ROBERT SEPPINGS, A VISIONARY STRUCTURALIST

The prolegomena of graphical statics in shipbuilding are uncertain and can only be deduced from a thorough reading of some authors’ writings. Among them, Robert Seppings excelled for his innovative ideas especially concerning the increase of resistance of vessels, in particular with respect to the hogging phenomenon, by using reticular structures. The intent of this article is to tell a short story of the innovations and improvements that have taken place in wooden shipbuilding starting from the ideas of Seppings, regarding naval design engineering as well as the architecture of shipyard buildings. The importance of these ideas is proved by the fact that once entered the shipyard they were in use until the second half of the 19th century when they were finally replaced by the use of iron and steel. For these reasons, Seppings’ ideas and drawings are a precious part of the maritime heritage which deserves to be remembered.