The optimal design of offshore structures is formulated as a decision theoretical problem. The objective is to maximize the expected net present value of the life cycle benefit. The general optimization problem is simplified by taking into account the cost impacts of a possible reconstruction of the structure. The analytical solution to this problem has been derived for the case, where failure events follow a stationary Poisson process. The life cycle benefit is formulated in terms of the production profile, the design and construction costs, failure costs and reconstruction costs. In order to assess the effect of potential loss of lives, the costs of fatalities are included applying the concept of the Implied Costs of Averting a Fatality The suggested approach to optimal design, which can be applied for any type of offshore structure, is exemplified considering the special case of steel structures. Here, it is standard to represent the ultimate structural capacity in terms of the Reserve Strength Ratio For the purpose of illustration, the relation between material usage and which is valid for monopod structures, is applied. Optimal and corresponding annual failure rates are assessed for both manned and unmanned structures covering a wide range of different realistic ratios between the potential revenues and costs for construction, failure and reconstruction.
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e-mail: kuebler@ibk.baug.ethz.ch
e-mail: faber@ibk.baug.ethz.ch
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August 2004
Technical Papers
Optimality and Acceptance Criteria in Offshore Design
Oliver Ku¨bler,
e-mail: kuebler@ibk.baug.ethz.ch
Oliver Ku¨bler
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute of Structural Engineering, IBK, ETH Hoenggerberg, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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Michael Havbro Faber
e-mail: faber@ibk.baug.ethz.ch
Michael Havbro Faber
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute of Structural Engineering, IBK, ETH Hoenggerberg, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
Search for other works by this author on:
Oliver Ku¨bler
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute of Structural Engineering, IBK, ETH Hoenggerberg, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
e-mail: kuebler@ibk.baug.ethz.ch
Michael Havbro Faber
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute of Structural Engineering, IBK, ETH Hoenggerberg, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
e-mail: faber@ibk.baug.ethz.ch
Contributed by the OOAE Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF OFFSHORE MECHANICS AND ARCTIC ENGINEERING. Manuscript received September 1, 2002; final revision August 28, 2003. Associate Editor: B. Leira.
J. Offshore Mech. Arct. Eng. Aug 2004, 126(3): 258-264 (7 pages)
Published Online: September 20, 2004
Article history
Received:
September 1, 2002
Revised:
August 28, 2003
Online:
September 20, 2004
Citation
Ku¨bler, O., and Faber, M. H. (September 20, 2004). "Optimality and Acceptance Criteria in Offshore Design ." ASME. J. Offshore Mech. Arct. Eng. August 2004; 126(3): 258–264. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1782641
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