Viability of unstiffened offshore deck joints in high strength steel hot-rolled sections

This paper addresses the numerical analysis of offshore deck joints between hot-rolled H-sections using high strength steels. The viability of using economic unstiffened joints in the offshore industry, particularly in high strength steels, is demonstrated. Comparisons of ultimate load and costs are carried out with various parametric variations (geometry, steel grades Fe E 355 and Fe E 460, and configuration). Also, comparisons with Eurocode 3 and the American Petroleum Institute API-RP2A Load and Resistance Factor Design rules are carried out and deficiencies in the codes highlighted. The insight gained on the application of deck joints with hot-rolled H-sections in high strength steels is discussed.