Overlaid course plates for thickness

[andyross333]

I have a client who has ordered 3/16" THK 304L for their bottom course and now requires a thicker course instead. The tank is not yet built but material has been ordered. I thought I have seen an API 650 tank in the past using overlaid sheets to gain more thickness although perhaps my memory is incorrect. I looked through the standard and don't see anything referencing this as an acceptable design. My client is wondering if they could use another 3/16" plate to overlay and therefore have a total of 3/8" THK on the bottom course?

Thanks in advance for your response.

 

[JStephen]

This is not normal tank construction practice. Buy the thicker plate, use the thinner plate elsewhere.

 

[IFRs]

Two plates as you describe will not behave nor have the strength of one plate that is twice the thickness. Follow guru JStephen's advice!