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Description
What are safe structures? This article is presenting how (and why) important knowledge about structural steel was developed through the early oil and gas projects on the Norwegian continental shelf, about the work to develop common standards, about where we stand today and the way forward, relevant for our industry as well as renewables.
Major accidents and incidents in the 1970’s and 80’s motivated the authorities to finance and establish research programs at universities and colleges and for the education of well-qualified engineers, in close cooperation with the industry. Favorable tax schemes for participation in industrial projects for oil companies have made it attractive for them to participate in the development of new technology. However, the inclusion of new information in international rules has been more difficult as much of this has been left to voluntary efforts.
The regulations for structures have been developed over many years based on theory in combination with laboratory tests and operational experience. Through learning and regular updates, a design format with load and material factors has been developed that will provide the necessary safety. For accidental loads, methods have also been developed that limit the probability of failure to a similar level as for other failure modes for which design is made. The complete value chain has been addressed with participation from regulators, operators and suppliers.
A central effort was to develop requirements that would ensure that structural steel could withstand all parts of the fabrication process without crucial reduction in its properties.
| Topic Area | Structural Safety, Integrity Management and Life Extension of Structures |
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