OFFSHORE STANDARD

DNV-OS-C105

STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF TLPS

(LRFD METHOD)
OCTOBER 2005

Since issued in print (October 2005), this booklet has been amended, latest in April 2007.
See the reference to “Amendments and Corrections” on the next page.

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FOREWORD
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Amendments and Corrections

This document is valid until superseded by a new revision. Minor amendments and corrections will be published in a separate
document normally updated twice per year (April and October).
For a complete listing of the changes, see the “Amendments and Corrections” document located at:
http://webshop.dnv.com/global/, under category “Offshore Codes”.
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Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover Changes – Page 3

Main Changes TLP shall be designed with sufficient safety margin to pre-
vent a tendon rupture.
• General — Composite Tendons: The new version of the standard is
Project experience has revealed that areas in the previous ver- adding guidance on the application of composite tendons,
sion of the standard needed further development, e.g. address- and provide links to other DNV standards. The previous
ing or making references to aspects as relevant to TLPs, e.g. version did not provide any guidance with regards to such
such as stability and compartmentation, and not as in previous applications.
version to MOU generally. — Stability Requirement: This version of the standard deletes
inappropriate references to non-relevant semi-submersible
• Main changes stability requirements, and in stead addresses stability
requirements of TLP under "on-site" conditions by means
— Tendon Fracture Mechanics: The previous version of the of weight and COG control.
standard required sudden tendon rupture to be evaluated in
design, without any specific guidance on how to perform It further adds stability requirements for both ULS (Sec.6)
such evaluation. and ALS conditions (Sec.8). In the latter section is also
added compartmentation requirements specific to TLPs.
The TLP design practice (in US industry) is to prevent po-
tential tendon rupture through material specification, frac- — CMC Requirements: The updated standard contains a new
ture mechanics, weld control, and high safety factors, with section (Sec.9) addressing certification requirements for
a view to incorporate a planned tendon removal case, not load bearing components as well as associated systems
an accidental rupture scenario. DNV with this updated (i.e. load monitoring systems) of the tendon system.
version is addressing those prevalent practices as well as — Misc.: The entire document was thoroughly reviewed,
corresponding redundancy and fracture control require- errors corrected and definitions and statements made more
ments, adding specific guidance on design fatigue factors, clear, where the previous version suffered from inaccura-
fracture control requirements, and corresponding inspec- cies or ambiguities. The revision also presented an oppor-
tion requirement (Sec.7), i.e. the philosophy being that a tunity to update the text and illustrations of the document.

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 4 – Changes see note on front cover

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover Contents – Page 5

CONTENTS

Sec. 1 Introduction .......................................................... 7 D. Model Testing.......................................................................17

D 100 General............................................................................ 17
A. General.................................................................................... 7
A 100 Introduction....................................................................... 7 E. Load Effects in the Tendons .................................................18
A 200 Objectives ......................................................................... 7 E 100 General............................................................................ 18
A 300 Scope and application ....................................................... 7
A 400 Classification .................................................................... 7 Sec. 6 Ultimate Limit States (ULS).............................. 19

B. Normative References ............................................................ 8 A. Introduction...........................................................................19

