The Importance of Model Testing in the Design of Steel Platforms

This paper discusses state-of-the-art model testing of steel production platforms, exemplified by the work performed on the two Total Alwyn Platforms. The contents show the use of model tests to the design, transportation and installation of steel jackets, as many critical aspects of the jacket design can only be determined by model testing. The various types of tests are presented (such as transportation seakeeping, launching, upending, positioning) along with descriptions of some of the test equipment, transducers, and systems that have been developed to provide useful, reliable and repeatable data.