Aseismic Reliability Analysis Approach for Offshore Jacket Platform Structures

By means of nonlinear pushover collapse analysis approach, the aseismic reliability analyses of two offshore jacket platforms in the Bohai Gulf in China are studied according to their ocean location and environmental loadings there. On the basis of those analyses, an aseismic reliability analysis approach is presented. The results show that the aseismic reliability of those platforms is high. Also it is proved that this aseismic reliability analysis approach is simple, practical and reliable.

Adaptive Predictive Inverse Control of Offshore Jacket Platform Based on Rough Neural Network

The offshore jacket platform is a complex and time-varying nonlinear system, which can be excited of harmful vibration by external loads. It is difficult to obtain an ideal control performance for passive control methods or traditional active control methods based on accurate mathematic model. In this paper, an adaptive inverse control method is proposed on the basis of novel rough neural networks （RNN） to control the harmful vibration of the offshore jacket platform, and the offshore jacket platform model is established by dynamic stiffness matrix （DSM） method. Benefited from the nonlinear processing ability of the neural networks and data interpretation ability of the rough set theory, RNN is utilized to identify the predictive inverse model of the offshore jacket platform system. Then the identified model is used as the adaptive predictive inverse controller to control the harmful vibration caused by wave and wind loads, and to deal with the delay problem caused by signal transmission in the control process. The numerical results show that the constructed novel RNN has advantages such as clear structure, fast training speed and strong error-tolerance ability, and the proposed method based on RNN can effectively control the harmful vibration of the offshore jacket platform.

Parametric Study on the Effects of Pile Inclination Angle on the Response of Batter Piles in Offshore Jacket Platforms

Offshore jacket-type platforms are attached to the seabed by long batter piles. In this paper, results from a finite element analysis, verified against experimental data, are used to study the effect of the pile＇s inclination angle, and its interaction with the geometrical properties of the pile and the geotechnical characteristics of the surrounding soil on the behavior of the inclined piles supporting the jacket platforms. Results show that the inclination angle is one of the main parameters affecting the behavior of an offshore pile. We investigated the effect of the inclination angle on the maximum von Mises stress, maximum von Mises elastic strain, maximum displacement vector sum, maximum displacement in the horizontal direction, and maximum displacement in the vertical direction. Results indicate that the pile＇s operationally optimal degree of inclination is approximately 5°. By exceeding this value, the instability in the surrounding soil under applied loads grows extensively in all the geotechnical properties considered. Cohesive soils tend to display poorer results compared to grained soils.

Finite Element Simplified Fatigue Analysis Method for a Non-tubular Joint of an Offshore Jacket Platform

This paper proposes the finite element simplified fatigue analysis method for fatigue evaluation of the composite non-tubular joint structure of an offshore jacket subjected to wave loads. The skirt pile sleeve of the offshore jacket, which had been in service, was taken as an example of the non-tubular joint structure. SACS software was used for global analysis of multi-directional wave loads for the jacket platform, and ALGOR software was used to build a finite element model, perform finite element analysis, post-process stress results for acquiring the stress range, and perform fatigue evaluation. The analysis results indicate that the extreme stress range is within the allowable stress range and meets the requirements of DNV code. That means the simplified fatigue analysis method is effective and can be used in fatigue design for the non-tubular joint structure of an offshore jacket.

Optimum Design of Structure Shape for Offshore Jacket Platforms

With the introduction of the design variables of nodal coordinates, which reflect the embedded depth of the pile and the jacket bed height, a shape optimum design model for offshore jacket platforms is established. A sequential two-level optimum algorithm is developed based on the design variable gradation. On the basis of the finite element method, the sensitivity of the objective function and nodal displacement is analyzed. As an example, the BZ281 oil storage offshore platform, which ties in the Bohai oil field, is designed with the shape optimum model. The results are compared with the cross-section optimum design. The tendency of design variables and its reasons in the two methods are analyzed. In the shape optimum design, the value of objective function is obviously smaller than that of the initial design and the cross-section optimum design. Therefore, the advantage of structure shape optimum design for jacket platforms is remarkable.

