Jacket structures are three-dimensional space frames made from large tubular steel members. The jacket, which takes the loadings from the topside and sea environment, is piled to the seabed. These piles must be able to resist tension as the hydrodynamic forces on the structure have a tendency to cause overturning.
The steel jacket platform on a pile foundation is by far the most common kind of offshore structure. The jacket is fabricated from steel pipes welded together often in complex intersections called nodes. These nodes require careful design, fabrication and inspection; corrosion protection plays an important role, in service inspection and repair must also be considered. The structure is anchored to the seabed by way of steel piles. These structures are subject to fatigue loading such as vortex induced vibration (VIV) as well as corrosion. It is vital that the structure be designed appropriately and for each operating location, water depth, conditions, etc. TWI can provide analysis support during design & construction to ensure fitness for service.
Contact: oilandgas@twi.co.uk
