Design, construction of deepwater fixed platforms
Five years ago it was believed that an economic water depth limitation of 1000 ft for the jacket type structure in the Gulf of Mexico where compliant structures such as guyed towers and tension leg platforms would become advantageous. Improved understanding of the structural parameters and environmental effects, availability of larger fabrication yards and transportation and launch barges, development of a new generation of underwater pile driving equipment, and deployment of deepwater combination high capacity moorings and dynamic positioning systems in a recent major offshore project led industry experts to believe that this threshold depth now is in excess of 1600 ft. Designs for 1350-ft water depths are completed and concepts for 1600-ft jackets are under active development. Deployment of fixed steel jackets in water depths exceeding 1600 ft, possibly as deep as 2000 ft, could be feasible through novel designs and fabrication and installation methods. The feasibility of these platforms is discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 6196895
- Journal Information:
- Offshore; (United States), Journal Name: Offshore; (United States); ISSN OFSHA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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