|
|
Structural Capability
The Xodus structural team offers considerable structural engineering experience including advanced structural analysis, feasibility studies, conceptual, FEED and detail design. It works closely with other disciplines within Xodus, or independently, depending on the needs of the project and, by the smart applications of technology and clever thinking, aims to maximise value to the client.
In the oil & gas industry, many offshore structures are beyond their original design life and some are thought to have reached their load limit. In the current climate, there are many opportunities to develop small fields, providing they can be economically tied back to an existing platform. The Xodus structural team aims to demonstrate that these structures can perform safely over their extended design life; to demonstrate the maximum possible load capacity while still maintaining adequate safety factors; and to produce development schemes which maximise value.
The offshore renewables industry also faces the challenge of cost effective structural design, fabrication and installation. The Xodus Structural Team can apply its extensive oil & gas experience to its growing experience in renewables to meet that challenge.
We specifically offer the following services: |
| › |
Analysis of existing structures to demonstrate maximum load capacity and to extend their design life |
| › |
Design of modifications to existing structures |
| › |
Design of new offshore structures (eg integrated decks, modules, PAUs, flare booms and towers, deck extensions, blast walls, crane pedestals, tanks, equipment supports, runway beams, installation / removal aids etc) |
| › |
Design of structures for the offshore renewables industry |
| › |
Installation / removal studies and engineering |
| › |
Decommissioning studies and engineering |
| › |
Hazard mitigation, review of safety critical elements, performance standards, demonstration of ALARP etc |
| › |
Review of 3rd party designs and studies |
| › |
Management of projects from initial study through design, fabrication, installation and completion, depending on the needs of the project. |
Structural Analysis
Traditional elastic techniques define failure as the moment at which individual structural elements exceed permissible tolerances. The Ultimate Strength approach used by Xodus – also known as the Plastic Limit State technique – focuses on the integrity of the entire structure, making allowances for local yielding and load redistribution. As long as overall integrity is maintained, designers can use the Plastic Limit State approach to take advantage of any reserve strength inherent in the structure.
What does this mean?
The best way to calculate a platform’s reserve strength – i.e. its true load-bearing capacity – is to apply the non-linear pushover technique. The pushover complies with recognised codes such as API-RP2A-LRFD whilst avoiding the over-simplification of traditional codified approaches. By applying this technique as early as possible in a project, clients can avoid much unnecessary work – and cost. NLFEA can also be applied in the later stages of a project to minimise, optimise or even totally eliminate strengthening.
 |
|
 |
|
Left: Typical Pushover Analysis.
Right: Typical FE Analysis.
|
What are the other benefits?
Structural analysis also offers other advantages, helping to resolve controversial issues such as fire and blast protection (often eliminating the need for additional protection), ship impact, extreme wave analysis (e.g. the “10,000-year wave”), materials fatigue, dropped-object impacts, and erosion or corrosion in vessels, piping, manifolds and other structures. Typically, repair and maintenance schedules can be optimised or even eliminated completely, but advanced analysis also shows when repairs can be deferred to minimise platform downtime.
For more information contact:
Stephen Swindell, Director – Oil & Gas Division
Tel: +44 (0)1224 628302 Email:
|
