Section 4 Design Procedures

4.1 Introduction
The design and analysis of a jack up platform have to be done taking into consideration many
factors, including the important parameters such as environmental, soil characteristics, water
depth, wave and wind loads, Rules requirements, intensity level of consequences of failure.
Jack Up rig at elevated condition must be able to withstand the overturning moment caused by the
environmental loads, this is achieved by the reaction on footings.
Also the legs structure must be able to withstand all design weights (Lightship, dead load, live
loads) and also the environmental loads. A lattice structure assembled with tubular members is
normally adopted for the leg structure in deep water for reducing wave forces on structure to
minimum.

4.2 Total Elevated Load

The Total Elevated Load of a Self-Elevating Unit is the combination of:
• The lightweight as specified in (3-1-1/15 Part 3 ABS MODU which define Lightweight as
the displacement of the complete unit with all of its machinery, equipment and outfit,
including permanent ballast, required spare parts and liquids in machinery and piping to
their working levels but without liquids in storage or reserve supply tanks, items of
consumable or variable loads, stores or crews and their effects.), but excluding the weight
of the legs and spud cans.
• All shipboard and drilling equipment and associated piping.
• Liquid variables.
• Solid variables.
• Combined drilling loads.

4.3 Environmental Loadings (Figure 2)

General
A unit’s modes of operation should be investigated using anticipated loads, including gravity and
functional loads together with relevant environmental loads due to the effects of wind, waves,
currents, and where deemed necessary by the Owner or designer, the effects of earthquake, sea
bed supporting capabilities, ambient temperature, fouling, ice, etc. Where applicable, the loads
indicated herein are to be adhered to for all types of mobile offshore drilling units. The Owner is
to specify the environmental conditions for which the plans for the unit are to be approved.
Wind Loadings
General
The minimum wind velocity for unrestricted offshore service for all normal drilling and transit
conditions is not to be less than 36 m/s (70 kn). All units in unrestricted offshore service are to
have the capability to withstand a severe storm condition wherein a wind velocity of not less than
51.5 m/s (100 kn) is assumed. In order to comply with a severe storm condition, all units are to
show compliance with this requirement at all times or have the capability to change their mode of
operation. The steps to be taken to comply with the 51.5 m/s (100 kn) criteria from the 36 m/s (70
kn) criteria are the responsibility of the Owner. Units which, due to intended limited service, are
not designed to meet the above criteria may be considered for restricted service classification. For
any restricted classification, the minimum wind velocity is to be taken at not less than 25.7 m/s
(50 kn).

Wind Pressure
In the calculation of wind pressure, P, the following equation is to be used and the vertical height is to
be subdivided approximately in accordance with the values listed in

Table 2
P = 0.5ρ Vk2 Ch Cs N/m2 (kgf/m2, lbf/ft2)
Where:
ρ= density of air (to be taken as 1.2224 kg/m3 unless an alternative value can be justified for the
location)
Vk = the 1 minute sustained wind velocity at reference elevation (normally 10m above MWL) m/s
(m/s, kn)
Ch = height coefficient from (

Table 2 Values of Ch)

Cs = shape coefficient from (Table 1 Values of Cs )

Table 1 Values of Cs
Spherical 0.4
Cylindrical shapes (all sizes) 0.5
Hull (surface type) 1
Deck house 1
Isolated Structural shapes (cranes, angles, channels, beams, etc. 1.5
Wires 1.2
Under deck areas (smooth surfaces) 1
Under deck areas (exposed beams and girders) 1.3
 Small parts 1.4
Rig derrick (each face) 1.25

