Life-Cycle Reliability Characteristics of Minimum Structures

Abstract

Minimum structures are used primarily because of their low initial investment and fast-track schedule characteristics. These structures generally cost less and take less time to commission than more traditional structures such as four-pile (leg) platforms. A wide variety of configurations of these structures have been proposed and installed in offshore locations around the world (Craig, 1995). This paper details a reliability and risk-based approach that has been used to characterize the life-cycle risk characteristics of three minimum structures and one traditional four-pile structure. The structures were all designed according to current American Petroleum Institute guidelines (1993). Results from the life-cycle (design, construction, operation) analyses of the quality and risk characteristics of the alternative structures are summarized. The occurrences and influences of human errors throughout the life-cycle are included.

Research on short-term dynamic ice cases for dynamic analysis of ice-resistant jacket platform in the Bohai Gulf

“…Refs. [33][34][35][36][37]). To consider the structural risk on oil facilities in Mexico, De Leon and Ang [38] developed a cost-benefit model for the expected loss by adding 6 different items to a total expected loss.…”

Human and Organizational Factors in Reliability Assessment and Management of Offshore Structures

“…Recently, the QMAS‐SYRAS combination was applied in an international government‐industry‐sponsored project to examine the reliability characteristics of “minimum structures.” ( 30 , 31 ) While minimum structures have initial costs that are lower than more traditional structures, the questions addressed in this project regarded their life‐cycle costs and the effects of the less “redundant” or robust minimum structure systems. QMAS was used to help evaluate the HOF specific to proposed design, construction, operating, and maintenance organizations.…”