In recent years, the software,

engineering and computer technology available to predict the design loads imposed on ships and
offshore structures has improved dramatically. Notwithstanding, with the stepwise increase in the size
and structural complexity of ships and floating offshore installations and the advances in the framework
of Rules and Standards it has become necessary to utilise the latest technologies to assess the design
loads on new designs. Along the lines of the recommendations from the International Ship and Offshore
Structures Committee (ISSC) I.2 on

Simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world

process or system over time. The act of simulating
something first requires that a model be developed; this
model represents the key characteristics or
behaviours/functions of the selected physical or abstract
system or process.

With the advancement in computer and software technology

and availability of computers, the structural analysis of
structures has been made easy and fast. There are a number
of commercial computer programs available specifically
coded to carry out three dimensional structural analysis for
offshore structures. Few programs are listed below.
 SACS - Structural Analysis Computer System - from
Engineering Dynamics Inc. USA
 Strucad - Also from Engineering Dynamics INC. USA
 SESAM - from Det Norske Veritas, Norway
The modern day offshore development project schedules do
not permit designers to carry out hand calculations due to
faster requirement of design and drawings for fabrication.
Usually, the first discipline to produce documents and
drawings is structural so that the materials can be ordered to
mill for production. Hence the structural designers are under
very high pressure from fabricators to produce the
structural material take off for order placement. The use of
structural analysis programs with fast computers has made
possible some of the largest structures to be designed in 6 to
8 months

The efficiency and safe design of marine platforms depend on a complex structure of mutual influence between
these
facilities and the surrounding environment and the degree of resistance to different loading patterns during the entire
investment
period. Fixed jacket platforms are huge steel framed structures used for the exploration and extraction of oil and gas
from the earth’s
crust.

In-place analysis is the structural analysis used to simulate

the behavior of the structure as close as possible to give the
response of the structure during its service. It is done to
check the global integrity of the structure against premature
failure.
Finite Element (FE) modelling is commonly used to obtain accurate models of support structures. Typically, these
models involve large computational efforts for simulation. This is an issue, considering the increasingly large
number of required design load case simulations

A semi-submersible offshore platform always operates under complex weather conditions, especially
wind and waves. It is vital to analyze the structural dynamic responses of the platform in short-term sea
states under the combined wind and wave loads

The analysis, design and construction of offshore structures compatible with the extreme offshore
environmental conditions is a most challenging and creative task. Over the usual conditions and situations met by
landbased structures, offshore structures have the added complication of being placed in an ocean environment
where
hydrodynamic interaction effects and dynamic response become major considerations in their design

Due to an inevitable trend of oil exploitation to the deep sea,

recent focus has shifted to the design and manufacturing of semisubmersible platforms. The structural members of
an offshore
platform should resist wind and wave loads in the deep sea. A
survey on offshore platforms states that damages to these major
components would pose high risk on structural safety under the
combined actions of wind and wave loads (Gomathinayagam et al.,
2000). Their effects on marine structures may result directly in
structural damage or in long-term structural fatigue damage (Jin
et al., 2005). Hence, it is quite important to simulate the combined wind and wave loads of each short-term sea state
and
investigate their effects on the structural strength of the platform

O ffshore wind turbines (OWT) are complex machines that are strongly influenced by the surrounding
environment. They are designed and certified based on load assumptions gained from extensive
simulations. Loads simulation is a complex task; however, the effort is necessary as high availability and
cost-effectiveness are only achievable when (1) all significant loads are predicted in advance to
guarantee a reliable design, and (2) the loads are not massively overestimated as this leads to high
reserves, that is, a design that is not cost effective.
The ocean loads applied to an
offshore structure are calculated
using Morison’s equation, which
calculates the loads on line elements
due to wave and current. This load is
calculated for the worst position of
the 100 year storm wave in relation
to the structure by running one
complete wave through the
structure and extracting the wave
with the largest base shear. This
worst case load is then incremented
linearly on the structure until the
analysis can no longer converge,
indicating failure of the Structure.
The dead load of the structure is
kept constant.