Table 2 Values of Ch
The height is the vertical distance from the still water surface to the center of area of the block
considered. Blocks which have a vertical dimension greater than 15 m shall be sub-divided, and
the appropriate height coefficients applied to each part of the block.
Height (Meters) Height (Feet) Ch
0.0–15.3 0–50 1
15.3–30.5 50–100 1.1
30.5–46.0 100–150 1.2
46.0–61.0 150–200 1.3
61.0–76.0 200–250 1.37
76.0–91.5 250–300 1.43
91.5–106.5 300–350 1.48
106.5–122.0 350–400 1.52
122.0–137.0 400–450 1.56
137.0–152.5 450–500 1.6
152.5–167.5 500–550 1.63
167.5–183.0 550–600 1.67
183.0–198.0 600–650 1.7
198.0–213.5 650–700 1.72
213.5–228.5 700–750 1.75
228.5–244.0 750–800 1.77
244.0–259.0 800–850 1.79
259.0 and above 850 and above 1.8
Wind Force
The wind force, F, is to be calculated in accordance with the following equation for each vertical
area and the resultant force and vertical point of application is to be determined.
F = PA
Where:
F = force, in N (kgf, lbf)
P = pressure, in N/m2 (kgf/m2, lbf/ft2)
A = projected area, in m2 (ft2), of all exposed surfaces in either the upright or heeled condition
Note:
The wind area of the hull and associated structures (excluding derrick and legs) may normally be
taken as the profile area viewed from the direction under consideration.

In calculating the wind forces, the following procedures are recommended:

