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Ultimate collapse of offshore structures exposed to fire

Conference ·
OSTI ID:194322
 [1]; ;  [2]; ;  [3]
  1. Norwegian Inst. of Tech., Trondheim (Norway)
  2. SINTEF Structures and Concrete, Trondheim (Norway)
  3. SINTEF NBL, Trondheim (Norway). Norwegian Fire Research Lab.

A systematic validation of the computer program for analysis of mechanical response USFOS is presented. It is based upon a nonlinear finite element formulation and is capable of predicting total collapse, taking systems effects including force redistribution caused by failing members into account. For acceptance of the method it is vital that component behavior is predicted reliably. For this purpose the element formulation used is calibrated such that buckling curves for fire exposed columns and beam-column behavior are reproduced accurately. As a part of the verification of the program a laboratory test with a three dimensional frame representative of the upper part of a four-legged jacket is carried out. The structure is exposed to a gas pool fire at sea level close to one leg until total collapse takes place. A description of the test is given along with numerically predicted structural response. Some preliminary results from the experiment are also presented. Finally, the use of the integrated fire analysis system is illustrated by application to an actual offshore structure.

OSTI ID:
194322
Report Number(s):
CONF-950695--; ISBN 0-7918-1308-8
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English