The substructure and tower are modeled as flexible structures that feature possibilities for loads calculation on the
submerged members based on the Morison approach 49 and on a simple drag force calculation from wind for the
structures parts above the
waterline. Buoyancy loads and load effects that result from marine growth, as an example, need to be
taken into account. In the case of floating wind turbines, at least a simple mooring line model needs to
be included.

Numerical methods are widely used within structural and offshore engineering with respect to analysis of offshore
structures. Because of rather complex interaction with the environment, it often requires the coupling of
interdisciplinary topics such as aerodynamics, hydrodynamics and structural mechanics. The ability to predict the
load-bearing
capacity of offshore structures has always been of interest, but even more accurate methods are needed as structures,
and their interactions with the environment, are getting even more complicated to analyze. Especially within
renewable energy, floating concepts have received great interest during the latest decade. Floating offshore wind
turbines
have been investigated by means of state-of-the-art methods in [1]. Bottom founded structures, such as the well-
known
jacket structures used within the oil & gas sector, differ from floating offshore structures because they, in many
cases,
capacity of offshore structures has always been of interest, but even more accurate methods are needed as structures,
and their interactions with the environment, are getting even more complicated to analyze. Especially within
renewable energy, floating concepts have received great interest during the latest decade. Floating offshore wind
turbines
have been investigated by means of state-of-the-art methods in [1]. Bottom founded structures, such as the well-
known
jacket structures used within the oil & gas sector, differ from floating offshore structures because they, in many
cases, behave linearly from a structural perspective. However, this is not always the case for floating offshore
structures.
These structures may experience non-linearities, such as large displacements and/or stress-stiffening effects, which
may alter the structural behavior considerably and must therefore be taken into account.
Different simulation tools have been developed for the purpose of including the non-linearities

Offshore structures may be

analyzed using static or dynamic analysis methods. Static analysis methods are sufficient for structures, which are
rigid
enough to neglect the dynamic forces associated with the motion under the time-dependent environmental loadings.
On
the other hand, structures which are flexible due to their particular form are to be used in deep water must be
checked
for dynamic loads [2]. The calculation of the wave loads on vertical tubular members is always of major concern to
engineers. The analysis of wave effects on offshore structures, such as wave loads and corresponding responses, are
of great importance to ocean engineers in the design,

If
tubular members of a jacket do not satisfy the ultimate
strength requirements, resulting in yielding or buckling, it is
assumed that the tubular member is not fit for the purpose.
Ultimate strength criteria advocated in various codes specify
structural strength and stability requirements for jacket
tubular members to avoid yielding or buckling. The buckling
of a member could be either lateral deformation in the length
direction of a column or hoop buckling. Tubular members
subjected to combined axial compression and bending may
give rise to lateral buckling. The effect of hydrostatic
pressure loading on a column may lead to hoop buckling.
And the aim of in-place ULS design with respect to code
checking is to avoid buckling of members. It is important to
determine the maximum shear force of the environmental
loads for dimensioning of jacket bracings. Meanwhile, the
maximum overturning moment should be established for
dimensioning of jacket legs.

When two or more

physical systems interact, they become a coupled system.

With the advancement in computer and software technology and availability of

computers,
the structural analysis of structures has been made easy and fast. There are a number of
commercial computer programs available speciflcally coded to carry out three
dimensional
structural analysis for ofishore structures. Few programs are listed below.
† SACS - Structural Analysis Computer System - from Engineering Dynamics Inc. USA
† Strucad - Also from Engineering Dynamics INC. USA
† SESAM - from Det Norske Veritas, Norway
Ansys Aqua
ANSYS Aqwa is a multi-body hydrodynamic program that utilizes
the three dimensional radiation/diffraction theory for global
loading and motions simulations ANSYS Aqwa for hydrodynamic analysis and vessel motions
• Applications include (but not limited to):

– Moored multi-body systems

– Sea keeping (eg ship performance)
– Dynamic positioning systems
– Ports and harbors (eg breakwaters)
ANSYS Aqwa can be utilized for

