A Simplified Method for Quantitative Reliability and Integrity Analysis of Steel Catenary Risers

2015 ◽  
Vol 138 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mir Emad Mousavi ◽  
Zaqie Reza ◽  
Sanjeev Upadhye ◽  
Vishnu Vijayaraghavan ◽  
Kevin Haverty
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Design ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Limit State ◽  
Fatigue Reliability ◽  
Strength Limit ◽  
Strength Failure ◽  
Annual Probability ◽  
Steel Catenary Risers ◽  
Integrity Analysis ◽  
Scr System

Quantitative reliability and integrity analysis of steel catenary risers (SCRs) can provide important information about their safety and toward their cost-effective and optimal design. SCRs are one of the commonly used riser systems in offshore production stations. The consequence of an SCR failure is significant; however, the overall safety of the riser is typically not quantified. Especially, because of the uncertainties associated with environmental conditions and structural capacities, quantitative reliability methods can take advantage of available data and developments in computing technology to provide a strong basis for their reliable engineering decision making. This paper presents a simplified approach for assessing the strength and fatigue reliability of SCRs, accounting for the uncertainties with their yield strength and fatigue capacities as well as the environmental conditions. Moreover, the integrity-based optimal design of riser strength limit state for a target annual probability of failure is discussed. The fatigue reliability of the SCR system is also assessed in component and system levels. The proposed method is then applied to a typical SCR attached to a semisubmersible vessel under Gulf of Mexico (GOM) conditions. Results of dynamic (time-domain) analyses under various environmental conditions are used to quantify the SCR safety and integrity and to optimize its design for a target annual probability of strength failure. By estimating the riser system probability of strength and fatigue failure in its lifetime, the strength and fatigue integrity indices, and the optimality factors of the riser sections for the strength limit state, suggestions are provided to improve the riser design. For example, it was found that considering the two main limit states of strength and fatigue failure of the SCR system, a strength failure at the taper stress joint (TSJ) is the likely mode of failure in this riser system, which has a probability of 0.0035 in its 25 year lifetime.

A Simplified Method for Quantitative Reliability and Integrity Analysis of SCRs

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mir Emad Mousavi ◽  
Zaqie Reza ◽  
Sanjeev Upadhye ◽  
Vishnu Vijayaraghavan ◽  
Kevin Haverty
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Design ◽  
Fatigue Failure ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Limit State ◽  
Fatigue Reliability ◽  
Strength Limit ◽  
Strength Failure ◽  
Annual Probability ◽  
Integrity Analysis ◽  
Scr System

Quantitative reliability and integrity analysis of Steel Catenary Risers (SCR) can provide important information about their safety and towards their cost-effective and optimal design. SCRs are one of the commonly used riser systems in offshore production stations. The consequence of a SCR failure is significant; however, the overall safety of the riser is typically not quantified. Especially, because of the uncertainties associated with environmental conditions and structural capacities, quantitative reliability methods can take advantage of available data and developments in computing technology to provide a strong basis for their reliable engineering decision making. This paper presents a simplified approach for assessing the strength and fatigue reliability of SCRs, accounting for the uncertainties with their yield-strength and fatigue capacities as well as the environmental conditions. Moreover, the integrity-based optimal design of riser strength limit state for a target annual probability of failure is discussed. The fatigue reliability of the SCR system is also assessed in component and system levels. The proposed method is then applied to a typical SCR attached to a semi-submersible vessel under Gulf of Mexico conditions. Results of dynamic (time-domain) analyses under various environmental conditions are used to quantify the SCR safety and integrity and to optimize its design for a target annual probability of strength failure. By estimating the riser system probability of strength and fatigue failure in its lifetime, the strength and fatigue integrity indices, and the optimality factors of the riser sections for the strength limit state, suggestions are provided to improve the riser design. For example, it was found that considering the two main limit states of strength and fatigue failure of the SCR system, a strength failure at the taper stress joint is the likely mode of failure in this riser system, which has a probability of 0.0035 in its 25 years lifetime.

