Hess PEAdamchak JCFalls J2010-02-152010-02-151997http://hdl.handle.net/1969.3/22735-A barge which was designed in accordance with American Bureau of Shipping rules for inland waterways barges less than 300 feet long underwent ultimate hull girder collapse while underway in the Galveston Bay near Houston, Texas. Two numerical analyses were conducted to determine the ultimate strength and the stress levels under operational loading. Commentary on the possible reasons for the failure are presented47A Ocean Sciences & Technology: Marine Engineering85G Transportation: Marine & Waterway TransportationAccident investigationsBargesBoat and ship accidentsDynamic loadsFailureFinite element analysisGalvestonGalveston bayGirdersHoustonHull girdersInland waterwaysMechanicsNumerical analysisRatesShippingStress analysisStructural failureTexasUnited StatesWaterwaysReport