A database of newly generated numerical strengths of planar and multi-planar joints was used to assess the current offshore design code methodologies and to derive a new design equation, based on the AWS ovalisation parameter concept. Within defined geometric limits, the proposed equation has been found to be generally applicable to any axially loaded joint configuration, provided that the braces do not overlap. It negates the need for potentially subjective brace classification to be carried out and accounts fully for planar and multi-planar effects. The proposed equation is fully validated against the planar and multi-planar data in the screened database complied by MSL Engineering, and has been shown to have similar accuracy as the existing design equations advocated by ISO, yet have significantly wider validity.
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