Durability analysis

Empirical durability analysis of offshore structures using the example of the FINO3 research platform and the method development to indicate a reliable lifetime prognosis

University of Applied Sciences Kiel - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Shipbuilding and Maritime Engineering
Prof. Benedict Boesche

The sizing and design of offshore structures are primarily based on permanent loads and operating loads. The closer specification is based on the extreme environmental impact and the large, dynamic stress caused by the sea. Wind, tides, swells, ocean currents, snow and icing, sea ice, air and water temperatures, marine vegetation, and the salty, corrosive environment are also among the extreme environmental pressures that are exposed to established offshore structures in the North Sea. For hydrodynamic analysis, the forces resulting from these environmental conditions must be taken into account.

The overall aim of the project is an improved analysis of the actual expected life of fixed offshore structures subject to environmental constraints. This will be achieved using the example of the FINO3 platform on the basis of a long-term assessment. It can be assumed that the expected real lifetime of the platform is actually higher than the calculated lifetime. However, a sufficiently quantified and reliable indication of the lifetime is difficult.

The project is funded by the Provincial Government of Schleswig-Holstein in accordance with the guideline for the granting of grants to promote research, development and technology transfer with state funds and has a term until mid-May 2015.

The design rules of marine engineering designs in use today offer useful, often experiential design formulas. For the safety assessment of marine engineering constructions, this simple design concept is generally often inadequate or ineffective.

By empirically capturing a wide range of measurement data on the FINO3 platform, a generally applicable life time forecasting and calculation methodology will be developed for fixed offshore structures, such as offshore wind turbines or transformer platforms - can be applied.

Another objective is to quantify the extent to which the FINO3 underwater structure is capable of functioning as an anchor structure in aquaculture applications, be it as a prototype or as a permanent facility.

At the University of Applied Sciences Kiel, the course of study „Offshore-Anlagentechnik“ was started in the winter semester 2012. The research and results of this project can support teaching staff and students. Conversely, the project benefits from study and thesis work that is already being carried out in this project.