ABSTRACT
Welded tubular space frames are the main structural form of most of the world’s offshore platforms. Perhaps to a larger extent than other structural forms, these require an integrated approach to fracture control. The designer must consider architecture, design criteria, dimensioning, materials, fabrication, welding and inspection, and these issues are inter-related. The technical basis for American standards in this area is described. Ongoing work includes developing a flexible and adaptive fracture control philosophy, and applying this to a multi-level fabrication specification.
