The Optimal Design of TMD for Offshore Structures

This paper presents the optimal design procedure of Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) for reducing vibration of an actual steel jacket offshore platform excited by random wave loading. In this study, a frequency domain is taken. The force on the structure is determined by use of the linearized Morison equation for an input Power Spectral Density (PSD) of wave elevation. The sensitivity of optimum values of TMD to characteristic parameters of random wave spectrum is analyzed. An optimized TMD design for the modeled platform is given based on design conditions and the findings of the study.

Fatigue reliability analysis of fixed offshore structures:A first passage problem approach

This paper describes a methodology for computation of reliability of members of fixed offshore platform structures, with respect to fatigue. Failure criteria were formulated using fracture mechanics principle. The problem is coined as a “first passage problem”. The method was illustrated through application to a typical plane frame structure. The fatigue reliability degradation curve established can be used for planning in-service inspection of offshore platforms. A very limited parametric study was carried out to obtain insight into the effect of important variables on the fatigue reliability.

Recent Developments in Fatigue Assessment of Ships and Offshore Structures

A review is provided of various approaches that have been adopted recently to assess the fatigue of ships and offshore structures.The relevant fatigue loading is reviewed first,focusing on the successive loading and unloading of the cargo and the transient loadings.The factors influencing fatigue strength are discussed,including the geometrical parameters,material,residual stress,and ones related to the environment.Different approaches for fatigue analyses of seam-welded joints are covered,i.e.,the structural stress or strain approach,the notch stress or strain approach,notch intensity approach,and the crack propagation approach.

Analysis and Research of Ice Loads Acting on Offshore Structures

Usually, the action of sea ice on offshore engineering structures is one of the controlling loads in cold waters engineering structure design. The reasonable selection of environmental condition and the physical mechanical properties of ice in the region are directly related to the structure design, operation and safety. In this paper, the sea ice force acting on the structure, the physical mechanical properties of ice and the selection of parameters in calculation are discussed. Some suggestions are proposed as to the calculation of various kinds of ice loads acting on the structure.

Two phenomena: Honji instability, and ringing of offshore structures

Honji instability and ringing of offshore structrures are two different phenomena. Honji instability occurs at a circular cylinder in transverse periodic finite motion in a water tank. It is superposed on the streaming flow induced by the cylinder’s boundary layer. Its oscillation period is half of the period of the cylinder oscillation. Finite volume calculations of the filtered Navier-Stokes equations visualize the three-dimensional instability, where fluid particles transported by the circumferencial roll pairs exhibit a periodic mushroom-like pattern. Force is the same with and without the Honji instability. The large eddy simulation calculations for high Reynolds number support a drag coefficient in accordance with the Stokes-Wang solution below separation and conform with experimental measurements of the damping force on a harmonically oscillating cylinder. Ringing of offshore structures are vibrations which appear at natural frequencies and concern fatigue. It is generated by a higher harmonic force oscillating with frequency being 3-4 times the fundamental wave frequency. Together with a strong inertia load in phase with the incoming wave’s acceleration, a secondary load cycle appears in strong seas when the wave crest leaves the structure; this occurs about 1/4 wave period after the main force peak, it starts when the wave crest is about one cylinder radius behind the cylinder, lasts for about 15-20 percent of the wave period and has a magnitude up to 11 % of the peak-to-peak total force. It is a gravity effect and appears in strong irregular seas when kA > 0.18 and um/√gD > 0.4 (k wavenumber, A amplitude, um maximal wave induced velocity, g acceleration of gravity, D cylinder diameter).

STRESS ANALYSIS OF RING STIFFENED TUBULAR JOINTS FOR OFFSHORE STRUCTURES——REVIEW OF STUDIES IN CHINA

In China, the stress analysis of tubular joints for offshore structures was started at the end of 1970's. In addition to simple joints, the ring stiffened tubular joint have been analyzed recently. In this paper, the author reviews the research work of stress analysis of ring stiffened joints, including brief introduction to the methods used, stress concentration behaviour, effects of ring stiffeners' number, location, dimension, type and stress distribution of ring stiffeners. Emperical formulae for predicting SCF of ring stiffened joints are also presented.

A New Probability of Detection Model for Updating Crack Distribution of Offshore Structures

There exists model uncertainty of probability of detection for inspecting ship structures with nondestructive inspection techniques. Based on a comparison of several existing probability of detection (POD) models, a new probability of detection model is proposed for the updating of crack size distribution. Furthermore, the theoretical derivation shows that most existing probability of detection models are special cases of the new probability of detection model. The least square method is adopted for determining the values of parameters in the new POD model. This new model is also compared with other existing probability of detection models. The results indicate that the new probability of detection model can fit the inspection data better. This new probability of detection model is then applied to the analysis of the problem of crack size updating for offshore structures. The Bayesian updating method is used to analyze the effect of probability of detection models on the posterior distribution of a crack size. The results show that different probabilities of detection models generate different posterior distributions of a crack size for offshore structures.

