Jacketed Offshore Structure Wave Forces, Stress and Displacement Simulation using MATLAB

Abstract

This study investigates the structural behavior of a jacketed offshore structure subjected to wave loading, focusing on the analysis of nodal forces, displacements, and member stresses. Wave forces were determined using the Morison equation, a widely accepted approach for calculating hydrodynamic loads on slender structures like those found in offshore jackets. The analysis encompasses a detailed examination of pile members, horizontal y-bracing, and diagonal front bracing, considering both the magnitude and distribution of forces and the resulting structural deformations. Key findings reveal significant variations in nodal forces, highlighting areas of high load concentration. Lateral forces on piles, particularly at nodes 2, 4, 7, and 10, reached magnitudes of 5.02e+04 N, emphasizing the importance of considering bending stresses. Axial forces, primarily observed at nodes 5, 8, and 11, peaked at 3.86e+05 N, crucial for assessing pile compressive and tensile capacity. Similar analyses for bracing members identified critical force magnitudes and distributions, with maximum values observed in members 13, 14, 15, and 18. Displacement analysis revealed that while deformations remained relatively small, specific locations, such as members 6, 7, and 13, experienced more pronounced movement. Stress analysis further pinpointed critical members, notably piles 6 and 7, as well as bracing members 13, 14, 15, and 18, where stress concentrations necessitate careful design considerations. These findings underscore the complex interplay of wave forces and structural response in offshore jacket platforms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive analysis to ensure structural integrity and operational safety. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the Morison equation in predicting wave loads and its importance in the broader structural assessment of offshore structures.

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