a) In the case of units with columns, the projected areas of all columns are to be included (i.e.,
no shielding allowance is to be taken).
b) Areas exposed due to heel, such as underdecks, etc., are to be included using the
appropriate shape coefficients.
c) The block projected area of a clustering of deck houses may be used in lieu of calculating
each individual area. The shape coefficient may be assumed to be 1.1.
d) Isolated houses, structural shapes, cranes, etc., are to be calculated individually using the
appropriate shape coefficient from Table 1 Values of Cs.
e) Open truss work commonly used for derrick towers, booms and certain types of masts may
be approximated by taking 30% of the projected block areas of both the front and back
sides, i.e., 60% of the projected block area of one side for double sided truss work. The
shape coefficient is to be taken in accordance with Table 1 Values of Cs.
Wave Loadings
General
Wave criteria specified by the Owner may be described by means of wave energy spectra or by
deterministic waves having shape, size and period appropriate to the depth of water in which the
unit is to operate. Waves are to be considered as coming from any direction relative to the unit.
Consideration is to be given to waves of less than maximum height where due to their period, the
effects on various structural elements may be greater.
Determination of Wave Loads
The determination of wave loads for use in structural design is to be based on acceptable
calculations, model tests or full scale measurements. For structures comprised of slender members
which do not significantly alter the incident wave field, semi-empirical formulations such as
Morison’s equation may be used. For calculations of wave loads on structural configurations which
significantly alter the incident wave field, diffraction methods are to be used which account for
both the incident wave force (i.e., Froude-Krylov force) and the forces resulting from wave
diffraction and radiation.
In general, Morison’s equation may be used for structures comprised of slender members the
diameters (or equivalent diameters giving the same cross-sectional areas parallel to the flow) of
which are less than 20% of the wave lengths [λ > 5Di where; A = wavelength and Di = reference
dimension of member (e.g. tubular diameter)] being considered and are small in relation to the
distances between structural members subject to wave loading (e.g., self-elevating units in the
elevated condition and most column-stabilized units).
For each combination of wave height, wave period and water depth being considered, a range of
wave crest positions relative to the structure is to be investigated to ensure an accurate
determination of the maximum wave force on the structure.
Morison’s Equation
The hydrodynamic force acting normal to the axis of a cylindrical member, as given by Morison’s
equation, is expressed as the sum of the force vectors indicated in the following equation:
FW = FD + FI
Where:
FW = hydrodynamic force vector per unit length along the member, acting normal to the axis of the
member.
FD = drag force vector per unit length
FI = inertia force vector per unit length
The drag force vector per unit length for a stationary, rigid member is given by:
FD = (ρ/2) D CD un |un| kN/m (tf/m, lbf/ft)
Where:
ρ = mass density of water normally 1.025 t/m3
D = projected width, in m (ft), of the member in the direction of the cross-flow component of
velocity (in the case of a circular cylinder, D denotes the diameter)
CD = drag coefficient (dimensionless)
un = component of the velocity vector, normal to the axis of the member, in m/s (ft/s)
|un| = absolute value of un, in m/s (ft/s)
The inertia force vector per unit length for a stationary, rigid member is given by:
F1 = ρ (π D2/4) CM an kN/m (tf/m, lbf/ft)
Where:
CM = inertia coefficient based on the displaced mass of fluid per unit length (dimensionless)
an = component of the fluid acceleration vector normal to the axis of the member, in m/s2 (ft/s2)
For structures which exhibit substantial rigid body oscillations due to wave action, the modified
form of Morison’s equation given below may be used to determine the hydrodynamic force.
Fw = FD + FI
= ρ /2 D CD (un − un′) | un − un′| + ρ (π D2/4) an + ρ (π D2/4) Cm (an − an′)
Where:
un′ = component of the velocity vector of the structural member normal to its axis, in m/s (ft/s)
Cm = added mass coefficient (i.e., Cm = CM − 1)
an′ = component of the acceleration vector of the structural member normal to its axis, in m/s2
(ft/s2)
For structural shapes other than circular cylinders, the term πD2/4 in the above equations is to be
replaced by the actual cross-sectional area of the shape.
Values of un and an for use in Morison’s equation are to be determined using wave theories
appropriate to the wave heights, wave periods and water depths being considered. Drag and inertia
coefficients vary considerably with section shape. Reynold’s number, Keulegan-Carpenter number
and surface roughness are to be based on reliable data obtained from literature, model or full scale
tests. For circular cylindrical members at Reynold’s numbers greater than 1 × 106, CD and CM may
be taken at 0.62 and 1.8, respectively, provided that marine fouling is prevented or periodically
removed.
Current Loading
Current Associated with Waves
When determining loads due to the simultaneous occurrence of waves and current using Morison’s
equation, the current velocity is to be added vectorially to the wave particle velocity before the
total force is computed. When diffraction methods are used for calculating wave force, the drag
force due to current should be calculated in accordance with Drag Force and added vectorially to
the calculated wave force.
The current velocity is to include components due to tidal current, storm surge current and wind
driven current. In lieu of defensible alternative methods, the vertical distribution of current velocity
in still water and its modification in the presence of waves, as shown in 3-1-3/Figure 1, are
recommended, where:
Vc = Vt + Vs + Vw [(h − z)/h], for z ≤ h
Vc = Vt + Vs for z > h
Where:
Vc = current velocity, m/s (ft/s)
Vt = component of tidal current velocity in the direction of the wind, m/s (ft/s)
Vs = component of storm surge current, m (ft)
Vw = wind driven current velocity, m/s (ft/s)
h = reference depth for wind driven current, m (ft). (in the absence of other data, h may be taken
as 5 m (16.4 ft).
z = distance below still water level under consideration, m (ft)
d = still water depth, m (ft)
In the presence of waves, the current velocity profile is to be modified, as shown in Figure 1, such
that the current velocity at the instantaneous free surface is a constant.

Figure 1 Current Velocity Profile

Drag Force
When calculating the drag force on submerged parts of the structure due to current alone, the
following equation may be used.
fD = ρ/2 D CD uc |uc|
Where:
fD = current drag force vector per unit length along the member, acting normal to the axis of the
member in kN/m (tf/m, lbf/ft)
uc = component of the current velocity vector, Vc, normal to the axis of the member
ρ, D and CD are as defined in 3-1-3/1.5.3 ABS MODU Part3 (Morison Equation parameters).
All of the above values are to be taken in a consistent system of units, CD being dimensionless.
Drag coefficients in steady flow vary considerably with section shape, Reynold’s number and
surface roughness and are to be based on reliable data obtained from literature, model or full scale
tests.
Loadings due to Vortex Shedding
Consideration is to be given to the possibility of flutter of structural members due to vortex
shedding.
 Figure 2 Loads on lattice leg structure

