STIFFNESS ANALYSIS OF OFFSHORE GROUTED JOINTS USING DAMAGE DETECTION METHODS

The offshore industry being one of the most profitable energy sectors in the world is faced with a tough financial market and in dire need of new innovative solutions to reduce cost and increase operational efficiency. The generation of new innovative ideas must prioritize the maintenance of the platform’s structural integrity as cost-effectively as possible without compromising safety. Grouted tubular members in which the chord member is filled with cement grout materials have long been considered as a method of strengthening or repair on steel jacket platforms. However, due to the lack of the guidance available in codes and technical literature, the validity of grouted tubular members as an efficient and cost-effective method is yet to be proven. The objective of the current study is, therefore, to further expand the understanding of the presence of grouted tubular members and its effects on the overall natural frequency of the platform.