Reliability-Based Load and Resistance Factors Design for Offshore Jacket Platforms in the Bohai Bay:Calibration on Target Reliability Index

The target reliability index has been effectively used as the best solution to deal with the relationship between the structural safety and the optimal economy in any structural design. However, the target reliability index for offshore jacket platforms based on different sea areas in China has never been calibrated. This paper presents an approach for its calibration, and suggests many kinds of associated load cases. The uncertainties of loads and structural resistance are mainly in- vestigated. The target reliability index for structural components, tubular joints and piles of offshore jacket plaffortns are discussed respectively in detail. Finally, through the calibrated results from the offshore jacket platforms of QK18-1, JZ20-2, SZ36-1 and BZ28-1 in the Bohai Bay, it is proposed to adopt 2.8 as the target reliability index of offshore jacket platforms in the Bohai Bay for a 25-year design period. The results provide significant reference for the design of offshore jacket platforms.

Multi-Objective Fuzzy Optimum Design Based on Reliability for Offshore Jacket Platforms

In consideration of the fuzzy constraint boundary and through analysis of structural reliability, a model of structural fuzzy optimum design is established based on reliability for offshore jacket platforms. According to the characteristics of offshore jacket platforms, the tolerance coefficient of the constraint boundary is determined with the fuzzy optimization method. The optimum level cut set lambda*, which is the intersection of the fuzzy constraint set and fuzzy objective set, is determined with the bound search method, and then the fuzzy optimum solution to the fuzzy optimization problem is obtained. The central offshore platform SZ36-1 is designed with the fuzzy optimum model based on reliability; the results are compared with those from deterministic optimum design and fuzzy optimum design. The tendency of design variables in the above three methods and its reasons are analyzed. The results of an example show that the fuzzy optimum design based on reliability is stable and reliable.

Damage Detection of Offshore Jacket Structures Using Frequency Domain Selective Measurements

The development of damage detection techniques for offshore jacket structures is vital to prevent catastrophic events. This paper applies a frequency response based method for the purpose of structural health monitoring. In efforts to fulfill this task, concept of the minimum rank perturbation theory has been utilized. The present article introduces a promising methodology to select frequency points effectively. To achieve this goal, modal strain energy ratio of each member was evaluated at different natural frequencies of structure in order to identify the sensitive frequency domain for damage detection. The proposed methodology opens up the possibility of much greater detection efficiency. In addition, the performance of the proposed method was evaluated in relation to multiple damages. The aforementioned points are illustrated using the numerical study of a two dimensional jacket platform, and the results proved to be satisfactory utilizing the proposed methodology.

Reliability-Based Full-Life Cycle Optimum Design of Offshore Jacket Platform

Based on the consideration of operation environment and structural property, an optimum design model of offshore jacket platform is developed in this paper, namely, the reliability-based full-life cycle optimum design model. In this model, the time-dependent reliability assessment method for structural members is established by combination of the decrease of sectional size and performance deterioration of material. The initial investment, maintenance cost and failure loss cost are assembled into the model. The total cost of the platform structure system in its full service period is chosen as the objective function, and the initial reliabilities of the layer elements partitioned in advance are taken as the design variables. Different models are obtained, depending on whether the system reliability constraint is considered or not. This optimum design model can result in the lowest full-life cost and the optimal initial layer reliability of an offshore jacket platform in the design of marine structures. The feasibility of this model is illustrated with an actual jacket platform in the Liaodong Gulf as an example.

Reliability-Based Load and Resistance Factors Design for Offshore Jacket Platforms in the Bohai Bay:Calibration on Design Factors

For the fulfillment of the probability-based structural design for the offshore jacket platforms in the Bohai Bay, the design factors of loads, resistance and load combinations are much necessary to be calibrated according to the proposed target reliability index. Firstly, the limit states function for the offshore jacket platforms is introduced. Then, four approaches to calibrate the factors of load and resistance are presented and compared. Afterwards, the methods to calibrate the load combination factors are developed. Finally, the factors of load, resistance and load combination for the offshore jacket platforms in the Bohai Bay are calibrated and the corresponding design formulae are recommended. The results are proved to be rational in practice, and also illustrate that the proposed target reliability index for offshore jacket platforms in the Bohai Bay is also appropriate.

