Structural analysis of node cut-outs in a semi-submersible offshore platform

dc.contributor.authorKarlsson, Daniel
dc.contributor.authorForser, Mårten
dc.contributor.departmentChalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för sjöfart och marin tekniksv
dc.contributor.departmentChalmers University of Technology / Department of Shipping and Marine Technologyen
dc.date.accessioned2019-07-03T13:46:49Z
dc.date.available2019-07-03T13:46:49Z
dc.date.issued2015
dc.description.abstractThe connection between column and deck-box on a semi-submersible platform is often subjected to high stress concentrations that can be governing for the structural strength. One common design used to withstand the high stresses is a cast integral in high tensile material, which is both heavy and expensive to manufacture, which is why an alternative cut-out design is investigated. This thesis aims at analysing the current node connection, with a finite element analysis (FEA), with regard to yield stresses, buckling, fatigue damage, weight and cost in order to propose an alternative cut-out design using the same criteria. The cast integral, which is analysed as a reference case and used for comparison of designs, is of a typical design used by GVA Consultants AB. The alternative cut-out design is first studied in a simplified two-dimensional (2D) case, developed with applied loads and boundary conditions following recommendations from the classification society DNV-GL. Different geometrical cut-out shapes used in other applications are tested and evaluated. The cut-out design with the lowest yield stresses is implemented and further evaluated in a case study of a complete semisubmersible production platform. The cut-out design is investigated with a parametric study for the complete loading condition, which is defined from previous calculations performed by GVA. The cut-out is analysed with both the simplified fatigue assessment and with a stochastic approach, in order to investigate differences and inaccuracies in the methods. The parametric study shows that the use of a cut-out design may be advantageous in the centre bulkhead connection between the column and the deck-box. The adjacent geometry is of simple character and the cut-out does not affect the overall structural design. The cut-out is found to be a feasible alternative to the cast integral, with yield stresses and fatigue damage in the same range. Further refinements of the cut-out design could, however, decrease both yield stresses and fatigue damage, which is why the cutout is recommended in future work. The suggested cut-out solution leads to a decrease of 4.5 % in weight for a reference structure. For the same reference structure the production cost is estimated to decrease by 9.5 %, hence, the cut-out design is recommended for the centre bulkhead connection. However, it is concluded that the cut-out design is only developed for one specific semisubmersible platform in specific load conditions, for which reason further analysis and adjustments are needed for other applications and structures.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12380/221570
dc.language.isoeng
dc.relation.ispartofseriesReport. X - Department of Shipping and Marine Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
dc.setspec.uppsokTechnology
dc.subjectMaterialvetenskap
dc.subjectVattenteknik
dc.subjectKonstruktionsteknik
dc.subjectMaterials Science
dc.subjectWater Engineering
dc.subjectConstruction engineering
dc.titleStructural analysis of node cut-outs in a semi-submersible offshore platform
dc.type.degreeExamensarbete för masterexamensv
dc.type.degreeMaster Thesisen
dc.type.uppsokH
local.programmeNaval architecture and ocean engineering (MPNAV), MSc
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