– Connect /offloading /disconnect scenarios

– Floatover installations

– Launching installations

– Lifting operations

– Transportation

– Failure conditions
– Air gap
– User definable functionality

SOFIA
the maximum base shear
and overturning moment are calculated in normal environmental conditions and stormy. as well as the unit check
values, for all
member are obtained it.

currently developed tools an in-house simulation tool, abbreviated SOFIA (Simulation Of Floaters In Action), has
been developed as an initial computational framework for future research and education within analysis of floating
offshore structures in the Division of Structural and Offshore Engineering at Aalborg University (Denmark). In the
current version, SOFIA is capable of simulating bottom founded and floating offshore structures exposed to wave
forces from linear and non-linear waves, while geometrical non-linearities of the structure can be included.

SOFIA is primarily being developed for research and educational purposes. In order to comply with demands for
reproduceability and transparency, the computational framework is written in MATLAB, which makes it relatively
easy to use for both experienced and less experienced users within scientific computing.

SACS is an integrated finite element structural analysis package of applications that

uniquely provides for the
design of offshore structures, including oil and gas platforms, wind farms, and topsides of
FPSOs and floating
platforms. SACS software has been used by offshore engineers around the world for nearly
40 years. Many of
the world’s energy companies specify SACS software for use by their engineering firms
across the lifecycle of
offshore platforms. Because every project has different needs, there are three flexible SACS
options. Offshore
Structure Enterprise for comprehensive capabilities required for typical offshore jackets,
wharfs, and dolphin
structures; Offshore Structure Advanced for static topside and deck analysis; and Offshore
Structure for static
structural analysis.
SACS (structural analysis computer systems), a design and analysis software for offshore structures and vessels, is
used
for the modeling and analysis of the jacket. SACS is an integrated suite of finite element based software that
supports the
analysis, design and fabrication of offshore structures, including oil, gas, and wind farm platforms and topsides [7].
Its
ability to dynamically iterate designs allows users to perform advanced analysis, comply with offshore design
criteria, and
visualize complex results. SACS provides reliable beam member code checking and tubular joint code checking
capacity；
therefore it is very suitable for topsides structures consisting of plate girders and tubular columns/ braces [4].