Structural Integrity Assessment of Offshore Jackets Considering Proper Modeling of Buckling in Tubular Members-a Case Study of Resalat Jacket

In the present research,results of buckling analysis of 384 finite element models,verified using three different test results obtained from three separate experimental investigations,were used to study the effects of five parameters such as D/t,L/D,imperfection,mesh size and mesh size ratio.Moreover,proposed equations by offshore structural standards concerning global and local buckling capacity of tubular members including former API RP 2A WSD and recent API RP 2A LRFD,ISO 19902,and NORSOK N-004 have been compared to FE and experimental results.One of the most crucial parts in the estimation of the capacity curve of offshore jacket structures is the correct modeling of compressive members to properly investigate the interaction of global and local buckling which leads to the correct estimation of performance levels and ductility.Achievement of the proper compressive behavior of tubular members validated by experimental data is the main purpose of this paper.Modeling of compressive braces of offshore jacket platforms by 3D shell or solid elements can consider buckling modes and deformations due to local buckling.ABAQUS FE software is selected for FE modeling.The scope of action of each of elastic buckling,plastic buckling,and compressive yielding for various L/r ratios is described.Furthermore,the most affected part of each parameter on the buckling capacity curve is specified.The pushover results of the Resalat Jacket with proper versus improper modeling of compressive members have been compared as a case study.According to the results,applying improper mesh size for compressive members can under-predict the ductility by 33%and under-estimate the lateral loading capacity by up to 8%.Regarding elastic stiffness and post-buckling strength,the mesh size ratio is introduced as the most effective parameter.Besides,imperfection is significantly the most important parameter in terms of critical buckling load.

Inelastic Nonlinear Pushover Analysis of Fixed Jacket-Type Offshore Platform with Different Bracing Systems Considering Soil-Structure Interaction

In this study, inelastic nonlinear pushover analysis is performed on a 3-D model of a jacket-type offshore platform for the North Sea conditions. The structure＇ is modelled, analyzed and designed using finite element software SACS （structural analysis computer system）. The behavior of jackets with different bracing systems under pushover analysis is examined. Further, by varying the leg batter values of the platform, weight optimization is carried-out. Soil-structure interaction effect is considered in the analyses and the results are compared with the hypothetical fixed-support end condition. Static and dynamic pushover analyses are performed by using wave and seismic loads respectively. From the analyses, it is found that the optimum leg batter varies between 15 to 16 and 2% of weight saving is achieved. Moreover, it has been observed that the type of bracing does not play a major role in the seismic design of jacket platform considering the soil-structure interaction.

Calibration of LRFD Format for Steel Jacket Offshore Platforms in China Offshore Area(1) :Statistical Parameters of Loads and Resistances

The statistical characteristics and parameters of loads and resistances are systematically studied for the development of probabilistic limit state design method for steel jacket offshore platforms in the China offshore area. The mean value, standard variance and distribution pattern of resistances and loads in different base perieds are presented. The statistical parameters of structural member resistance, self-weight, deck live load, and environmental loads such as wind, wave, current and ice, which are drawn on a large amount of observatian data of offshore environmental factors, and the design data of platforms in China Bohai Sea form the data set, providing a necessary basis for the calibration of load and resistance factors to realize the reliability-based design of jacket platform structures.

Calibration of LRFD Format for Steel Jacket OffshorePlatform in China Offshore Area(2): Load, Resistance and Load Combination Factors

Adopting the load and resistance factor design format, the design method for steel jaeket platform structures is developed. Firstly, the limit state equations and design format for steel jacket platform structures are introduced. Then, the ratio of live load effect to dead load effect is estimated. The target reliabilities for design of offshore structures in China offshore area are calibrated by past practice in API RP2A-WSD code. The load and resistance factors are optimized by minimizing the difference within the target reliability and the resulting reliability over the range of load effect ratios. Considering the concurrence of different loads, load combination factors are obtained through an optimization process, and the relation between the load combination factor and load correlation coefficient is established. Finally, the design formulae for steel jacket structures in China offshore area are recommended.

A new bracing system for improvement of seismic performance of steel jacket type offshore platforms with float-over-deck

In this paper, the seismic response of a newly designed steel jacket offshore platform with a float over deck （FOD） system in the Persian Gulf was investigated through incremental dynamic analysis. Comparison of incremental dynamic analysis results for both directions of the platform shows that the lateral strength of the platform in the float over direction is less than its lateral strength in other direction. Dynamic characteristics measurement of a scale model of platform was also performed using forced vibration tests. From experimental measurement of the scaled model, it was observed that dynamic characteristic of the platform is different in the float over direction compared to the other direction. Therefore, a new offshore installed bracing system for the float over direction was proposed for improvement of seismic performance of this type of platform. Finally, the structure with the modified system was assessed using the probabilistic seismic assessment method as well as experimental measurement of its dynamic characteristics. It was observed that the proposed offshore installed bracing system improves the performance of platforms subjected to strong ground motion.

