Investigation of the Alexander L. Kielland failure-metallurgical and fracture analysis

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · J. Energy Resour. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3231014· OSTI ID:6448538

Almar-Naess, A; Haagensen, P J; Lian, B; Moan, T; Simonsen, T

On March 27, 1980, the semi-submersible platform Alexander L. Kielland broke down in a storm in the North Sea, resulting in a loss of 123 lives. The investigation subsequently performed by the inquiry commission showed that one of the lower tubular bracings had failed by fatigue. As a result, the vertical leg attached to it was torn off, and the platform capsized. The fatigue fracture had started from a double fillet weld joining a 0.325-m tubular attachment to the bracing. The fillet welds were partially cracked in the early history of the platform due to lammelar tearing. Cumulative damage calculations indicated that the design fatigue life of the bracing was inadequate.

• Research Organization: The Norwegian Institute of Technology, Trondheim
• OSTI ID: 6448538
• Journal Information: J. Energy Resour. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Energy Resour. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 106:1; ISSN JERTD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
423000* -- Engineering-- Marine Engineering-- (1980-)
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CRACK PROPAGATION
DAMAGE
DESIGN
DISASTERS
FATIGUE
FRACTURE MECHANICS
JOINTS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
MECHANICS
METALLURGY
MOORINGS
NORTH SEA
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
SEAS
STORMS
SUPPORTS
SURFACE WATERS
TUBES
WELDED JOINTS