COURSE OVERVIEW:

The Design and Detailing of Offshore Structural Connections course is a specialized engineering program focused on the critical nodes that ensure the stability of oil and gas platforms and wind energy structures. This course examines the complex stress concentrations and fatigue dynamics that occur at the intersection of tubular members in the harsh marine environment. It provides a deep dive into the transition from global structural analysis to the granular detailing required for robust, weldable, and durable joints.

The scope of this training involves the application of international design codes, primarily API RP 2A and ISO 19902, to the design of "Simple" and "Complex" joints. Participants will explore the behavior of K, T, Y, and X joints under axial, in-plane, and out-of-plane bending loads. The program emphasizes the importance of Punching Shear analysis and the use of "Joint Industry Projects" (JIP) data to predict the capacity of joints without the need for excessive reinforcement or thickened "can" sections.

Coverage includes the meticulous detailing of welded connections, focusing on weld profiles, toe grinding, and the selection of high-strength, notch-tough steels to prevent brittle fracture. The course also addresses the design of bolted connections for topside modules and the detailing of secondary structures such as boat landings and riser guards. By bridging the gap between theoretical finite element analysis and practical fabrication reality, this course equips structural engineers with the expertise to design connections that can withstand decades of cyclic wave loading.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Classify offshore tubular joints based on geometry and loading patterns.
2. Apply API RP 2A and ISO 19902 formulas for joint strength calculation.
3. Analyze Stress Concentration Factors (SCF) using parametric equations.
4. Design "Joint Can" sections and thickened chord members effectively.
5. Evaluate the impact of "Gap" and "Overlap" in K-joint configurations.
6. Perform fatigue life assessments for welded tubular connections.
7. Detail complex multi-planar nodes for jacket structures.
8. Design heavy-duty bolted connections for offshore module interfaces.
9. Select appropriate weld types and sizes for various stress levels.
10. Implement "Toe Grinding" and other fatigue improvement techniques.
11. Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for non-standard connection geometries.
12. Design secondary connections for appurtenances like caissons and anodes.
13. Troubleshoot fabrication issues related to joint fit-up and tolerances.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  

Offshore Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, Fabrication Managers, Offshore Project Designers, and Integrity Engineers.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.