Investigation on the Effect of Geometrical and Geotechnical Parameters on Elongated Offshore Piles Using Fuzzy Inference Systems

Among numerous offshore structures used in oil extraction, jacket platforms are still the most favorable ones in shallow waters. In such structures, log piles are used to pin the substructure of the platform to the seabed. The pile＇s geometrical and geotechnical properties are considered as the main parameters in designing these structures. In this study, ANSYS was used as the FE modeling software to study the geometrical and geotechnical properties of the offshore piles and their effects on supporting jacket platforms. For this purpose, the FE analysis has been done to provide the preliminary data for the fuzzy-logic post-process. The resulting data were implemented to create Fuzzy Inference System （FIS） classifications. The resultant data of the sensitivity analysis suggested that the orientation degree is the main factor in the pile＇s geometrical behavior because piles which had the optimal operational degree of about 5° arc more sustained. Finally, the results showed that the related fuzzified data supported the FE model and provided an insight for extended offshore pile designs.

Multiple Tuned Mass Damper Based Vibration Mitigation of Offshore Wind Turbine Considering Soil–Structure Interaction

The dynamics of jacket supported offshore wind turbine （OWT） in earthquake environment is one of the progressing focuses in the renewable energy field. Soil-structure interaction （SSI） is a fundamental principle to analyze stability and safety of the structure. This study focuses on the performance of the multiple tuned mass damper （MTMD） in minimizing the dynamic responses of the structures objected to seismic loads combined with static wind and wave loads. Response surface methodology （RSM） has been applied to design the MTMD parameters. The analyses have been performed under two different boundary conditions： fixed base （without SSI） and flexible base （with SSI）. Two vibration modes of the structure have been suppressed by multi-mode vibration control principle in both cases. The effectiveness of the MTMD in reducing the dynamic response of the structure is presented. The dynamic SSI plays an important role in the seismic behavior of the jacket supported OWT, especially resting on the soft soil deposit. Finally, it shows that excluding the SSI effect could be the reason of overestimating the MTMD performance.

An Improved CHC Algorithm for Damage Diagnosis of Offshore Platforms

An improved CHC algorithm is proposed in the paper and it could be used for the damage diagnosis of structures. It breaks the bottle neck of genetic algorithm in the damage diagnosis of large structures and takes a shorter time than the SGA (Stan- dard Genetic Algorithm) in diagnosing structural damage with the same level of error. The case studies show that the algorithm is rapid in convergence and produces satisfactory results in diagnosing both fixed-end beams and jacket offshore platforms.

Stress Concentration Factors at Saddle and Crown Positions on the Central Brace of Two-Planar Welded CHS DKT-connections

A set of parametric stress analyses was carried out for two-planar tubular DKT-joints under different axial loading conditions. The analysis results were used to present general remarks on the effects of the geometrical parameters on stress concentration factors （SCFs） at the inner saddle, outer saddle, and crown positions on the central brace. Based on results of finite element （FE） analysis and through nonlinear regression analysis, a new set of SCF parametric equations was established for fatigue design purposes. An assessment study of equations was conducted against the experimental data and original SCF database. The satisfaction of acceptance criteria proposed by the UK Department of Energy （UK DoE） was also checked. Results of parametric study showed that highly remarkable differences exist between the SCF values in a multi-planar DKT-joint and the corresponding SCFs in an equivalent uni-planar KT-joint having the same geometrical properties. It can be clearly concluded from this observation that using the equations proposed for uni-planar KT-connections to compute the SCFs in multi-planar DKT-joints will lead to either considerably under-predicting or over-predicting results. Hence, it is necessary to develop SCF formulae specially designed for multi-planar DKT-joints. Good results of equation assessment according to UK DoE acceptance criteria, high values of correlation coefficients, and the satisfactory agreement between the predictions of the proposed equations and the experimental data guarantee the accuracy of the equations. Therefore, the developed equations can be reliably used for fatigue design of offshore structures.

Retrofit of Ressalat jacket platform (Persian Gulf) using friction damper device

A friction damper device (FDD) is used for vibration control of an existing steel jacket platform under seismic excitation. First, the damping is presented for vibration mitigation of structures located in seismically active zones. A new method for quick design of friction or yielding damping devices is presented. The effectiveness of the damping system employing such FDDs in a jacket platform is evaluated numerically. The influence of key parameters of the damping system on the vibration suppression of the offshore structure is studied in detail. To examine the vibration control effectiveness of the FDD for the jacket platform, performance of the controlled structure under the seismic forces is studied using numerical simulations. A parametric study is undertaken to discover the optimized slip load and brace area of the FDD. It is shown that the FDD is effective in mitigating the dynamic responses of the offshore platform structure.