FATIGUE ANALYSIS

90 45 0

36m Chord: 2400mm OD 50mm wt

Brace: 1000mm OD 22mm wt 50

A conceptual design study is being prepared for the braced monotower illustrated above. The design water depth is 40 metres and the topsides weight is 150 tonnes. The design life of the structure is 15 years. The upper brace to caisson joint shown is continually submerged when the structure is in place, and the structure has a passive cathodic protection system. The oceanographic consultants have determined that the majority of the waves come from the North-West and have provided the following simplified annual wave occurrence table:
Wave Height (m) 1.5 4.5 7.5 11.0 17.0 Period, Tz (sec) 6.8 9.0 10.5 11.2 12.0 Number of Waves (from North-West) 2,647,100 98,850 7,180 620 60

An analysis has been carried out to determine the brace loads under the action of each of the waves in the above occurrence table. The effect of dynamics has been accounted for by treating the structure as a single degree of freedom system, and applying a Dynamic Amplification Factor (DAF) to the loads. The results of the analysis (including dynamics) are given below:

Platform, Pipeline and Subsea Technology

Wave Height (m)

Axial Force (compression) (kN) 100 370 685 1080 1830

1.5 4.5 7.5 11.0 17.0

Brace Load Ranges In-Plane Bending Moment (kNm) 70 250 460 730 1225

Out-of-Plane Bending Moment (kNm) 20 75 135 215 360

Stress Concentration Factors for the joint can be calculated using Table 1 of the Efthymiou parametric equations. For the purpose of your analysis, neglect the influence of the nearby braces on the SCFs. The main caisson can be assumed to be equivalent to a pinned member for the purpose of this assignment. --------oOo--------

1. Use the simplified wave data and HSE S-N curves to make a preliminary estimate of the fatigue life of the brace, considering the hot-spot location at 45. It may be assumed that all the loads given in the above table add at this hot-spot location. Only consider the inplace loads in the analysis. (10 marks) 2. Which of the wave height populations contributes most to the fatigue damage at this location? (2 marks) 3. What methods could be used to inspect this joint for fatigue damage?
(3 marks)

4. The operator is interested in increasing the topsides weight from 150 to 200 tonnes. What implications would this have on the fatigue performance of the joint assuming that the member sizes dont change? (5 marks)

Platform, Pipeline and Subsea Technology