ABSTRACT
A combined experimental and numerical research is performed in this paper to identify the mechanical performances of the clamped offshore tubular structure subjected to lateral indentation. Quasi-static lateral indentation experiments of the tubular structural members are performed, load carrying capability, deformation mode and failure mode are discussed. A numerical simulation method has been performed by ABAQUS analysis package, and good agreements have been achieved between the numerical results and the experimental results. Serial numerical simulations have been carried out, with consideration of the span of the tubular members, width of the indenter and indenting location. Numerical results show that centric indentation with a wedge indenter would cause the largest permanent lateral displacement. The present method provide thorough insight into the global performance of the tubular structures subjected to lateral indentation, and would be used in rapid prediction during the design stage of the offshore structures.
