Concrete Structures for Development of Offshore Fields

Abstract

Summary Concrete structures represent competitive solutions for developing many offshore fields. They are of particular interest when storage is required and as floating support structures. Furthermore, concrete reusable platforms may represent cost-saving solutions for many applications. To design optimum structures, designers must be realistic with respect to the structural capacity of concrete for offshore use. Introduction Experience in the North Sea has shown that concrete support structures are competitive with steel jacket structures in terms of initial investments and maintenance costs. This experience is considered relevant for other areas, particularly for countries that must import steel, for icy areas, for offshore areas without infrastructure, for places where oil storage facilities are required, and for areas where large crane vessels are not available to lift heavy steel structures or large topside modules. Furthermore, concrete floaters [tension-leg platforms (TLP's) and catenary anchored structures] are attractive as minimum-cost solutions for deepwater applications. This paper discusses the requirements and infrastructure needed to design and fabricate concrete structures. Particular attention is given to availability of cement, aggregate, reinforcement steel, and prestressing cables. This paper also discusses design competence and required computer facilities, as well as the availability of barges, a shipyard dock, or a special-purpose construction dock. We describe the fabrication, installation, and removal processes. Removal is becoming increasingly important in a world gradually becoming more aware of environmental stability. We give examples of efficient designs suitable for optimum development of small fields and fields requiring storage. These examples include traditional concrete structures constructed with form work or slip forming. Furthermore, novel concrete truss structures fabricated by joining precast tubes and nodes by prestressing cables and grout are discussed. We provide charts that give concrete volumes for a range of applications to enable operators to perform their own economic analyses.