Objectif
Project objective was to develop a method, as a design too, for structural design based on satisfying not only initial design requirements but also those associated with the fabrication, installation and operation phases of the life-cycle of the structure. The method assists to optimize the cost of the structure over the intended life-cycle, from initial design up to scrapping.
The design framework developed will offer an improved and more rational approach to structural design and subsequent operation.
These improvements would benefit all type of design. The project, however, is based on floating offshore systems.
The innovatory nature of the project is that the relation between life-cycle cost and design has been established and quantified while meeting relevant criteria for the operational phase of the life-cycle. A further innovative aspect is that the reliability of the structure is related to design parameters and quantified.
Intermediary results have been documented in research reports.
Computer programmes have been implemented and validated and are available as a design tool for expert users.
The approach is based on compilation and development of methods, procedures and building blocks for a knowledge based system for cost effective life-cycle design. These components have been consolidated into an integrated system. Finally the system has been used to investigate some design alternatives on the basis of a conventional design.
The project was executed in three phases.
In the first phase, completed with the Stage 1 Report, the emphasis was on compilation of basic data, procedures and methods relevant to the project. A further aspect was the development of an initial method for cost effective like-cycle design. This initial method, which was being updated as more knowledge becomes available, was used to determine which data was still incomplete or lacking.
In the second stage, consolidation of the design method for floating offshore platforms and the prototype expert system in the selected development environment was started.
Various modules of the expert system comprising data and knowledge banks and part of the user interface, were implemented and tested. Also, an existing design for a floating platform. developed using conventional rules and criteria, was selected for testing and evaluating the expert system.
In the last stage (3), the prototype expert system was finalized and tested on its capability to assist in the design of floating offshore platforms based on minimum life-cycle costs. For the latter purpose the design methodology and the prototype expert system developed are used to analyze the conventional design identified in Stage 2. The results were evaluated and, where necessary, the design method and modules of the expert system were adjusted.
Furthermore the impact of life-cycle cost considerations on initial design was superficially evaluated. General conclusions were :
- the method developed appears applicable to the structural design of floating structures.
- the structural reliability of structures may be quantified using thedesign tool developed,
- the life-cycle cost approach leads to more rational structural design.
Programme(s)
Thème(s)
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DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinateur
2314 Leiden
Pays-Bas