GLOBAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF THE AUGER TENSION LEG PLATFORM

The global design and analysis of tension leg platforms encompasses an essential, if not transparent, role in the TLP design process. The essential aspect is the sizing and proportioning of the TLP principal dimensions such that the platform meets the functional requirements of the project and responds to environmental forces in a cost effective manner. The global design effort is transparent in the sense that there is not a single piece of hardware which is under the direct purview of the global designer, yet, the designers of all of the TLP systems and subsystems are directly affected by and rely upon the results of the global design and analysis function. This paper focuses on the analytical methods used in the global design of the Auger TLP and the interaction and impact which these results have upon the detailed design of the various TLP systems (e.g. hull, deck, tendons, foundation, production risers, steel catenary risers, well bay gantry, tank and ballast system, etc).