The electronic pdf versions of the documents found through http://www.dnv.com/ are the officially binding versions. Copyright Det Norske Veritas.

[Book] [Expand] [Collapse] [Search Forms] [Previous Section with Hits] [Next Section with Hits] [Clear Search] [Help]

Expand Search


Sec.4: Design Loads [Table of Contents] Sec.6: Ultimate Limit States (ULS)

DNV-OS-C105 Structural Design of TLPS (LRFD method)

[-] Sec.5: Global Performance

SECTION 5
Global Performance

Sec.5
A. Introduction

Sec.5
A 100   General

Sec.5 A
101
   The selected methods of response analysis are dependent on the design conditions, dynamic characteristics, non-linearities in loads and response and the required accuracy in the actual design phase.

Sec.5 A
102
   The selected methods of analysis and models employed in the analysis shall include relevant non-linearities and motion-coupling effects. The approximations, simplifications and/or assumptions made in the analysis shall be justified, and their possible effects shall be quantified e.g. by means of simplified parametric studies.

Sec.5 A
103
   During the design process, the methodology and software used for analytical or numerical prediction of important system responses shall be verified (calibrated) by appropriate model tests.

Sec.5 A
104
   Model tests may also be used to determine specific responses for which numerical or analytical procedures are not yet fully developed and recognised.

Sec.5 A
105
   Motion components shall be determined, by relevant analysis techniques, for those applicable design conditions (design analyses matrix) specified in DNV-OS-C101. The basic assumptions and limitations associated with the different methods of analysis of global performance shall be duly considered prior to the selection of the methods.
Typically a combination of frequency domain and time domain analyses will be applied by the designers.

Sec.5 A
106
   The TLP should be analysed by methods as applicable to column-stabilised units or deep draught floaters when the unit is free floating, respectively see DNV-OS-C103 or DNV-OS-C106.

Sec.5 A
107
   The method of global performance analysis as outlined in this standard is one approximate method that may be applied. The designer is encouraged also to consider and apply other methods in order to discover the effects of possible inaccuracies etc. in the different methods.

Sec.5
B. Frequency Domain Analysis

Sec.5
B 100   General

Sec.5 B
101
   Frequency domain high frequency (HF), wave frequency (WF) and low frequency (LF) analyses techniques may be applied for a TLP. Regarding load effects due to mean wind, current and mean wave drift, see DNV-OS-C101.

Sec.5 B
102
   For typical TLP geometries and tendon arrangements, the analysis of the total dynamic load effects may be carried out as:
a HF analysis of springing
a WF analysis in all six degrees of freedom
a LF analysis in surge, sway and yaw.


Sec.5 B
103
   The following assumptions are inherent in adopting such an independent analysis approach:
the natural frequencies in heave, roll and pitch are included in the wave frequency analysis
the natural frequencies in surge, sway and yaw are included in the low frequency analysis
the high and low natural frequencies are sufficient separate to allow independent dynamic analysis to be carried out
the low frequency excitation forces have negligible effect on the wave frequency motions
the low frequency excitation forces have a negligible dynamic effect in heave, roll and pitch
tendon lateral dynamics are unimportant for platform surge or sway motions.


Sec.5 B
104
   Typical parameters to be considered for global performance analyses are different TLP draughts, wave conditions and headings, tidal effects, storm surges, set down, foundation settlement(s), subsidence, mispositioning, tolerances, tendon flooding, tendon removal and hull compartment(s) flooding. Possible variations in vertical centre of gravity shall also be analysed (especially if ringing responses are important).

This may be relevant in case of:
change in operation mode (e.g. drilling/production)
changes in topside weights (e.g. future modules)
tendon system changes (altered utilisation)
changes in ballast weights or distributions
deviations from weight estimate
riser phasing scenarios
lateral positioning.

Sec.5
B 200   High frequency analyses

Sec.5 B
201
   Frequency domain springing analyses shall be performed to evaluate tendon and TLP susceptibility to springing responses.

Sec.5 B
202
   Recognised analytical methods exist for determination of springing responses in tendons. These methods include calculation of Quadratic Transfer Functions (QTF's) for axial tendon (due to sum frequency loads on the hull) stresses which is the basis for determination of tendon fatigue due to springing.

Sec.5 B
203
   Total damping level applied in the springing response analyses shall be duly considered and documented.

Sec.5
B 300   Wave frequency analyses

Sec.5 B
301
   A wave frequency dynamic analysis may normally be carried out by using linear wave theory in order to determine first-order platform motions and tendon response.

Sec.5 B
302
   First order wave load analyses shall also serve as basis for structural response analyses. Finite wave load effects shall be evaluated and taken into account. This may e.g. be performed by use of beam models and application of Morison load formulation and finite amplitude waves.

Sec.5 B
303
   In linear theory, the response in regular waves (transfer functions) is combined with a wave spectrum to predict the response in irregular seas.

Sec.5 B
304
   The effect of low-frequency set-down variations on the WF analysis is to be investigated by analysing at least two representative mean offset positions determined from the low-frequency analysis.

