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Measurement of Wind Load Resistance on Drilling Structures

Office/Division Program
TAP
Project Number
374
Category
Research Initiation Date (Award Date)
Research Performing Activity
Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
Research Principal Investigator
Michael Effenberger
Research Contracting Agency
Description

The primary objective of this JIP is to provide test data that may be used to verify the existing and proposed methodology for the determination of wind load on drill rig systems. Based on offshore failures of masts and platforms that have occurred, it is apparent that the likelihood of failure of masts may be higher than that of the surrounding superstructure. It is important that the MMS participate in a JIP that will identify if any structural safety hazards exist with current mast or derrick designs. The scope has been increased to accommodate several different types of drilling derricks used in the offshore.

Latest progress update

Wind tunnel testing has been completed and the data will be used to model the wind effects on drilling structures. On September 09, 2005 a final document had been circulated for vote.