Green Offshore Structures Promising Viable Utilization of Shipyard Facilities

The shipbuilding industry in Europe is in crisis due to the recent economic recession and competition from countries with low labour costs. Greek shipyards have been forced to make a series of structural changes which have resulted in lower employment levels. Although these changes were gradually creating the conditions for shipyards profitably to re-enter international markets, the current economic crisis and the consequences to the shipping sector have created major problems to the shipyards employment. Perama shiprepair zone, an industrial zone mainly consisted from SMEs （small and medium enterprises） in shipbuilding and shiprepairing sector, has faced major problem for its survivability. In this article, a new approach is presented. Green offshore structures are expected to create competitive advantages in the zone and be a way to utilize available facilities and recover from the existing situation. International experience through case studies is presented followed by economic and technical feasibility for offshore windturbines construction and wave energy devices in shipyards. Finally, a general model shows that sustainable development is possible and shipyards have the adaptability and resources required tbr the production of renewable energy offshore structures.

Multiple-Step Predictive Control for Offshore Structures

Ocean wave propagation is slow, visible and measurable, so a wave theory can be used to approximately predict the imminnent wave force on an offshore structure based on measured, real-time wave elevation near the structure. This predictability suggests the development of a more efficient algorithm, than those that have been developed for structures under wind and seismic loads, for the active vibration control of offshore structures. The present study delveops a mutiple-step predictive optimal control (MPOC) algorithm that accounts for multiple step external loading in the determination of optimal control forces. The control efficiency of the newly developed MPOC algorithm has been Investigated under both regular (single-frequency) and irregular (multiple-frequency) wave loads, and compared with that of two other well-known optimal control algorithms: classical linear optimal control(CLOC) and instantaneous optimal control(IOC).

Analysis of Collision Protection for Ocean and Offshore Structures

An elasto-plastie impact model based on the p-version finite element method is presented for the collision protection of ocean and offshore structures. The impact force and responses of the impactor-absorber-structure system can be predicted efficiently and automatically. A cost-effective Cellular Reinforced Concrete Absorber （CRCA） is designed to smooth the impact force and absorb the impact energy. Quasi-static tests show that the concrete absorber has an excellent energy absorbing characteristic. The impact experiment of a scaled offshore oil-piping frame with the proposed concrete absorber is carried out. The simulation results of the elasto-plastie model and the p-version finite element method are in good agreement with the experimental ones. Owing to the plastic deformation of the absorber, the impact force during the impact and responses of the structure are considerably reduced. Further, the proposed impact model and the concrete absorber are applied to the design of collision protection of the sheet-pile groin on the Qiantang River used to weaken the famous Qiantang bore.

Structural Vibration Mode Re-Analysis of Offshore Structures

-This paper reviews the current methodology for dynamic reanalysis. Rayleigh-Ritz approach and receptance approach are discussed in detail. Based on a general finite element structural analysis program SAPS, an eigenproblem re-analysis prorgram ERP was compiled. With a very small change the program can be implemented readily with any general FEM program. Finally, some numerical examples show that the new algorithm is of high precision and efficiency. In the case of local modification in the offshore platform, the efficiency is raised by 20- 50 times when compared with the re-calculation of the whole model.

Scour and liquefaction issues for anchors and other subsea structures in floating offshore wind farms: A review

This article reviews scouring and liquefaction issues for anchor foundations of floating offshore wind farms.The review is organized in two sections:(1)the scouring issues for drag-embedment anchors(DEAs)and other subsea structures associated with DEAs such as tensioners,clump weights,and chains in floating offshore wind farms;and(2)the liquefaction issues for the same types of structures,particularly for DEAs.The scouring processes are described in detail,and the formulae and design guidelines for engineering predictions are included for quantities like scour depth,time scale,and sinking due to general shear failure of the bed soil caused by scoui\The latter is furnished with numerical examples.Likewise,in the second section,the liquefaction processes are described with special reference to residual liquefaction where pore-water pressure builds up in undrained soils(such as fine sand and silt)under waves,leading to liquefaction of the bed soil and precipitating failure of DEAs and their associated subsea structures.An integrated mathematical model to deal with liquefaction around and the resulted sinking failure of DEAs,introduced in a recent study,has been revisited.Implementation of the model is illustrated with a numerical example.It is believed that the present review and the existing literatures from the"neighboring"fields form a complementary source of information on scour and liquefaction around foundations of floating offshore wind farms.

