ABSTRACT
Collision experiments in scaled marine structures are important for analysis of the energy absorption mechanism since real-scale tests are difficult and expensive to be carried out. However, according to literature review, reduction scales of up to ten times were practiced in past works because of the significant influence of smaller scale factors on the test response and increasing difficulty of manufacturing small real-scale-like structures. The aim of this work is to reproduce experimentally, in 1:40 reduction scale, a quasi-static crushing test of a web girder structure developed in early nineties by ASIS-Japan (Association for Structural Improvement of Shipbuilding Industry). The miniature web girder structure was built using 3d printing technology so entailing different manufacturing challenges when compared with large-size structures. Besides, the employ of an extreme reduction scale requires purpose-designed scaling laws to handle its effects adequately.
