COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN OF MARINE STRUCTURES

This paper discusses the techniques used in a computer program, developed by Brown & Root, Inc., to more rapidly and thoroughly analyze marine structures. The program is tailored to assist in the development of the structures geometry and loading systems and provide design output based on accepted design codes. Geometric data input for the program is minimized thru the use of standard matrix notations and development of member design groups for input of their physical and design properties. Elastic pile supports are computed by analyzing the pile as a beam on an inelastic foundation. Techniques, which incorporate the use of the basic geometric properties of the structure have been developed to generate loading systems such as dead loads, seismic loads, wave loads etc. A combining feature allows for the selection of various loadings to form a design load condition. The design portion of the program provides forces and stresses and checks the stress levels as specified by design codes. Summary tables of the output reduce the volume of data, thus providing for a quick and easy review of the results. Additional efforts are being directed toward formulating programs which will develop simulated flexibility and mass matrices, estimate material weights and costs and determine flotation characteristics.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract prepared by Texas A&M University, Presented at the 4th Offshore Exploration Conference, March 5-7, 1969.
• Corporate Authors:

  Offshore Exploration Conference

  840 Van Camp Street
  Long Beach, CA  United States 
• Authors:
  • Hruska, S J
  • Koehler, A M
• Publication Date: 1969-3

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer aided design; Offshore structures; Pile foundations; Structural analysis
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Marine Transportation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00050931
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Maritime Research Center, Galveston
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 31 1974 12:00AM