP vessels up to 35 m in length.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers structural design and construction requirements for FRP hulls and components for vessels not exceeding 35 m, includes multi‑hull considerations, and supplies guidance on avoiding osmosis in FRP construction; novel vessel types are excluded.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Naval architects, marine engineers, boatbuilders, surveyors and compliance/procurement personnel working with FRP small craft design and construction.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is shown in Standards Australia product records as withdrawn; users should check the Standards Australia catalogue or a national standards body for the current normative references or any successor standards before relying on it for compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3 of the AS 4132 series on boat and ship design and construction, which includes related parts such as design loadings (Part 1) and aluminium construction (Part 2).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Fibre‑reinforced plastics (FRP), boat and ship design, small craft, structural requirements, osmosis, multi‑hull, Standards Australia, AS 4132.3-1993.