Fouling in offshore areas southeast of the Zhujiang(Pearl)River Delta,the northern South China Sea

In order to understand the type and extent of marine fouling in offshore areas southeast ofthe Zhujiang (Pearl) River delta, within the period form May 1986 to June 1987, two biological buoys were deployed at water depths of 95 m and 113 m located in 114 km and 160 km off the coast of Hong Kong, respectively. Moreover, the fouling community of a Marex hydrological buoy located in 115 m depth water 172 km off Hong Kong was also surveyed. The results show that a total of 78 species were collected and identified. The panels exposed for 3 months were mainly dominated by stalked barnacles Conchoderma hunteri and Lepas anatifera and hydroids Orthopyxis sp. As for the buoys, including the subsurface buoy, and their mooring systems exposed for 6 and 12 months, respectively, some hard foulers such as common oysters, pearl oysters, acorn barnacles and bryozoans were also found. The compositions of fouling communities also varied greatly with depth.

LOCAL FLEXIBILITY BEHAVIOR OF TUBULAR JOINTS AND ITS EFFECT ON GLOBAL ANALYSIS OF TUBULAR STRUCTURES

In the tubular frames with simple joints, the joints may show considerable local flexibility, which causes excessive deformation and affects internal force distributions. It is useful and important to study turbular joint flexibility as well as the effect of joint local flexibility on the global behavior of tubular structure for the design and building of offshore platforms. A new method for computing the stiffness coefficients of simple tubular joints is developed in this paper based on two previous computing models. According to this method, the local flexibility of T, Y, TY tubular joints are computed. This method has merits of clear physical sense, simplicity of computations and less c.p.u. time. The effect of flexibility of tubular joints on the global behavior of framed tubular structures is investigated by comparing the computed results of tubular structures with flexible tubular joints with those with rigid connections. The comparison shows that the consideration of local flexibility of tubular joints and its effect on the stress analysis of offshore structures has its practical significance.

Marine Structures: Future Trends and the Role of Universities

This paper emphasizes some of the challenges and trends associated with the future development of marine structures. Its main focus is on ways to improve the efficiency of energy-consuming ships, and on design challenges related to energy-producing offshore structures. This paper also discusses the analysis tools that are most needed to enable sustainable designs for future ships and offshore structures. The last section of the paper contains thoughts on the role of universities in education, research, and innovation regarding marine structures. It discusses curriculum requirements for maritime-technology education, basic research activities, and international cooperation.

Estimation of Probability of Damage Detection in Offshore Structural Inspection

To characterize the uncertainty and fuzziness in offshore structural inspection, probability of detection (POD) must be determined. This paper presents the expressions for the POD of four different damage forms mainly existing in offshore structures. The fuzzy-set theory is applied to estimate human errors through the definition of inspection quality. Expressions of inspection quality are achieved. To verify the validity and correctness of the expressions, the data from an offshore platform field inspection of evaluation results of human errors affecting inspection quality are used to estimate the parameters of the POD. The results show that the present models can provide basis for further study of ofTshore structural inspection reliability.

Reliability Analysis for Offshore Platform Structural Systems

A system reliability estimation method for spatial jacket platforms is developed in this paper. The jacket platform is modeled into three-dimensional assembly of spatial beam and plate elements in Finite Element Method (FEM). The limit failure states correspond to collapse of a series of structural members which are identified by engineering design criteria. In this paper the following aspects are taken into account: the punching shear and buckling failures in member failure modes for the tubular joints and tubular columns respectively; incremental loading approach for establishment of the safety margin equations of system failure; the algorithm of enumerating significant failure modes for the structural systems and other concepts, such as the false failure mode and the virtual limit state. The final work is devoted to the reliability analysis for a practical jacket platform presently put into operation on the Bohai Sea. The computed results shows that method suggested in this paper is feasible and effective for the evaluation of the system reliability of offshore platforms.

Coating Protection for Production Facilities of Offshore Oil Fields

This paper describes coating protection of production facilities of offshore oil fields based on the practice of development of Bohai Offshore Oil Field, with focus laid on the selection of coating systems, surface preparation, coating application, as well as coating inspection for four types of major production facilities.

RECENT PROGRESS IN STRESS ANALYSIS OF TUBULAR JOINTS OF OFFSHORE PLATFORMS IN CHINA

The recent research achievements on stress analysis of tubular joints in China are presented in this paper. Both theoretical analysis and experimental research on the elastic, elasto-plastic and rigid-plastic behavior of tubular joints are investigated.

Condition Assessment Techniques for Aged Fixed-Type Offshore Platforms Considering Decommissioning:a Historical Review

In this study,the technical papers on structural condition assessment of aged fixed-type offshore platforms reported over the past few decades are presented.Other ancillary related works are also discussed.Large numbers of researches are available in the area of requalification for life extension of offshore jacket platforms.Many of these studies involve reassessment of existing platforms by means of conducting pushover analysis,a static nonlinear collapse analysis method to evaluate the structure nonlinear behaviour and capacity beyond the elastic limit.From here,the failure mechanism and inherent reserve strength/capacity of the overall truss structure are determined.This method of doing reassessment is described clearly in the industry-adopted codes and standards such the API,ISO,PTS and NORSOK codes.This may help understand the structural behaviour of aged fixed offshore jacket structures for maintenance or decommissioning.