Sec.5 B
305
   Set-down or offset induced heave motion may be included in the wave frequency response amplitude operators (RAOs).

Sec.5 B
306
   A sufficient number of wave approach headings shall be selected for analyses (e.g. with basis in global configuration, number of columns, riser configuration etc.).

Sec.5 B
307
   In determination of yaw induced fatigue responses (e.g. tendon and flex element design) due account must be given to wave spreading when calculating the long term responses.

Sec.5
B 400   Low frequency analyses

Sec.5 B
401
   A low frequency dynamic analysis could be performed to determine the slow drift effects at early design stages due to fluctuating wind and second order wave loads.

Sec.5 B
402
   Appropriate methods of analysis shall be used with selection of realistic damping levels. Damping coefficients for low frequency motion analyses are important as the low frequency motion may be dominated by resonant responses.

Sec.5
C. Time Domain Analyses

Sec.5
C 100   General

Sec.5 C
101
   For global motion response analyses, a time domain approach will be beneficial. In this type of analyses it is possible to include all environmental load effects and typical non-linear effects such as:
hull drag forces (including relative velocities)
finite wave amplitude effects
non-linear restoring (tendons, risers).


Sec.5 C
102
   Highly non-linear effects such as ringing may also require a time domain analysis approach. Analytical methods exist for estimation of ringing responses. These methods may be used for the early design stage, but shall be correlated against model tests for the final design. Ringing and springing responses of hull and deck may however be analysed within the frequency domain with basis in model test results, or equivalent analytical results.

Sec.5 C
103
   For deep waters, a fully coupled time domain analysis of tendons, risers and platform may be required. This may e.g. be relevant if:
model basin scale will not be suitable to produce reliable design results or information
consistent global damping levels (e.g. in surge, sway and yaw) due to the presence of slender structures (risers, tendons) are needed
it is desirable to perform the slender structure response analyses with basis in coupled motion analyses.


Sec.5 C
104
   A relevant wave spectrum shall be used to generate random time series when simulating irregular wave elevations and kinematics.

Sec.5 C
105
   The simulation length shall be long enough to obtain sufficient number of LF maxima (surge, sway and yaw).

Sec.5 C
106
   Statistical convergence shall be checked by performing sensitivity analyses where parameters as input seed, simulation length, time step, solution technique etc. are varied.

Sec.5 C
107
   Determination of extreme responses from time domain analyses shall be performed according to recognised principles.

Sec.5 C
108
   Depending on selected TLP installation method, time domain analyses will probably be required to simulate the situation when the TLP is transferred from a free floating mode to the vertical restrained mode. Model testing shall also be considered in this context.

Sec.5
D. Model Testing

Sec.5
D 100   General

Sec.5 D
101
   Model testing will usually be required for final check of TLP designs. The main reason for model testing is to check that analytical results correlate with model tests.

Sec.5 D
102
   The most important parameters to evaluate are:
air-gap
first order motions
total offset
set-down
WF motions versus LF motions
tendon responses (maximum and minimum)
accelerations
ringing
springing
susceptibility to hull VIM.


Sec.5 D
103
   The model scale applied in testing shall be appropriate such that reliable results can be expected. A sufficient number of seastates need to be calibrated covering the relevant limit states.

Sec.5 D
104
   Wave headings, multidirectional sea, tests with wind, wave and current, wave steepness and other variable parameters (water levels, vertical centre of gravity, etc.) need to be varied and tested as required.

Sec.5 D
105
   If HF responses (ringing and springing) shows to be governing for tendon extreme and fatigue design respectively, the amount of testing may have to be increased to obtain confidence in results.

Sec.5
E. Load Effects in the Tendons

Sec.5
E 100   General

Sec.5 E
101
   Load effects in the tendons comprise mean and dynamic components.

Sec.5 E
102
   The steady state loads may be determined from the equilibrium condition of the platform, tendon and risers.

Sec.5 E
103
   Tendon dynamic load effects arise from platform motions, any ground motions and direct hydrodynamic loads on the tendon.

Sec.5 E
104
   Dynamic analysis of tendon responses shall take into account the possibility of platform heave, roll and pitch excitation (springing and ringing effects).

Sec.5 E
105
   Linearised dynamic analysis does not include some of the secondary wave effects, and may not model accurately extreme wave responses. A check of linear analysis results using non-linear methods may be necessary. Model testing may also be used to confirm analytical results. Care shall be exercised in interpreting model-test results for resonant responses, particularly for loads due to platform heave, roll and pitch, since damping may not be accurately modelled.

Sec.5 E
106
   Lift and overturning moment generated on the TLP by wind loads shall be included in the tendon response calculations.

Sec.5 E
107
   Susceptibility to vortex induced vibrations shall be evaluated in operational and non-operational phases.

Sec.5 E
108
   Interference (tendon/riser, tendon/tendon, tendon/hull, and tendon/foundation) shall be evaluated for non-operational as well as the operational phase.
Sec.4: Design Loads [Table of Contents] Sec.6: Ultimate Limit States (ULS)