49 C.F.R. § 178.346-2

Current through May 31, 2024
Section 178.346-2 - Material and thickness of material

The type and thickness of material for DOT 406 specification cargo tanks must conform to §178.345-2, but in no case may the thickness be less than that determined by the minimum thickness requirements in §178.320(a). The following Tables I and II identify the specified minimum thickness values to be employed in that determination.

TABLE I-SPECIFIED MINIMUM THICKNESS OF HEADS (OR BULKHEADS AND BAFFLES WHEN USED AS TANK REINFORCEMENT) USING MILD STEEL (MS), HIGH STRENGTH LOW ALLOY STEEL (HSLA), AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL (SS), OR ALUMINUM (AL)-EXPRESSED IN DECIMALS OF AN INCH AFTER FORMING

MaterialVolume capacity in gallons per inch of length
14 or lessOver 14 to 23Over 23
MSHSLA SSALMSHSLA SSALMSHSLA SSAL
Thickness.100.100.160.115.115.173.129.129.187

TABLE II-SPECIFIED MINIMUM THICKNESS OF SHELL USING MILD STEEL (MS), HIGH STRENGTH LOW ALLOY STEEL (HSLA), AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL (SS), OR ALUMINUM (AL)-EXPRESSED IN DECIMALS OF AN INCH AFTER FORMING 1

Cargo tank motor vehicle rated capacity (gallons)MSSS/HSLAAL
More than 0 to at least 4,5000.1000.1000.151
More than 4,500 to at least 8,0000.1150.1000.160
More than 8,000 to at least 14,0000.1290.1290.173
More than 14,0000.1430.1430.187

1 Maximum distance between bulkheads, baffles, or ring stiffeners shall not exceed 60 inches.

49 C.F.R. §178.346-2

Amdt. 178-89, 54 FR 25028, 6/12/1989, as amended at 55 FR 37064, 9/7/1990; Amdt. 178-105, 59 FR 55176, 11/3/1994; 68 FR 19285, 4/18/2003