How do I calculate the capacity of a Barge?
Two main factors come into play here. One is the strength of the hull to withstand water pressure from the sides and the other is the strength of the deck. Assuming that your barge is built strong enough measure the overall dimensions of the barge to establish its volume. Deduct the volume of the area of the barge that is below the water line when the barge is empty. This is the weight of the barge when multiplied by the amount (weight) of the water it displaces.. Calculate the remaining volume and multiply it by the weight of the volume of water. This is the maximum load assuming that you would load the barge so that it floats with the water at deck level (applicable when loading sand or gravel). One last consideration is the barge’s stability under load and this would require another type of calculation. What I have given you would be a swift calculation however the stability would be the overriding factor.