Gravity and Functional Loads

General
The gravity loads are steel, equipment and outfitting weights, liquid and solid variables, and live
loads and should be taken into account in the design of the structural strength and stability. The
load effects due to operations such as drilling (rotary/hook loads and tensioner loads), work over
and well servicing should also be taken into account.
Combinations of Gravity and Functional Loads for Design
For all modes of operation, the combinations of gravity and function loads are to be specified by
the Owners or Designers as per the operations designed. However, maximums (or minimums) of
the combinations that produce the most unfavorable load effects in the strength or stability of the
unit should be taken for design.
Hydrodynamic Coefficients for Leg Members
Recommended values for hydrodynamic coefficients for tubulars ≤ 1.5m diameter are given in
Table 3:
Table 3 Base hydrodynamic coefficients for tubulars
Surface condition CD CM
Smooth 0.65 2
Rough 1 1.8

Note: The smooth values will normally apply above MWL + 2m and the rough values below MWL
+ 2m, where MWL is the mean water level related to the seabed shall be expressed as the mean
level between highest astronomical tide (HAT) and lowest astronomical tide (LAT) i.e.:

MWL = (HAT + LAT)/2.

If the jack-up has operated in deeper water and the fouled legs are not cleaned the surface should
be taken as rough for wave loads above MWL + 2m.
When applicable, marine growth is to be included in the hydrodynamic model by adding the
appropriate marine growth thickness, to, on the boundary of each individual member below MWL
+ 2m, (i.e. for a tubular Di =DoriginaI + 2tm). Site specific data for marine growth is preferred (see
Section 3.9). If such data are not available all members below MWL + 2m shall be considered to
have a marine growth thickness tm = 12.5 mm (i.e. total of 25 mm across the diameter of a tubular
member).
Marine growth on the teeth of elevating racks and protruding guided surfaces of chords may
normally be ignored.
The effects of marine growth may be ignored if anti-fouling, cleaning or other means are applied,
however the surface roughness is still to be taken into account.
For non-tubular geometries (e.g. leg chords) the appropriate hydrodynamic coefficients may, in lieu
of more detailed information, be taken in accordance with Figure 3 ,and corresponding formulas, as
appropriate.

Figure 3 Split tube chord and typical values for CD

For a split tube chord as shown in Figure 3, the drag coefficient CDi related to the reference
dimension Di = D+2tm, the diameter of the tubular including marine growth maybe taken as:

Where:
θ = Angle in degrees, see Figure 4.4
CDo = the drag coefficient for a tubular with appropriate roughness
(CDo = 1.0 below MWL+2m and CDo =0.65 above MWL+2m.)
CD1 = the drag coefficient for flow normal to the rack (θ = 90°), related to projected diameter, W.
CD1 is given by:

The inertia coefficient CMj = 2.0, related to the equivalent volume πD2/4 per unit length of member,
may be applied for all heading angles and any roughness.

4.4 General Requirements for Materials and Scantlings

This part is described in hull section, same configurations and factors of safety used here will be
the same.