Offshore Structure Enterprise

Offshore Structure Enterprise contains capabilities required
for typical offshore jackets, wharfs, and dolphin structures.
It includes the interactive graphics modeler with advanced
3D capabilities, SACS IV solver and interactive graphics 3D
post processor, Seastate, Joint Can, Pile, Combine, Gap, Tow,
and LDF large deflection. The package also includes automatic
model generation, beam and finite element capability, steel
code check and redesign, environmental load generation,
tubular connection check, single pile/soil interaction, inertia
and moving load generation, tension/compression nonlinear
elements with initial gap, load case combination, linear
large deflection analysis, and full output report and plotting
capabilities. The package also contains the multicore analysis
capability allowing the user to conduct multiple analyses of
the same type in parallel, saving hours of runtime.
Offshore Structure Advanced
Offshore Structure Advanced contains capabilities required
for typical topside and deck analysis. It includes the interactive
graphics modeler with advanced 3D capabilities, SACS IV solver
and interactive graphics 3D post-processor, topsides wind
loading, Combine, Gap, Tow, and LDF large deflection. The
package also includes automatic model generation, beam and
finite element capability, steel code check and redesign, wind
and gravity load generation, inertia and moving load generation,
tension/compression nonlinear elements with initial gap, load
case combination, linear large deflection analysis, and full output
report and plotting capabilities.
Offshore Structure
Offshore Structure contains capabilities required for static
structural analysis. It includes the interactive graphics
modeler with advanced 3D capabilities, SACS IV solver
and interactive graphics 3D post-processor, Combine, Gap,
Tow, and LDF large deflection. The package also includes
automatic model generation, beam and finite element
capability, steel code check and redesign, inertia and
moving load generation, tension/compression nonlinear
elements with initial gap, load case combination, linear
large deflection analysis, and full output report and
plotting capabilities.
Collapse
Plastic Nonlinear Add-on
Perform advanced plastic analysis using of the Offshore Structure,
Offshore Structure Advanced, or Offshore Structure Enterprise package.
Collapse Advanced
Plastic Nonlinear Add-on
Perform advanced nonlinear plastic analysis including pushover,
ship impact, dropped object, and blast analysis.
The Collapse Advanced program supports large deflections, large
rotations, arc length iterations, automatic sub-incrementations and
torsional buckling. It requires the use of Offshore Structure, Offshore
Structure Advanced, or Offshore Structure Enterprise package.
Fatigue Advanced – Dynamic Response
Fatigue Package with Dynamic Response
This package contains the modules required to determine the wind
fatigue damage of a dynamic system. This package contains DYNPAC,
Fatigue, Interactive Fatigue, and Dynamic Response. It requires the use
of the Offshore Structure, Offshore Structure Advanced, or Offshore
Structure Enterprise package.
Fatigue Advanced – Wave Response
Fatigue Package with Wave Response
This package contains the modules required to determine the fatigue
damage of a dynamic system subject to wave loads. This package
contains DYNPAC, Fatigue, Interactive Fatigue, and Wave Response.
It requires the use of the Offshore Structure, Offshore Structure
Advanced, or Offshore Structure Enterprise package.
Fatigue Enterprise
Fatigue Package with Wave Response
and Dynamic Response
This package contains the modules required to perform any dynamic
deterministic, time history, or spectral fatigue analysis. It requires
the use of the Offshore Structure, Offshore Structure Advanced,
or Offshore Structure Enterprise package.
Wind
OpenWindPower Fixed Foundation
The OpenWindPower Fixed Foundation is comprised of the
following packages: Offshore Structure Enterprise, Pile Structure
Design, Collapse, and Fatigue Enterprise. The package also
contains the SACS interfaces to the GH Bladed and FAST wind
turbine aero-elastic modules.
Sesam GeniE, our complete, user-friendly and costefficient offshore engineering suite is unique in its
ability to handle frequent and significant changes in
the design process quickly and efficiently. One common software tool for engineering of floating and
fixed structures, including environmental load
calculations,

The same model can be used from the initial design

phase through final design to modifications and
repair, life-extension, re-analysis and requalification to
increase the return on asset for operators and asset
owners. Sesam GeniE is designed to integrate data,
making it easy to re-use existing data from other
FEA or CAD systems.

SesamTM GeniE is a tool for designing and analysing

offshore and maritime structures made of beams and
plates – integrating stability, loading, strength assessment and CAD exchange. It is part of the Sesam suite,
covering the entire lifecycle of fixed and floating
structures from design, structural re-analysis systems,
modifications and repair, and input to the operational
phase, emergency response and decommissioning.

One common model can be used from initial design phase through final design Easy to re-use existing data in other
FE or CAD systems
7. Owners and operators have constant access to and ownership of their own data

Improved productivity and quality

Sesam GeniE has many time-saving features for design
of simple and advanced structures. The same model
can be used when growing the complexity. Design
changes are done efficiently, as the concept model
is independent of the analysis model. From the same
concept model, analysis models are created for hydrostatic, hydrodynamic and structural
analyses.
Structure modelling
Modelling in 3D graphics increases productivity and
eases the understanding by other disciplines, such
as quality verification. Sesam GeniE allows for mixed
models of beams and plates, easy generation of shell
models, and has powerful features for segmented
beam modelling. Wizards for generation of jackets and
topsides simplify the design process. Graphic modelling is supported by scripting language
that allows easy
sharing, re-use and modification of models created
for hydrostatic, hydrodynamic or structural analyses.
The full power of scripting comes into effect during
parametric modelling or conversion from beam to
surface models.
Improved flexibility
Loads are applied independently of the analysis
model, as the load mapping is done automatically.
The loads and the finite element mesh density can
be altered independently, ensuring flexibility. Many
processes are automated, such as calculation of loads
and mass from structure, equipment or weight lists
and recalculation when moving equipment or
changing the supporting structure.

