Tracy Dulle
Technology Editor, Surface Systems & Vessels
HOUSTON -- BP Exploration and Chevron ETC discussed the industry's new suite of offshore structures design standards at the 2008 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston.
The ISO 19900 series of standards addresses the design, construction, installation, integrity, and assessment of offshore structures.
After a lengthy gestation, most of the ISO Structures Standards have been published.
ISO 19902, Fixed Steel Structures, ISO 19903 Fixed Concrete Structures, and ISO 19904-1 Floating Structures have been published and of the general provisions all but ISO 19901-3 Topsides and ISO 19901-6 Marine Operations have been published. ISO 19905-1 Jackups and ISO 19906 Arctic Structures will take a few more years.
ISO 19902 is a development of API RP2A LRFD, but in preparation of the International Standard a number of research and development joint industry projects (JIPs) were commissioned, and the enhanced knowledge from these projects, together with knowledge and experience from the offshore operating areas around the world, were incorporated.
ISO 19903 is a new standard that deals with the entire task of engineering a concrete offshore platform facility, with mechanical systems, rather than just the detailed design of its concrete members.
ISO 19904-1 is a new standard that encompasses structural design and assessment of floating offshore platforms, and is based partly on API RP 2FPS, but includes concepts taken and harmonized from North Sea practice represented by then HSE and NPD guidelines and from class rules.
The standards have been accepted worldwide, and it is anticipated that the industry will benefit from cost savings in design effort, reduced risk of design errors, and from improved performance (few repairs) of offshore structures.
05/07/2008