4.5 Units Elevated Modes ABS requirements

General
In elevated modes, the unit is to have sufficient positive downward gravity loading to withstand
overturning and an adequate air gap to prevent waves from striking the hull. Each leg is to be
adequately preloaded to the maximum anticipated vertical reaction at the spudcan. The
requirements of safety against overturning, wave clearance and Preload are to be complied with
for a unit in elevated modes.
Safety against overturning
Units which are to rest on the sea bed are to have sufficient positive downward gravity loadings
on the support footings or mat to withstand the overturning moment due to the combined
environmental loads from any direction with the lateral deflection of the legs taken into
consideration.
The safety against overturning is to be assessed using the most unfavorable direction and
combination of environmental, gravity, variable, and functional loads in both normal operating
and severe storm conditions.
Units with individual footings are to have righting moments calculated about the most unfavorable
axis through the center of one or more footings and are to have a minimum factor of safety of 1.1
for the conditions defined below.
Units with a mat are to have righting moments calculated about the most highly stressed edge of
the mat and are to have a minimum factor of safety of 1.3 for the conditions defined below.
Nominal Loading Conditions for Calculation of Safety Against Overturning
i. Normal Operating Condition: Units are assumed to have minimum design variable loads
and the cantilever in the most unfavorable position with the associated design operating
load.
ii. Severe Storm Condition: Units are assumed to have minimum design variable loads and
the cantilever in the design position.
Wave Clearance
A crest clearance of either 1.2 m (4 ft.) or 10% of the combined storm tide, astronomical tide, and
height of the maximum wave crest above the mean low water level, whichever is less, between the
underside of the unit in the elevated position and the crest of the wave is to be maintained. This
crest elevation is to be measured above the level of the combined astronomical and storm tides.
Preload
Capability
Units without bottom mats are to have the capability of being preloaded such that the vertical leg
reaction achieved on each leg is at least equal to the computed maximum vertical leg reaction due
to the maximum gravity and functional loads plus overturning load of the severe storm condition.
Leg Strength
All legs are to have adequate strength to withstand the preload condition described in the above
Preload Capability. The factor of safety for combined loadings given in Allowable Stresses
(individual stresses) part is to be used when considering structural aspects of the preload condition.

4.6 Legs ABS requirements

Leg Scantlings
Legs are to be designed to adequately resist the anticipated total elevated loads and environmental
loads for all elevated modes of operation. Leg scantlings are to be determined in accordance with
an acceptable method of rational analysis. Calculations are to be submitted for review.
When computing stresses in legs, the maximum overturning moment or base shear on the unit,
using the most adverse combination. Forces and moments due to lateral frame deflection of the
legs (P-∆ effect) and wave induced dynamic response are to be taken into account.
Spudcan-Soil Interaction
Legs without mats, which may penetrate the sea bed, are to be considered pinned at least 3 m (10
ft.) below the sea bed. However when considering a loading condition that includes the unit’s
dynamic response, credit may be given to the added stiffness provided by spudcan-soil interaction
in accordance with Sea Bed Conditions below. But where use is made of the added spudcan-soil
stiffness to offset the effects of dynamic response.
Sea Bed Conditions
Where it is desired, as permitted above, to consider the added stiffness provided by the spudcan-
soil interaction, the rotational stiffness from the interaction is limited to a maximum value based
on the equations below. The Owner may select individual values of the rotational stiffness from
zero (representing the pinned condition) to the maximum as the basis of the conditions that are
reviewed in the unit’s classification and listed in the Operating Manual.
The maximum extent to which this rotational stiffness can be applied to the system, Krs, maximum is
defined by the following equations.
Where:
I = Equivalent Leg Moment of Inertia, in m4 (ft4)
A = Equivalent Leg Axial Area, in m2 (ft2)
As = Equivalent Leg Shear Area, in m2 (ft2)
L = leg length, in m (ft), taken as the sum of the distance from the underside of the hull to the sea
bed plus the sea bed penetration [min. of 3 m (1 ft)]. The minimum leg lengths to be used in
determination of values of Krs, maximum is Lmin = 4.35 (I/As)0.5. For leg lengths less than Lmin, the Krs,
maximum is to be set at the value obtained when the leg length is Lmin.