B 100 General.............................................................................. 8 A 100 General............................................................................ 19
A 200 Stability........................................................................... 19
C. Definitions .............................................................................. 8
C 100 Verbal forms ..................................................................... 8 B. Hull .......................................................................................19
C 200 Terms ................................................................................ 8 B 100 General............................................................................ 19
B 200 Structural analysis........................................................... 20
D. Abbreviations and Symbols.................................................... 9 B 300 Structural design ............................................................. 20
D 100 Abbreviations.................................................................... 9
D 200 Symbols ............................................................................ 9
C. Deck......................................................................................20
C 100 General............................................................................ 20
E. Description of the Tendon System ......................................... 9 C 200 Air gap ............................................................................ 20
E 100 General.............................................................................. 9 D. Tendons.................................................................................20
D 100 Extreme tendon tensions................................................. 20
Sec. 2 Structural Categorisation, Material Selection D 200 Structural design of tendons ........................................... 21
and Inspection Principles.................................... 11
E. Foundations...........................................................................21
A. Introduction .......................................................................... 11 E 100 General............................................................................ 21
A 100 General............................................................................ 11
F. Scantlings and Weld Connections ........................................21
B. Structural Categorisation ...................................................... 11 F 100 General............................................................................ 21
B 100 General............................................................................ 11
Sec. 7 Fatigue Limit States (FLS) ................................ 22
C. Material Selection................................................................. 12
C 100 General............................................................................ 12 A. Introduction...........................................................................22
C 200 Design temperatures ....................................................... 12 A 100 General............................................................................ 22
D. Fabrication Inspection Categories ........................................ 12 B. Hull .......................................................................................22
D 100 General............................................................................ 12 B 100 General............................................................................ 22
Sec. 3 Design Principles................................................. 13 C. Deck......................................................................................22
C 100 General............................................................................ 22
A. Introduction .......................................................................... 13
A 100 General............................................................................ 13 D. Tendons.................................................................................22
D 100 General............................................................................ 22
B. Design Conditions ................................................................ 13
B 100 General............................................................................ 13 E. Foundation ............................................................................23
B 200 Fabrication ...................................................................... 13 E 100 General............................................................................ 23
B 300 Hull and deck mating...................................................... 13
B 400 Sea transportation ........................................................... 13 Sec. 8 Accidental Limit States (ALS)........................... 24
B 500 Installation ...................................................................... 13
B 600 Decommissioning ........................................................... 14 A. General..................................................................................24
A 100 General............................................................................ 24
C. Design Principles, Tendons .................................................. 14 A 200 Stability........................................................................... 24
C 100 General............................................................................ 14 B. Hull and Deck .......................................................................24
Sec. 4 Design Loads ....................................................... 15 B 100 General............................................................................ 24
C. Tendons.................................................................................24
A. General.................................................................................. 15 C 100 General............................................................................ 24
A 100 General............................................................................ 15
D. Foundations...........................................................................24
B. Load Categories.................................................................... 15 D 100 General............................................................................ 24
B 100 General............................................................................ 15
App. A Certification of Tendon System......................... 25
Sec. 5 Global Performance............................................ 16
A. General..................................................................................25
A. Introduction .......................................................................... 16 A 100 Introduction..................................................................... 25
A 100 General............................................................................ 16
B. Equipment categorization .....................................................25
B. Frequency Domain Analysis ................................................ 16 B 100 Requirements to approval procedure .............................. 25
B 100 General............................................................................ 16
B 200 High frequency analyses................................................. 16 C. Fabrication Record................................................................25
B 300 Wave frequency analyses................................................ 16 C 100 General............................................................................ 25
B 400 Low frequency analyses.................................................. 17
D. Documentation Deliverables for Certification of
C. Time Domain Analyses ........................................................ 17 Equipment.............................................................................26
C 100 General............................................................................ 17 D 100 General............................................................................ 26

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 6 – Contents see note on front cover

E. Tendon Systems and Components........................................ 26 E 900 Tendon porch ..................................................................28

E 100 General ............................................................................26 E 1000 Tendon corrosion protection system ...............................28
E 200 Tendon pipe.....................................................................26 E 1100 Load management program (LMP).................................28
E 300 Bottom tendon interface (BTI)........................................27
E 400 Flex bearings ..................................................................27 F. Categorisation of Tendon Components ................................29
E 500 Foundations ....................................................................27
E 600 Top tendon interface (TTI) .............................................27 G. Tendon Fabrication...............................................................29
E 700 Intermediate tendon connectors (ITC) ............................28 G 100 General ............................................................................29
E 800 Tendon tension monitoring system (TTMS)...................28