Sesam GeniE is used for all stages of a new design of fixed structures such as construction, transportation,
installation and in-place condition (ULS, SLS, FLS, ALS).
For all stages the same data model can be used and grown when more details are
needed. A structural analysis including the load effects from hydrodynamic analysis
and non-linear pile/soil analysis gives the needed results for the engineer to assess
the structure, whether this involves deflections, forces, stresses, code check results
or fatigue.

Life extension
Many structures have already passed or will pass
their initial design lifetime. When the requalification
process will fail based on a traditional linear in-place
analysis it may be necessary to do a collapse analysis
based on non-linear methodology where the residual
material strength is taken into effect. This may also be
the case if inspections show that there has been corrosion or cracks. The data model
created by Sesam
GeniE forms the basis of such collapse analysis. Nonlinear analysis is also performed to
assess the consequences of events such as accidents, dropped objects,
fire, explosion, large deformations and extreme wave
loads.

By offering design, modelling,

analysis and result evaluation features within the same user interface, Sesam GeniE
supports engineers’ need for fast design iterations.

Sesam GeniE is a flexible software tool that can model

all types of floaters such as simple barges, box-shaped
FPSOs, semi-submersibles, TLPs, spar buoys, bulk carriers, cargo ships and container ships. It handles small
local models up to large, global models for nominal
strength check.

The benefits of concept modelling

By introducing concept modelling techniques, Sesam
GeniE allows engineers to focus on real structural
parts, loads and environmental conditions instead of
nodes and elements. Combined with strong features
for 3D visualization, this significantly reduces the time
spent on modelling and documentation and provides
efficient verification. The model refinement from global/
cargo models to detailed fatigue models gives unequalled efficiency. It is easy to create a local
model,
and to change the FE mesh at any stage. Sesam GeniE
provides sub-modelling functionality, load modelling,
and easy import from hydrodynamic analyses.

This means that the software supports fatigue check,

code checks, integrated buckling check and strength
checks according to ship rules and offshore standards.

Patran-Pre lets you model, develop and

test a product using computer-based simulation and
thereby reducing or eliminating costly prototyping
and testing. The modelling is done based on geometry or finite element modelling directly. Patran-Pre also
supports solid (volume) finite elements.

Patran-Pre lets you model, develop and

test a product using computer-based simulation and
thereby reducing or eliminating costly prototyping
and testing. The modelling is done based on geometry or finite element modelling directly. Patran-Pre also
supports solid (volume) finite elements.

In many cases global analysis provides insufficient

stress information in local areas. The Submod module
takes a closer look at details and local effects. Very
often in fatigue analysis, Submod uses a global model
and a local model as input to compute the boundary
loads (prescribed displacements) along the edges of
a local refined model.
■ Provides detailed stress information in highly
stressed areas
■ Refined sub-modelling including meshing and
global displacement
■ Quick and easy refined analyses

The Wajac module computes hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces on fixed offshore frame structures
due
to wave and current, together with static or gust wind
loads.
■ Calculated distributed member loads may be displayed in Sesam GeniE, making it easy to
verify the
location of peak loads
■ Automatic transfer of loads to structural analysis or
statistical post-processing
■ Finds the position of waves giving maximum base
shear and overturning moment, creating the corresponding load cases automatically
■ Integrated analysis when used inside Sesam GeniE
■ Transfer of loads to Sestra for linear strength analysis,
or Usfos for pushover analysis
The Splice module is a soil and pile structure interaction analysis for design of safe and solid foundations,
using the model as created by Sesam GeniE. All types
of linear structures on piles, with all kinds of static
loads, may be analysed using Sestra and Splice. The
piles, soil and environment are defined in Sesam
GeniE.

