Offshore support structure design

Erin Bachynski, Maurizio Collu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The load and response analysis discussed in this chapter largely focuses on the assessment of structural responses of installed ORE devices. There are also important design considerations which are related to marine operations (such as installation and maintenance) and to the calculation of the structural resistance. Installation methods and costs can have significant consequences on the design of ORE substructures. For example, optimization of the weight of components and how high they need to be lifted needed storage area in a shipyard, ability to fit within available dry docks, and possibility of using available vessels for installation work may be more important than substructure optimization with respect to steel weight. Over the lifetime of a substructure, the costs of access and maintenance may be significant, and designs which allow for easier inspection or require less maintenance may be favored over designs which are less expensive to construct but more difficult to maintain. With respect to structural resistance, it is important to note the particular challenges related to corrosion in the marine environment. Designers must account for possible reductions in steel thickness due to corrosion through structural design (cathodic protection or coatings). ORE devices with significant dynamic motions near the free surface-implying surfaces which are at times submerged, at times dry, and also subjected to sea spray-may experience different corrosion rates compared to more static offshore structures.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRenewable Energy from the Oceans
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Wave, Tidal and Gradient Systems to Offshore Wind and Solar
EditorsTonio Sant, Domenico P Coiro
Place of PublicationStevenage
Chapter7
Pages271-319
Number of pages49
Edition1st
Publication statusPublished - 7 Oct 2019

Keywords

  • load and response analysis
  • offshore structures
  • marine environment
  • corrosion
  • structural design

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