Title:
The Failure of an Offshore Platform
Author(s):
R. G. Selby; F. J. Vecchio; and M. P. Collins
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
19
Issue:
8
Appears on pages(s):
28-35
Keywords:
building codes; deformation; failure; gravity base structure;
nonlinear analysis; offshore structures; shear reinforcement; strength;
DOI:
Date:
8/1/1997
Abstract:
This article gives a good review of the most spectacular failure in recent history; the concrete gravity base structure of the Sleipner A offshore platform failed suddenly as it was being lowered for the deck mating operations. The disaster raised questions about the reinforcement detailing in the critical tricell region, particularly with regard to the shear reinforcement. The authors describe the nonlinear analyses that were performed to determine the strength and load-deformation response of the tricell. Results indicate that the current ACI code provisions are very unconservative.