Application of Integrated Ice Load Analysis and Model test Result in Design of WHP-A of an Oilfield in China’s Bohai Sea

摘要

During the engineering for the development of an oilfield in Bohai Sea, a series of ice model tests were firstly proposed and implemented to investigate the failure mechanism of ice sheet while acting on a riser array – multi-legged structure. The test results were applied to correct the ice blocking width and educe the combined calculation method for the maximum design load of ice on the wellhead platform. The reason for excessive difference between the design and actual ice force was revealed, and the maximum design load of ice was subsequently reduced. As a result, the requirements on the safety factor for load carrying capacity of pile foundation were satisfied. This engineering case was based on summarizing the experiences of ice resisting structures, engineering practices and sea ice researching findings in Bohai Sea. At the same time, it was supported by a series of model tests, which verified the entire ice rubble blocking process. Thereby, this engineering case could serve as a good guidance and reference for the future design of similar structures in Bohai Sea.