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U.S. Department of Energy
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System fatigue reliability and inspection planning for offshore platforms

Conference ·
OSTI ID:55785
;  [1]
  1. Exxon Production Research Co., Houston, TX (United States). Offshore Division

This paper summarizes research conducted on probabilistic fatigue analysis with applications toward system reliability assessment and inspection planning. A probabilistic model for fatigue life prediction is introduced and used to estimate component and system reliability. Methodologies are developed for reliability-based inspection of offshore structures. Using a probabilistic model, joint and system reliability analyses were conducted through Monte Carlo simulation to study the safety of a generic population of joints in a platform. A methodology was developed that allows tracking of the reliability of the system through the lifetime of the structure while taking into account inspection results and repairs. This methodology can aid in inspection planning. Several example cases are presented in an attempt to illustrate the more salient points of the system reliability analysis, such as the effect of inspection sample size and the identification and repair of cracks on perceived system reliability.

OSTI ID:
55785
Report Number(s):
CONF-940230--; ISBN 0-7918-1265-0
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English