Structural effectiveness of fixed offshore platforms with respect to uniform corrosion

This study presents the structural effectiveness of fixed offshore platforms, addressing the challenges posed by complex loading conditions in marine environments. The structural performance of the fixed offshore platform was assessed using Finite Element Analysis performed in ABAQUS CAE software, with particular focus on the impact of intrinsic stress induced by corrosion and environmental loads such as; wind, waves, and operational activities. The reliability of the fixed offshore platform was also assessed using Monte Carlo’s reliability method. The study utilized advanced design equations to evaluate the structural reliability and rate of corrosion of the fixed offshore platform in order to estimate the safety of the structure. Results indicated that there are high stress values in the beam and column connections and also in the columns due to the effect of depleting cross-sectional area with respect to time and also the intrinsic stresses as a result of the applied loadings. Hence, selecting a high-grade steel and a higher cross-sectional area for structural members with slow the rate of corrosion and also reduce the intrinsic stresses due to the loadings on the structure. This will not only improve the load-bearing capacity but also significantly reduced the risk of structural failure, aligning well with empirical data. Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of considering the interaction between material properties, connection characteristics, and loading conditions in the design process. These findings contribute to the development of more robust and durable fixed offshore platforms, ensuring their safety and longevity in demanding operational environments.