VIABILITY OF UNSTIFFENED OFFSHORE DECK JOINTS IN HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL HOT-ROLLED SECTIONS

This paper addresses the numerical analysis of offshore deck joints be tween hot-rolled H-sections using high strength steels. The viability of using economic unstiffened joints in the offshore industry, particu larly in high strength steels, is demonstrated. Comparisons of ultimat e load and costs are carried out with various parametric variations (g eometry, steel grades Fe E 355 and Fe E 460. and configuration). Also, comparisons with Eurocode 3 and the American Petroleum Institute API- RP2A Load and Resistance Factor Design rules are carried out and defic iencies in the codes highlighted. The insight gained on the applicatio n of deck joints with hot-rolled H-sections in high strength steels is discussed.