Application of orthogonalised load/deflection states to the collapse behaviour of grout-filled damaged tubular members

Framed off-shore structures are normally made of tubular members. These members are prone to damage by collision from supply boats or by the impact of dropped objects. Experimental and theoretical work has indicated that such damage can cause a significant loss of member strength and that grouting is an effective way of repair for tubular members with a moderate degree of damage. An existing numerical approach based on the method of orthogonalised load/deflection states has been successfully employed to establish the pre- and post-ultimate force/displacement relationships of damaged tubes and grout-filled damaged tubes. The paper comprises an explanation of the analytical method used, adaptation of the method for analysis of fully grout-filled damaged tubes and the presentation of the results. A comparison is made between the experimental and analytical results. Copyright (C) 1996 Civil-Comp Ltd and Elsevier Science Ltd.