Reliability analysis against progressive failure of TLP tethers in extreme tension

The tension leg platform (TLP) is a moored floating structure whose buoyancy is more than its weight. The mooring system of TLP consists of number of tensioned tethers connected to the columns at the top and anchored to the seabed at the bottom. These tethers are vulnerable to failure due to extreme (maximum and minimum) tensions. The reliability study of these tethers is an important subject of study. The reliability may further deteriorate after the failure or removal of any of these tethers. In the present study, reliability analysis of an intact TLP and TLP with one tether missing has been carried out. A Von-Mises failure criterion has been adopted to define the failure of tether against maximum tension. The minimum tension failure occurs when the tethers slack due to loss of tension. The limit state functions for maximum and minimum tension cases have been derived. The computationally efficient algorithm First order reliability method (FORM) has been adopted for reliability calculations. Results are presented in terms of reliability indices and probabilities of failure for each sea state. The probabilities of failure so obtained for different sea states have been used for the assessment of annual and life time probability of failures. Reliability of the TLP with one tether missing has been compared with that of the corresponding intact TLP. Effect of wind has also been studied on the progressive failure of TLP tethers and the results have been compared with that of an intact TLP. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.