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover Sec.1 – Page 7

SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION

A. General to DNV verification classification and certification serv-

ices.
A 100 Introduction
A 300 Scope and application
101 This standard provides requirements and guidance to the
structural design of TLPs. The requirements and guidance doc- 301 A TLP is usually applied for drilling, production and
umented in this standard are generally applicable to all config- export of hydrocarbons. Storage may also be a TLP function.
urations of tension leg platforms. 302 A TLP may be designed to function in different modes,
102 This standard is based on the load and resistance factor typically operation and survival. Also horizontal movement
design method (LRFD). LRFD is defined in DNV-OS-C101. (e.g. by use of catenary or taut mooring) of TLP above wells
may be relevant. Limiting design criteria when going from one
103 A TLP can alternatively be designed according to work- mode of operation to another shall be established.
ing stress design principles, which is defined in DNV-OS-
C201. 303 The TLP unit should also be designed for transit reloca-
tion, if relevant.
104 A Tension Leg Platform (TLP) is defined as a buoyant
unit connected to a fixed foundation (or piles) by pre-tensioned 304 For novel designs, or unproved applications of designs
tendons. The tendons are normally parallel, near vertical ele- where limited, or no direct experience exists, relevant analyses
ments, acting in tension, which usually restrain the motions of and model testing shall be performed which clearly demon-
the TLP in heave, roll and pitch. The platform is usually com- strate that an acceptable level of safety can be obtained, i.e.
pliant in surge, sway and yaw. Figure 1 shows an example of a safety level is not inferior to that obtained when applying this
tension leg platform. standard to traditional designs.
305 Requirements concerning riser systems are given in
DNV-OS-F201.
306 In case of application of a catenary or taut mooring sys-
tem in combination with tendons, reference is made to DNV-
OS-E301.
307 Requirements related to stability (intact and damaged)
are given in Sec.6 for ULS condition and Sec.8 for ALS con-
dition.
A 400 Classification
401 Classification principles, procedures and applicable
class notations related to classification services of offshore
units are specified in the DNV Offshore Service Specifications
given in Table A1.

Table A1 DNV Offshore Service Specifications

Reference Title
DNV-OSS-101 Rules for Classification of Offshore Drilling and
Support Units
DNV-OSS-102 Rules for Classification of Floating Production,
Storage and Loading Units
DNV-OSS-103 Rules for Classification of LNG/LPG Floating
Production and Storage Units or Installations
Figure 1 Rules for Planning and Execution of Marine
Example of a tension leg platform Operations

402 It shall be agreed with DNV, at the start of the project,

105 The standard has been written for general world-wide what documents from the project Master Document Register
application. Governmental regulations may include require- (MDR) shall be the subject of approval.
ments in excess of the provisions of this standard depending on Documentation for classification shall be in accordance with
size, type, location and intended service of the offshore unit/ the NPS DocReq (DNV Nauticus Production System for doc-
installation. umentation requirements) and Guideline No.17.
A 200 Objectives 403 It is possible to limit the classification to a selected
scope (e.g. HULL, TOPSIDE, DRILLING MODULE,
201 The objectives of the standard are to: ACCOMMODATION etc,). Details of the scope for classifica-
— provide an internationally acceptable standard of safety by tion shall be discussed and agreed with DNV at the start of the
defining minimum requirements for structural design of project.
TLPs 404 Some of the design phases (e.g. hull and deck mating,
— serve as a contractual reference document for suppliers transportation, installation and decommissioning) presented in
and purchasers the standard are not covered by normal classification scope,
— serve as guidance for designers, suppliers, purchasers and Technical requirements given in DNV-OS-C101 Sec.8, related
regulators to Serviceability Limit States, are not mandatory as part of
— specify procedures and requirements for TLP units subject classification.

