Corrosion Fatigue of offshore structures

This project addresses the development of new knowledge and models on the initiation and growth of fatigue induced cracks in welded details of offshore tubular structures.
The project encompasses the development of probabilistic fatigue crack models, planning and execution of fatigue experiments and finally incorporation of eveidence from experiments into a new normalized fatigue crack growth model aiming to enhance risk informed integrity management of offshore structures.

Applications include integrity management and life extensions of offshore renevable energy structures (wind turbines, wave energy converters and tidal energy converters) as well as for end of life integrity management existing offshore oil and gas production facilities.

Wave wind and operational loads acting on offshore strutures may over time lead to the development of cracks. These cracks can reduce the safety of the structures and endanger personnel as well as the environment - but also lead to loss of production.
Moreover, as integrity management - inspections, repairs and maintenance - for offshore structures is associated with significant costs it is essential to strive for maximum efficiency. The new knowledge established in the present project on initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks aims to contribute to this.