Effects of wave loads on the strength of semisubmersible drilling platform

Abstract

In order to reduce the failure risk of the structures of semisubmersible drilling platform during its service life, this research studies the effects of ocean wave loads on the strength of the platform’s structures. The response spectra of the platform obtained from model test in wave tank were used to verify the accuracy of the numerical model employed in this research. Eight wave load cases, which may affect the strength of the platform but not involved in the classification societies such as ABS and DNV, were newly considered in this research. The results of the research indicate that a) four of the eight newly added wave load cases are found to be greatly affecting the strength of the platform and need to be considered in designing the structures; b) torsional moment and shearing force caused by the ocean wave would cause the stress of the structures of platform at a high level and need to be carefully evaluated.