Probabilistic Fatigue Reliability of Large Diameter Steel Catenary Risers (SCR) for Ultra-Deepwater Operations

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. O. Akpan ◽  
T. S. Koko ◽  
P. A. Rushton ◽  
A. Tavassoli ◽  
M. Else
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Strength ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Random Variables ◽  
Fatigue Reliability ◽  
Strength Parameters ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Steel Catenary Risers

For deepwater development in the Gulf of Mexico, steel catenary risers (SCRs) supported from both SPAR and semi-submersible platforms have proven to be successful solutions for in-field flowlines, tie-backs, and export systems. It is envisaged that this will continue to be a promising solution in ultra deep-water applications, up to and beyond 10,000 ft. The study, commissioned by the Mineral Management Service (MMS), investigated the reliability of large-diameter SCRs in ultra-deepwater operations. The primary damage mode considered is fatigue failure. A probabilistic methodology for fatigue reliability is developed, which utilizes deterministic cumulative fatigue damage indicators, namely the stress levels and cycles associated with the various sea states and the fatigue strength of the members. Uncertainties in structural load and material properties are accounted for by assigning probability distributions and standard deviations to the deterministic stress levels. Furthermore, fatigue strength parameters, Miner’s indices, and capacities are modeled as random variables. First order reliability method (FORM) is employed for estimating fatigue reliability. The methodology is applied to three deterministic case studies presented by Intec Engineering (2006a, 2006b). The case studies involved either a SPAR or a semi-submersible platform. For the sake of brevity, a case study involving only a SPAR platform is presented in this paper. The effect of uncertainties in parameters on fatigue reliabilities is investigated. It is observed that the fatigue reliability estimates followed similar trends as the deterministic cumulative damage results, and hence can be used to complement deterministic estimates. Additional benefit and insight gained from the probabilistic study, which can be used for design decisions, include information regarding probabilistic importance and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. For case study presented here, it is seen that in general, uncertainty in the fatigue strength exponent (m) has the highest impact on fatigue reliability of SCRs. The second most important random variable is the stress range (S), which captures uncertainties in parameters such as loads and material properties. Parametric sensitivity studies on the fatigue strength parameters indicate that SCR reliability is sensitive to both the standard deviation and probability distribution of the parameters, thus highlighting the need for accurate probabilistic calibration of the random variables.

Bridge 1-351 over Muddy Run: Design, Testing, and Erection of an All-Composite Bridge

2000 ◽  
Vol 1696 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Gillespie ◽  
D. A. Eckel ◽  
W. M. Edberg ◽  
S. A. Sabol ◽  
D. R. Mertz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Flexural Rigidity ◽  
Limit State ◽  
Engineering Properties ◽  
Molding Process ◽  
Strength Limit ◽  
Large Scale Testing ◽  
Longitudinal Joint ◽  
Composite Bridge

Bridge 1.351 on Business Route 896 in Glasgow, Delaware, was replaced with one of the first state-owned all-composite bridges in the nation. Composites are lightweight construction materials that do not corrode, which results in benefits such as ease of construction and reduced maintenance costs. A summary of the design, large-scale testing, fabrication, erection, and monitoring of this bridge is presented. The bridge was designed to AASHTO load and resistance factor design specifications. A methodology was developed to incorporate the engineering properties of these unique composite materials into the design. The bridge consists of two 13 × 32 ft (3.96 × 9.75 m) sections joined by a unique longitudinal joint. The sections have sandwich construction consisting of a core [28 in. (71.12 cm) deep] and facesheets [0.4 to 0.6 in. (10.16 to 15.24 mm) thick] that provide shear and flexural rigidity, respectively. The composite bridge was fabricated with E-glass preforms and vinyl-ester resin, which offers excellent structural performance and long-term durability. Each of the sections was fabricated to near-net shape in a single step by a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process. The overall structural behavior has been accurately predicted with simple design equations based on sandwich theory for anisotropic materials. Large-scale testing of full-sized subcomponents was conducted to prove that the design satisfied deflection, fatigue, and strength limit states. A redundant longitudinal joint was designed that consisted of both an adhesively bonded vertical joint between sections and splice plates. Assembly procedures were developed, and transverse testing of the full-sized joint was conducted. Final bridge sections were proof-tested to the strength limit state. The construction phase included section positioning, joint assembly, and application of a latex-modified concrete wear surface. The bridge was reopened to traffic on November 20, 1998. Results from the long-term monitoring effort will be documented.

