The structural integrity strategy is tackling challenging issues of asset integrity facing the industry in the next five years. Some aspects are characterised by a lack of knowledge and research is vital for enabling delivery of the strategy.
The research needs emanating from the strategy are given in paragraphs 25 - 40.
Research in structural integrity can be divided into the eight areas below:
Projects in the current research plan include the following:
| Topic Area (TA) | Project | Aims |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evaluation of Worldwide Practices on the Structural Integrity Management and Regulation of Ageing Installations | To review worldwide approaches to the structural integrity management of ageing installations |
| 1 | Structural Integrity Management Framework for Mobile Installations | To develop a structural integrity management framework for mobile installations |
| 1 | Further Study of Fatigue Damage to Girth Welds From Low Stresses in the Loading Spectrum (JIP) | To evaluate the fatigue performance of offshore installations under high cycle / low stress fatigue conditions – a source of significant uncertainty in the prediction of the long-term structural integrity of offshore installations – with a view to developing the ISO standard on fatigue assessment |
| 1 | Investigation of Residual Stresses in Welded Joints (JIP) | To investigate the influence of residual stresses on the structural integrity performance of offshore installations |
| 1 | Updating of offshore accident and incident databases (JIP) | To undertake a further bi-annual update of HSE’s accident and incident database for fixed and floating installations |
| 3 | Completeness check and Benchmarking of ISO 19905-1 (JIP) | To ensure sufficient levels of safety for jack-up site specific assessments |
| 3 | Improved Guidelines for the prediction of geotechnical performance of spud can foundations during installation and removal of jack-up units | This JIP will investigate the impacts of extreme weather conditions (wind, wave and current) on the maritime integrity of floating platforms leading ultimately to the development of a new design methodology. It builds on the work and uncertainties in an earlier HSE Research Report RR 357 Expert panel report concerning the survivability of FPSOs in extreme environmental conditions |
| 4 | Review and Assessment of Material Property Requirements for Mobile Installations | To review and assess the adequacy of the material property requirements in codes, standards and classification society rules for mobile installations |
| 7 | Preparation of a Technical Appendix to the Technical Policy Document on structural responses to fires and explosions | To review the OSD Technical Policy Document (TPD) to produce an appendix to identify best practice and gaps in knowledge for the structural design, re-assessment and risk assessment/CBA of topsides structures and equipment to resist fire and explosion loads |
| 1 | Review of the Structural integrity management aspects of Classification Society Rules for mobile offshore installations | To review interaction of Class and DCR |
| 1 | Membership of Structural Integrity Monitoring Network SIMONET | |
| 2 | Techniques and Technologies Underpinning the management of Ageing Jacket Integrity Phase 2 Detailed Review of Key Structural Integrity Issues | To document technical methods used to assess ageing issues on fixed installation substructures |
| 1 | Pilot Study of Damage Mechanisms in Ageing Offshore Structures | To provide insight and document damage mechanisms for offshore structures |
| 3 | Second JIP into Age Enhancement of Piles Driven in Sand | To investigate and document changes in pile capacity with age |
For details of historical reports by topic area please click on the relevant link below:
Offshore publications
Research reports
Offshore statistics
Social media
Javascript is required to use HSE website social media functionality.
Follow HSE on Twitter:
Follow @H_S_E