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 8 – Sec.1 see note on front cover

B. Normative References tions are not permitted unless formally and rigorously justified,
and accepted by all relevant contracting parties.
B 100 General 102 Should: Indicates a recommendation that a certain
101 DNV documents in Table B1 and recognized codes and course of action is preferred or particularly suitable. Alterna-
standards in Table B2 are referred to in this standard. tive courses of action are allowable under the standard where
102 Other recognised standards may be applied provided it agreed between contracting parties but shall be justified and
can be demonstrated that they meet or exceed the level of documented.
safety of actual DNV Offshore Standards. 103 May: Indicates a permission, or an option, which is per-
mitted as part of conformance with the standard.
Table B1 DNV Reference documents
Reference Title C 200 Terms
DNV-OS-A101 Safety Principles and Arrangement 201 Heave restrained platform (HRP): A platform which is
DNV-OS-B101 Metallic Materials free to roll and pitch, but restrained in the heave eigenmode.
DNV-OS-C101 Design of Offshore Steel Structures, General 202 High frequency (HF) responses: Defined as TLP rigid
(LRFD method) body motions at, or near heave, roll and pitch eigenperiods due
DNV-OS-C103 Structural Design of Column Stabilised Units to non-linear wave effects.
(LRFD method) 203 Low frequency (LF) responses: Defined as TLP rigid
DNV-OS-C106 Structural Design of Deep Draught Floating Units body non-linear motions at, or near surge, sway and yaw eigen-
DNV-OS-C201 Structural Design of Offshore Units periods.
(WSD method) 204 Mini TLP: Small tension leg platform with one, or mul-
DNV-OS-C301 Stability and Watertight Integrity tiple columns.
DNV-OS-C401 Fabrication and Testing of Offshore Structures 205 Ringing: Defined as the non-linear high frequency reso-
DNV-OS-C501 Composite Components nant response induced by transient loads from high, steep
DNV-OS-C502 Offshore Concrete Structures waves.
DNV-OS-D202 Instrumentation and Telecommunication Systems 206 Roll, pitch, and yaw: Rotational modes around surge,
DNV-OS-E401 Helicopter Decks sway and heave axis, respectively.
DNV-OS-E301 Position Mooring 207 Springing: Defined as the high frequency non-linear res-
DNV-OS-F201 Dynamic Risers onant response induced by cyclic (steady state) loads in low to
moderate seastates.
Table B2 Recognised codes and standards 208 Surge, sway, heave: Translatory displacements of TLP
Reference Title in horizontal planes (surge, sway) and vertical plane (heave).
API RP 2A Recommended Practice for Planning, Designing 209 TLP deck structure: The structural arrangement pro-
and Constructing Fixed Offshore Platforms -
Working Stress Design vided for supporting the topside equipment or modules. Nor-
mally, the deck serves the purpose of being the major structural
API RP 2T Planning, Designing and Constructing Tension component to ensure that the pontoons, columns and deck act
Leg Platforms
as one structural unit to resist environmental and gravity loads.
API RP 2R Recommended Practice for Design, Rating and
Testing of Marine Drilling Riser Couplings 210 TLP foundation: Defined as those installations at, or in,
API RP 2RD Design of Marine Risers for Floating Production the seafloor which serve as anchoring of the tendons and pro-
System and TLPs vides transfer of tendon loads to the foundation soil.
N-004 NORSOK - Design of Steel Structures 211 TLP hull: Consists of buoyant columns, pontoons and
API SPEC 2H Specification for Carbon Manganese Steel Plate intermediate structural bracings, as applicable.
for Offshore Platform Tubular Joints 212 TLP tendon system: Comprises all components between,
API RP 2L Recommended Practice for Planning, Designing and including the top connection(s) to the hull and the bottom
and Constructing Heliports for Fixed Offshore connection(s) to the foundation(s). Guidelines, control lines,
Platforms umbilicals etc. for tendon service and or other permanent
BS 7910 Guide on Methods for Assessing the Acceptabil- installation aids are considered to be included as part of the
ity of Flaws in Fusion Welded Structures tendon system.
BS 7448 Fracture Mechanics Toughness Tests 213 Vortex induced motions (VIM): Vortex induced motion
(VIM): Transverse (cross) and in-line, current induced floater
motions.
C. Definitions 214 Vortex induced vibrations (VIV): The in-line and trans-
verse oscillation of a tendon, riser, or floater in a current
C 100 Verbal forms induced by the periodic shedding of vortices.
101 Shall: Indicates a mandatory requirement to be followed 215 Wave frequency (WF) responses: TLP linear rigid body
for fulfilment or compliance with the present standard. Devia- motions at the dominating wave periods.