Reliability analysis of wood I-joists

1993 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 564-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. O. Foschi ◽  
F. Z. Yao
Keyword(s):  
Reliability Analysis ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Failure Modes ◽  
Limit State ◽  
Load Carrying Capacity ◽  
Limit States ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Strength Limit ◽  
Reliability Method ◽  
Load Carrying

This paper presents a reliability analysis of wood I-joists for both strength and serviceability limit states. Results are obtained from a finite element analysis coupled with a first-order reliability method. For the strength limit state of load-carrying capacity, multiple failure modes are considered, each involving the interaction of several random variables. Good agreement is achieved between the test results and the theoretical prediction of variability in load-carrying capacity. Finally, a procedure is given to obtain load-sharing adjustment factors applicable to repetitive member systems such as floors and flat roofs. Key words: reliability, limit state design, wood composites, I-joist, structural analysis.

Reliability Analysis of Fatigue Crack Growth with JC Method Based on Scientific Materials

2011 ◽  
Vol 63-64 ◽  
pp. 882-885 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Li Zou
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Crack ◽  
Fatigue Crack Growth ◽  
Normal Distribution ◽  
Crack Growth ◽  
Reliability Index ◽  
Limit State ◽  
State Equation ◽  
Fatigue Reliability ◽  
Crack Propagation Process ◽  
Log Normal

Since the fatigue crack propagation process from initial size till final fracture is affected by lots of random factors, it is difficult to evaluate the fatigue reliability. Based on reliability theory, the first order second moment method ( JC method) is adopted to analyze and compute the fatigue reliability. To account for the uncertainties of material resistance, the parameters in the deterministic fatigue crack growth rate equation and material fracture toughness are taken as random variables with Normal distribution or Log-Normal distribution. Consequently, the limit state equation of fatigue crack growth is derived. The fatigue reliability index at any moment is calculated iteratively through JC method. As a computation example, the curve of fatigue crack growth reliability index with time is presented.

Development of semi-submersible production vessels and its application to Australian waters

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 241
Author(s):  
Hilde Engelsen ◽  
Henrik Hannus
Keyword(s):  
North Sea ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Oil And Gas Production ◽  
The North ◽  
Hull Design ◽  
Steel Catenary Risers ◽  
Drilling Rigs ◽  
In The Beginning

Semi-submersible platforms have a long history in the North Sea. In the beginning they were used mainly as mobile offshore drilling units, but in the last two decades the permanently moored semi-submersible production vessels have become widely used both as gas processing units and combination oil and gas production vessels. The design of production semi-submersibles evolved from that of drilling rigs, but there have since been significant improvements to the design of the hull and the topside configuration in relation to operational requirements and construction processes. The design methods have also been successfully adapted to areas with different environmental conditions, in combination with steel catenary risers and polyester mooring systems. On recent designs, simplifications of the hull systems are being implemented, which ease operation and enhance the passive safety. Finally, the semi-submersible production vessel’s application to Australian waters is discussed with focus on topside layout, hull design and mooring system design. Environmental conditions offshore northwest Australia are compared to North Sea and Gulf of Mexico conditions, along with vessel class and regulatory requirements.

