Floating Dock Tilt Under Live Loads

[RampPusher]

Hello!

Our state building code requires that all floating docks (public or private) "shall have not more than 5 degrees tilt from the horizontal under uniform live loading on one half of the dock width or under concentrated load of 400 pounds applied within 12 inches of any side".

Assuming the buoyancy and dead weight are known, and all other loads (winds, impact, etc.) are negligible, How could I solve this for local and state inspectors?

 

[Lomarandil]

The center of loading and center of reaction will always coincide in plan view.

Center of loading is prescribed (with a little algebra and geometry)

Center of reaction can be solved through statics, with slightly higher pressure under the low side and slightly less under the rising side.

Solve for required geometry accordingly.

 

[3DDave]

See

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJU7ACOKjYI

for the portion of Initial Stability. I think what has to happen is an iterative process where the waterline is moved up and down to get a buoyancy condition that is in equilibrium.

Perhaps find a ship architect to run the numbers?