The Heidrun Field: Global structural design and analysis of the Heidrun TLP

Conference · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:433954

Botros, F R; Wilson, T J; Johnson, C M

The structural analysis and design of the Heidrun tension leg platform presented many technical challenges that had to be overcome in a fast and efficient manner to meet the demands of a very tight schedule. Some are inherent in the nature of a compliant structure such as a TLP with its complicated interaction between the structure, the mooring system and the environment and the importance of proper weight and stability control during the different phases of construction and operation. However, many others were unique to the Heidrun platform. The Heidrun hull is the first large offshore structure built entirely of high strength light weight aggregate (LWA) concrete. The topside modules form an integral component of the structural system of the platform. The interface between the steel topside modules and the concrete hull proved to be a very complex engineering task requiring very detailed analyses, tight fabrication and installation tolerances as well as testing a number of key components. Ringing loads were included in the structural design of the platform for the first time in an offshore structure. The transportation of the large topside modules, mounted transversely on barges, and their mating to the hull was unique. The reserve capacity built into the design to provide additional safety in the critical components of the structure. The paper presents an overview of the multitude of challenges encountered during the detail design of the platform.

• OSTI ID: 433954
• Report Number(s): CONF-960525--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
42 ENGINEERING
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CONCRETES
DESIGN
FOUNDATIONS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INSTALLATION
NATURAL GAS FIELDS
NORWAY
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
OIL FIELDS
STRESS ANALYSIS