Assessment of Fatigue Safety Factors for Deep-Water Risers in Relation to VIV

2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernt J. Leira ◽  
Trond Stokka Meling ◽  
Carl M. Larsen ◽  
Vidar Berntsen ◽  
Bernie Stahl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Damage ◽  
Limit State ◽  
Random Variables ◽  
Response Surfaces ◽  
State Function ◽  
Safety Factors ◽  
Parameter Variations ◽  
Input Parameters ◽  
Steel Catenary Risers ◽  
Analytical Expressions

Safety factors required to control fatigue damage of deepwater metallic risers caused by vortex-induced vibration (VIV) are considered. Four different riser configurations are studied: Cases I and II: Vertical tensioned 12in. risers suspended from a spar buoy at water depths of 500 and 1500m. Cases III and IV: Steel catenary risers suspended from a spar buoy, both at 1000m. For Case III, the riser diameter is 12in., while for Case IV it is 33in. For each riser configuration, relevant design and analysis parameters which are subject to uncertainty are identified. For these quantities, random variables are established also representing model uncertainties. Subsequently, repeated analyses of fatigue damage are performed by varying the input parameters within representative intervals. The results are applied to fit analytical expressions (i.e., so-called response surfaces) utilized to describe the limit state function and to develop the probabilistic model for reliability analysis of the risers. By combining the random variables for the input parameters with the results from the parameter variations, a relationship between the fatigue safety factor and the failure probability is established for each riser configuration.

Hydrodynamic Modeling of Large-Diameter Bottom-Fixed Offshore Wind Turbines

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin E. Bachynski ◽  
Harald Ormberg
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Limit State ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Offshore Wind ◽  
Stokes Wave ◽  
Intermediate Water ◽  
Hydrodynamic Loads ◽  
Offshore Wind Turbines ◽  
Wave Kinematics

For shallow and intermediate water depths, large monopile foundations are considered to be promising with respect to the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of offshore wind turbines. In order to reduce the LCOE by structural optimization and de-risk the resulting designs, the hydrodynamic loads must be computed efficiently and accurately. Three efficient methods for computing hydrodynamic loads are considered here: Morison’s equation with 1) undisturbed linear wave kinematics or 2) undisturbed second order Stokes wave kinematics, or 3) the MacCamy-Fuchs model, which is able to account for diffraction in short waves. Two reference turbines are considered in a simplified range of environmental conditions. For fatigue limit state calculations, accounting for diffraction effects was found to generally increase the estimated lifetime of the structure, particularly the tower. The importance of diffraction depends on the environmental conditions and the structure. For the case study of the NREL 5 MW design, the effect could be up to 10 % for the tower base and 2 % for the monopile under the mudline. The inclusion of second order wave kinematics did not have a large effect on the fatigue calculations, but had a significant impact on the structural loads in ultimate limit state conditions. For the NREL 5 MW design, a 30 % increase in the maximum bending moment under the mudline could be attributed to the second order wave kinematics; a 7 % increase was seen for the DTU 10 MW design.

A Probabilistic Approach to Fatigue Safety and Integrity of TTRs

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mir Emad Mousavi ◽  
Sanjeev Upadhye ◽  
Vishnu Vijayaraghavan ◽  
Kevin Haverty
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Damage ◽  
Probabilistic Method ◽  
Probabilistic Approach ◽  
Probabilistic Methods ◽  
Fatigue Reliability ◽  
Fatigue Design ◽  
Integrity Index ◽  
Biased Estimators ◽  
Integrity Analysis

Probabilistic methods can improve the reliability of fatigue damage evaluation in top tensioned (production) risers because they tend to provide less biased estimators on their safety, which can be used for more reliable decision making concerning their design. Such methods consider the collective impact of uncertainties in the riser system, which is not accurately assessed in conventional fatigue analysis. The large factors of safety that are commonly used in deterministic-based fatigue damage assessment tend to assure the high safety of the design, still they are generic factors that do not take advantage of available data for accurate quantification of system safety. This paper presents a probabilistic method toward fatigue reliability and integrity analysis of TTR systems. By using rules of probability, a simplified method is developed to estimate the probability of failure of the TTR system in its lifetime, considering the uncertainties with the Palmgren-Miner rule, the cyclic loads, and the fatigue strength of the components, and other analysis approximations. The method is then used for a comparative assessment on the fatigue reliability of the TTR components and calculating its fatigue Integrity Index. The method is illustrated in a case study and is used to provide recommendations that could possibly improve the TTR fatigue design by reducing its cost, increasing its safety, and maximizing its integrity.

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