E = elastic modulus of the leg material as 200 GPa (4.176 × 106 Kip/ft2) for steel
Fg = parameter to reflect the number of legs
= 1.125 (for 3 leg unit), 1.0 (for 4 leg unit)
Y = for a 3-leg unit, is the distance, in m (ft), between the centerline of one leg and a line joining
the centers of the other two legs
= or for a 4-leg unit, is the distance, in m (ft), between the centers of leeward and windward rows
of legs; in the direction being considered
J= torsion constant
Krs, maximum is in the units of N-m/rad (Kip-ft/rad)
Hull Interface Structure with Legs
Jackcases and associated supporting bracing system are to have adequate strength to properly
transmit the loads between the legs and the hull using the allowable stresses defined before.
Friction losses directly related to the leg interfaces are to be considered when establishing the loads
imposed on a jacking system during lifting operations. Values for friction losses such as those at
the leg guides and at the rack and pinion mesh are to be provided by the relevant designer.
Alternatively, for rack and pinion systems, the minimum total friction allowance for the leg
interface may be taken as not less than 8% of the torque available on the climbing pinion shaft.
Spudcan and Bottom Mat
Spudcan
General
The structure of a spudcan is to be designed for the loads imposed on it in both the afloat and the
elevated modes of operation. In the afloat mode, the structure is to be capable of withstanding the
hydrostatic pressure, taking into account whether or not the spudcan is freely vented to the sea
once it is submerged. In the elevated mode, the structure is to be capable of withstanding the loads
imposed on it by the leg, and be able to transfer these loads effectively to the foundation beneath
it. These loads are composed of the gravity load of the leg and hull; variable and functional loads;
the environmental loads from wind, waves, and current acting on the leg and hull; and the effects
of any applicable preload conditions. It is important to note that the leg-to-spudcan connections
represent a primary load path, and they are to be carefully designed to avoid stress concentrations.
It is equally important to consider that a self-elevating unit may be sited in a wide variety of sea
bottom conditions, including rocky foundations with virtually zero penetration, soft clay bottoms
with deep penetrations, hard sandy bottoms which are prone to scour, and sloping strata that lead
to eccentric contact area and therefore eccentric loading on the spudcan.
Afloat Mode Loading Conditions
To address the afloat mode loading conditions, the scantlings of a spudcan are to be designed using
the deep tank requirements with appropriate design heads, h. The following values of h are to be
used in the formulas given in (3-2-2/7.3 Tank Bulkheads & Tank Flats: Plating) and (3-2-2/7.5
Tank Bulkheads & Tank Flats: Stiffeners & Beams).
For a spudcan that is vented freely to the sea:

a. Plating: h = the distance from the lower edge of the plate to the free flooding point or
50 ft, whichever is greater.
b. Stiffeners: h = the distance from the middle of l to the same points to which h for
plating is measured (see above)
c. Girders: h = the distance from the middle of l to the same points to which h for plating
is measured (see above)
For a spudcan that is not vented freely to the sea:

a. Plating: h = the distance from the lower edge of the plate to the maximum water level,
taking into consideration the astronomical and storm tides
b. Stiffeners: h = the distance from the middle of l to the same points to which h for
plating is measured (see above)
c. Girders: h = the distance from the middle of l to the same points to which h for plating
is measured (see above)
Elevated Mode Loading Conditions
To address the elevated mode loading conditions, the scantlings of the plating, stiffeners, and
girders of the spudcan are to be adequate to resist a load equal to the maximum required preload,
evenly distributed over 50% of the bottom area.
In addition, the spudcans, including the leg-to-spudcan connections, are also to be adequate to
transmit the forces and moments from the leg to the foundation, as follows:
Preload Condition:
The spudcan and the leg-to-spudcan connections are to be designed for a load equal to the
maximum required preload, concentrically distributed over a range of bearing areas, from the
minimum design penetration up to and including full embedment.
Normal Operating and Severe Storm Conditions:

1) Pin-ended support:
The spudcan and the leg-to-spudcan connections are to be designed for the maximum vertical
reaction and the associated horizontal reaction in conjunction with 35% of the maximum calculated
moment at the lower guide, (to account for the eccentric effects of possible scour and uneven
bottom conditions) acting in the most unfavorable direction. The maximum lower guide bending
moment is to be calculated with pin-ended conditions.
2) Partially-fixed support:
The spudcan and the leg-to-spudcan connections are to be designed for the following loads:
a) The maximum vertical reaction, in conjunction with the associated horizontal reaction and
spudcan-soil fixity moment, acting in the most unfavorable direction.
b) The maximum spudcan-soil fixity moment in conjunction with the associated vertical and
horizontal reactions, acting in the most unfavorable direction.
Notes:
i. If the spudcans are not freely vented to the sea, the effects of hydrostatic pressure are to be
included when checking the strength of the spudcans in the preload, normal operating,
severe storm, and uneven bottom conditions.
ii. The above requirements are for the design of the spudcan and leg-chord-to-spudcan
connections. See (Section 3-2-1, “Structural Analysis”) for loading and allowable stress
requirements for self-elevating unit global structural analysis and (3-2-3/7.1.4 regarding
“Sea Bed Conditions”) for assumptions of sea bed conditions to be used for structural
analyses. Stresses are not to exceed those permitted by (3-2-1/3 regarding Allowable
Stresses) as mentioned before.
Bottom Mat
Mat compartments are to be in accordance with (3-2-3/3 regarding General Requirements for
materials & scantlings). Particular attention is to be given to the attachment, framing and bracing
of the mat in order that loads are properly transmitted between the legs and mat. (See 3-2-2/7.11
regarding drainage and air escape.) The boundary plating of the tanks which are not vented freely
to the sea is not to be less in thickness than would be required for tanks, using a head to the
maximum water level, taking into account the astronomical and storm tides. The mat is to be
further investigated while resting on the sea bed with 20% of the bottom bearing area washed away
due to scouring. See (3-2-4/5.9.4 regarding Scouring Considerations). Where skirt plates are
provided, consideration will be given to their effectiveness in preventing such loss of bottom
support due to scouring.

4.7 STRUCTURAL STRENGTH CHECK

Code Basis
Currently, the most widely used codes for structural strength assessment for the offshore industry
are based on "working stress design". Examples of commonly used codes are AISC ASD and API
RP2A. Due to a number of inadequacies of these codes, there has been a move by their authors to
replace them with the "Load and resistance factor design (LRFD)" approach. Although AISC and
API allow use of both the "working stress" and LRFD codes in parallel, it is their intention to phase
out the "working stress" methods in the future. To follow the trend in the industry, it was decided
that the structural strength assessment code to be used in the PRACTICE should also be based on
LRFD. Both the AISC LRFD and API LRFD codes were reviewed as bases for jack-up structural
assessment. It was decided that the AISC LRFD should be used, for the following reasons:
i. API LRFD covers tubular members thoroughly but refers the user to AISC LRFD for non-
tubular members. Since non-tubular members are commonly encountered in jack-ups,
AISC LRFD offers the greater applicability.
ii. Although a limit state code, the equations used in API LRFD are expressed in terms of
stresses and not loads. This would cause difficulties in the integration of AISC LRFD with
API LRFD for use in assessment computer programs for the non-tubular cases
iii. A parametric study of the two codes for tubular members produced results for the AISC
LRFD equations similar to those for the API LRFD code.
Hybrid beam-columns
Hybrid beam-columns are quite common in jack-ups such as chords with high yield stress racks
welded to lower yield stress plate constructions (Figure 4). The treatment of hybrid beams of this
nature is not adequately covered in AISC LRFD and hence it has been necessary to state rules
dictating the method for establishing the axial and bending strengths of such beam-columns. The
methods described are based upon engineering understanding of the problem and have been made
as straight forward as possible.
 Figure 4 Rack (middle) welded to the rolled plate that forms the tubular chord
Assessment of Members - excluding stiffened and high D/t ratio
tubulars
In deriving a suitable form the problem for the tubular was considered first. Clearly, since the tubular
has equal bending strength in all directions, the correct actual bending moment should be the vectorial
sum of the x- and y-axis bending moments. Expressed as a unity check equation for bending only:

And with the addition of axial load (for Pu/ΦaPn > 0.2)

