Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE A
(Monthly)

2006   Vol. 7   No. 11   p. 1839-1845

Fatigue reliability analysis of fixed offshore structures: A first passage problem approach

MADHAVAN Pillai T.M.^†, VEENA G.

(Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Calicut 673601, India)
^†E-mail: mpillai@nitc.ac.in
Received Mar. 8, 2006 revision accepted July 12, 2006

Abstract: This paper describes a methodology for computation of reliability of members of fixed offshore platform structures, with respect to fatigue. Failure criteria were formulated using fracture mechanics principle. The problem is coined as a “first passage problem”. The method was illustrated through application to a typical plane frame structure. The fatigue reliability degradation curve established can be used for planning in-service inspection of offshore platforms. A very limited parametric study was carried out to obtain insight into the effect of important variables on the fatigue reliability.

Key words: Reliability, Fatigue, Fracture mechanics, Offshore structures
doi:10.1631/jzus.2006.A1839             CLC number: TU528.57

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