Load Assessment on the Horizontal Braces of Semi-submersible Drilling Platform Under Ocean Wave

In order to make sure the horizontal braces of semi-submersible drilling platform are safe during its service life, this research studies the load assessment on the horizontal braces of a platform under harsh wave loads. The hydrodynamic structure model of the platform has been established, and hydrodynamic conditions have been determined firstly. The model test in a wave tank is used to verify the accuracy of the established model in this research. Then, the loads response of the horizontal braces under several typical wave loads which affect the strength of floating structures greatly are evaluated. The results of the research indicate that (a) the splitting force between pontoons and vertical bending moment are found affecting the strength of the horizontal braces greater than the other loads; (b) both the splitting force and vertical bending moment would occur when the platform encounter beam wave; (c) the horizontal braces are loaded on 4.16% of splitting force between pontoons and 2.78% of the vertical bending moment respectively during its service life.