Transient effects of tendon disconnection on the survivability of a TLP in moderate-strength hurricane condition

Abstract The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the dynamic stability and survivability of a four-column classic TLP(tension-leg platform) under less-than-extreme storm conditions where one or more tendons have been lost due to damage or disconnect. The transient responses of the platform and tendon tensions at the moment of disconnection are in time domain. Compared to the common industry practice of checking the system without a failed tendon on the beginning, the maximum tension on the neighboring tendon can be significantly increased at the moment of disconnection due to the snap-like transient effects, which can lead to unexpected failure of the total system. It is also found that the transient effects can be reduced with the presence of TTRs (top-tensioned risers) with pneumatic tensioners. It is also seen that TLP cannot survive in the 100-yr hurricane condition after losing one tendon