ABSTRACT
To realise an ISO standard for offshore structures account has to be taken of the differing engineering and safety demands of the participating bodies experienced in their analysis, design and construction. This process of harmonisation began with the strength requirements of tubular members and joints but now involves all platform components and systems. This paper concentrates on members.
The competing documents are identified and briefly discussed. The basis of the formulations for the two most suitable candidates is reviewed. Strength formulations are compared and sensitivities to basic variables evaluated. Criteria for selection of the preferred formulations are presented. These are identified but are recommended for improvement. The effects of some of the improvements are examined. In one case, a difference in failure probability of one order of magnitude between competing designs is found. Notwithstanding, the selected formulations are judged to be suitable when implemented with the proposed improvements.
