Offshore Platform Fatigue Assessment Methods

This page describes the method; it reports no project results.

Assessment Challenge

The assessment links variable environmental and operational loading to fatigue damage at structural connections.

Assessment Inputs

• Structural geometry, material properties and connection details
• Environmental loading, operating history and monitoring data where available
• Inspection records and the fatigue criteria applicable to the structure

Assessment Workflow

A project assessment would screen source data, recover stresses at the connections of interest, count stress cycles and calculate fatigue damage against the governing criteria. Monitoring and inspection records would need documented quality checks before comparison with model predictions.

A machine-learning surrogate model would require retained training inputs, a defined range of use and independent prediction checks against the reference structural model. Those records are needed before a surrogate could be used to reconstruct operational stresses or support a fatigue-life conclusion.

Evidence Required for an Outcome

An outcome would require retained load histories, stress-recovery settings, fatigue calculations and independent model and inspection comparisons against documented acceptance criteria.

API RP 2A-WSD and DNV-RP-C203 are reference topics for fixed-platform structural and fatigue assessment. A standards reference does not establish compliance or acceptance of a project.

Further Reading

The fatigue prediction tutorial provides general background on the method.

Related methods

• Automated FEA Post-Processing Pipeline for Subsea Equipment Qualification
• Wind Turbine Foundation Analysis Methods

Summary

Review the inputs, assumptions and calculation results for the stated scope.

Engineering workflows · Technical articles