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

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 00:00:00 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), Vol. 106:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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