Since most jack-up chords are closed sections with high torsional stiffnesses similar to tubulars,
the logical step was to formulate a similar equation which had the ability to account for sections
not exhibiting circular symmetry. This was carried out by using a generalized exponent η. One of
the equations is given below as an example (for Pu/ΦaPn > 0.2).This resembles the formulation in
the AISC LRFD for I sections, although the exponent η has a different determination procedure.
With η = 1.0, the equations revert to the standard AISC LRFD equations, and hence a conservative
assessment can be made. However, if the limit is required with more accuracy, then it is necessary
to determine the value for η.
If the nominal bending strengths Mux and Muy are the same and η = 2.0, then this would imply that
the section has equal bending strength in all directions. A value to η =∞ implies that the bending
capacities in the x- and y-axes are independent of each other.
Nominal Axial Strength
Whereas the nominal axial strength of tension members of one material are fully catered for in
the AISC LRFD code, some interpretation was required hybrid beam columns.
The basic measure of tensile strength is 0.9Fyi, but in certain cases this value may be
unacceptably close to the ultimate strength. Therefore the provision is introduced that the
factored strength is the lesser of 0.9Fyi and 0.75Fui. This ensures that an acceptable margin is
applied to each component as illustrated in

Figure 5 Stresses margin

For hybrid members a nominal strength is required that takes into account the properties of each
component. If there is no likelihood of fracture of anyone component then an addition of the
nominal strengths of each component is appropriate for the member Figure 5
Figure 6 Stress/strain curves for two component member for which addition of nominal strengths is
permissible
However it is conceivable that fracture of one component may take place at a strain level below
that at which another component is loaded to its nominal strength Figure 6

Figure 7 Stress/strain curves for two component member in which one component fractures before
the other is loaded to its nominal strength.
4.8 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
The acceptance checks in the following sections cover:
i. Structural strength,
ii. Overturning stability,
iii. Foundation capacity (preload, bearing, sliding displacement and punch-through),
 iv. Horizontal deflections,
v. Loads in the holding system,
vi. Loads in the hull and the condition of the unit.
In each check the factored resistance should equal or exceed the factored load. Thus the general
form of the check is:

For some checks, where load and resistance vectors are considered, it may be necessary to address
the interaction between the n different components. The form of the check then becomes:

The required load factors are as follows:

γ1= 1.00 - Applies to non-varying weight loads (D)
γ2 = 1.00 - Applies to maximum or minimum variable loads (L) applicable to check being carried
out
γ3 = 1.15 - Applies to environmental loads (E)
γ4 = 1.00 - Applies to dynamic loads (Dn) in combination with γ3

4.9 Tubular Connections

Static and Fatigue analysis of welded tubular jack-up leg connections can be performed in the same
manner defined for the fixed offshore platforms.
Tubular braces connect to jack-up lattice leg chords to each other at the “joints” forming a three-
dimensional truss structure. The external forces acting on the member spans are transferred to their
end support points (joints) from where they are distributed to the other connecting members and/or
to the global leg structure.
Joints must be designed to safely transfer the member end forces, while also providing adequate
strength and ductility to resist fracture and fatigue when subjected to extreme and or repeated loads
caused by the ocean environment ,legs-spudcans-soil-interaction ,preloading, severe storm
conditions, unit self-weight while elevated , functional loads and the vibrations on the jackup.
Currently, there are several tubular joint design methods recommended by a number of design
codes in use. The most prominent of these is the current API RP 2A method which will be used
here to analyse tubular connections of the lattice legs strength and ability to withstand loads applied
on them to provide safe jacking up , preloading and operating conditions.
Figure 8 Geometric characteristics of a tubular joint
 Figure 9 Tubular joint capacity equations
Fyc =Yield strength of the chord member at the joint. The API RP-2A limits this strength to 80%
of the yield strength for steels with yield strength less than 72 ksi.
Pca=Allowable capacity of the chord subjected to the brace axial load P.

References:
1. ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) MODU (Mobile Offshore Drilling Units)
requirements (2018)
2. API (American Petroleum Institute)
3. SNAME (Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers) Jack-up Site Assessment
(2002)
4. Handbook of Offshore Engineering Vol-I (by SUBRATA K. CHAKRABARTI, 2005)
5. The Road to Saqqara ( Jack-up units and Move ) presentation