Structural reliability assessment of offshore tubular t-joints under static axial brace loading

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the structural reliability assessment of tubular T-joints under axial brace loading in offshore structures. The investigation combines numerical modeling and experimental analysis to understand the behavior of these joints and assess their structural integrity. Based on Hot sport stresses in the joints. The numerical investigation reveals that the brace region experiences higher stress concentrations compared to the cord region, with maximum stress concentrations observed at the 90-degree position. Experimental results confirm these trends, although slight discrepancies exist between numerical and experimental stress concentration factors (SCFs), with percentage difference of about 12 percent on the average for both Chord and Brace. The likely cause of this discrepancies is due to Fabrication imperfections and limitation in terms of Mesh size on the part of the software. The findings contribute to the knowledge of tubular T-joint behavior and have implications for designing mitigation measures. Further research is needed to analyze additional parameters and refine design guidelines to enhance the performance of tubular T-joints in offshore structures.