Sestra is known for handling large analyses and today

the structure complexity and number of load-cases
is limited by hardware storage capacity. Sestra has

features for splitting working files on several disks. For

large analyses this may make the difference between
getting the analysis done in time or not at all.
■ The most rapid and robust of finite-element solvers

The Usfos module is a special purpose non-linear

program for progressive collapse and accident
analysis of jackets, topsides, floaters and other frame
type structures. These structures are often subject
to extreme loads. Accidental damage such as that
caused by explosion, fire, dropped objects, extreme
environment events, or from ship collision, poses a
major threat to the safety and operation of offshore
structures.
■ Reads the model from GeniE
■ Performs static collapse analysis, non-linear time
series dynamic analysis and eigenvalue analysis
■ Predicts both resistance of structures subject to
accidental loads and the residual strength of
damaged structures

The Installjac module is a time domain program that

performs an accurate simulation of the installation
process of an offshore steel-piled jacket. Both the
launch and up-ending scenarios are accounted for.
■ Analysis of jacket operations such as launching
from barge, floating stability and up-ending
■ Comprehensive assessment of the hydrostatic and
hydrodynamic properties of jacket during installation
■ Parameters are easy to change, saving time and
providing more accurate results

Code check of members and tubular joints according

to offshore standards API/WSD 2002, API/WSD 2005,
API/LRFD 2003, AISC/ASD 2005, AISC/LRFD 2005,
Norsok 2004, Norsok 2013, Eurocode 3, ISO 19902,
DS412/449 – all reflecting the most recent update of
the standards.

The Profast module is designed for planning of costefficient inspection of offshore jacket structures and
re-qualification of existing structures.

Sesam DeepC is a tool for mooring and riser design

as well marine operations of offshore floating structures. It will perform mooring analysis separately or
when including the coupled effects of risers and
vessels. Furthermore, Sesam DeepC software may be
used for riser design where the risers are analysed
separately or when considering coupling effects.
Marine operations may be simulated in the time
domain for a study of motions and station–keeping
of multibody systems.

Our Sesam Assistance program, offering tailor-made

onsite consulting services to your business, covers
every aspect of offshore engineering including fixed
structures, floaters, SURF, and offshore wind turbine
analyses. Taking advantage of our Sesam Assistance
experts, who have extensive engineering and software experience, will significantly accelerate your
time to value using a set of best practices utilized for
your specific design and analytical requirements.

Sesam GeniE is a software tool for designing and

analysing offshore and maritime structures made of
beams and plates. Modelling, analysis and results
processing are performed in the same graphical user
interface. The use of concept modelling makes the
Sesam GeniE software highly efficient for integrating stability, loading, strength assessment and CAD
exchange. All data are persistent, enabling the engineers to do efficient iterative redesign of a structure.
Sesam GeniE Lite
Sesam GeniE Lite is a tool for design of regular steel
structures made up of beams and plates. It is based
upon the use of concepts to represent the physical
structure and loads that it supports. Sesam GeniE Lite
software is for designing small and regular structures
quickly and efficiently, with high quality.
Sesam HydroD
Sesam HydroD is a tool for hydrostatic and hydrodynamic analysis. By integrating these tasks, significant cost
savings may be achieved in the engineering
phase, since the same panel model may be used by
one tool. Sesam HydroD software will perform compliance checks against statutory rules for stability including the
importance of integrity of the deck tanks.
Floating positions may be determined as a result
of actual mass and buoyancy or from an automatic
compartment filling to satisfy specified position

Sesam Marine lets you visually simulate, test and evaluate marine operations ahead of offshore handling,
significantly reducing risk. The ability to visualize the
operations in 3D and run multiple ‘what-if’ scenarios
showing the results of all known factors, including dynamic positioning, reduces risk significantly for transportation,
installation and lifting of fixed and floating
structures and installation of subsea equipment.
The simulations in Sesam Marine can be used during
real-time execution of marine operations

strength analysis of offshore wind turbine structures,

addressing the industry’s need to account for the
combined effect of wind and hydrodynamic loads.
From the simulations of wave loading and structural analysis on few model tests, it can be concluded that the
developed
programs are able to reproduce results from the model tests with satisfactory accuracy