Full Description
This study is to evaluate the suitability of the load factors in API 2A-LRFD 1st Edition (1993) given the accumulated experience since the 1980s about hurricane hazards and platform performance. The specific objectives of this study are:
1. Review the methodology and analyses used in the 1980s to develop the load factor in the API 2A-LRFD 1st Edition and compare its methodology with the methodology presented in ISO 19902 (2007).
2. Analyze the component reliability levels with the improved understanding of hurricane hazards and platform performance and assess the effect of load factors on the component reliability.
3. Analyze the system reliability levels for three case study platforms that are being used to guide development of API 2A-LRFD 2nd Edition and assess the effect of load factors on the system reliability.
4. Provide design considerations when determining the load factors to be used in API 2A-LRFD 2nd Edition.