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover Sec.1 – Page 9

D. Abbreviations and Symbols 102 Tendon components at the platform interface shall ade-
quately perform the following main functions:
D 100 Abbreviations
— apply, monitor and adjust (if possible) a prescribed level of
Table D1 Abbreviations tension to the tendon
Abbreviation In full — connect the tensioned tendon to the platform
— transfer side loads and absorb bending moments or rota-
ALS Accident limit states tions of the tendon relative to TLP.
AUT Automatic ultrasonic testing
BTI Bottom tendon interface 103 Tendon components providing the link between the plat-
BTC Bottom tendon connector form and the foundation consist of tendon elements (tubulars,
solid rods etc.), termination at the platform interface and at the
DFF Design fatigue factors
foundation interface, and intermediate connections of cou-
DNV Det Norske Veritas plings along the length as required. The intermediate connec-
FLS Fatigue limit states tions may take the form of mechanical couplings (threads,
HF High frequency clamps, bolted flanges etc.), welded joints or other types of
HRP Heave restrained platform connections. Figure 2 shows a typical TLP tendon system.
IC Inspection category
Protection
LAJ Length adjustment joint TLP hull
LAT Lowest astronomical tide
Top connector
LMP Load management program Flex element (side entry)
OS Offshore standard
OSS Offshore service specification
LF Low frequency
LRFD Load and resistance factor design
NDT Non-destructive testing
QTF Quadratic transfer function
RAO Response amplitude operator
TLP Tension leg platform Transition piece
TLWP Tension leg wellhead platform
TTI Top tendon interface
TTMS Tendon tension monitoring system Intermediate
ULS Ultimate limit states connector

VIM Vortex induced motion

VIV Vortex induced vibrations
WF Wave frequency

D 200 Symbols Tendon body

201 The following Latin symbols are used:

xD load effect
D number of years
FX(χ) long-term peak distribution
Hs significant wave height
ND total number of load effect maxima during D years
Tp wave period.

202 The following Greek symbols are used: Bottom connector

(vertical stab-in)
γf,D load factor for deformation loads
γf,E load factor for environmental loads
γf,G,Q load factor for permanent and functional loads Flex element
γm material factor.
Foundation

E. Description of the Tendon System Figure 2

Typical TLP tendon system
E 100 General
101 Individual tendons are considered within this standard as
being composed of three major parts: 104 Tendon components at the foundation interface shall
adequately perform the following main functions:
— interface at the platform
— interface at the foundation (seafloor) — provide the structural connection between the tendon and
— link between platform and foundation. the foundation
— in most cases, tendons will also have intermediate connec- — transfer side loads and absorb bending moments, or rota-
tions or couplings along their length, see Figure 2. tions of the tendon

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 10 – Sec.1 see note on front cover

— tolerate certain level of tendon slacking without disengag- — auxiliary lines, umbilicals etc. for tendon service require-
ing or buckling the tendon ments and/or for functions not related to the tendons
— allow for future change-out of tendons (if required). — provisions for tendons to be used as guidance structure for
running other tendons or various types of equipment
105 The tendon design may incorporate specialised compo-
nents, such as: — elastomeric elements
— intermediate connectors with watertight bulkheads for ten-
— corrosion-protection system components don compartmentation (if needed).
— buoyancy devices
— sensors and other types of instrumentation for monitoring 106 Certification requirements for tendon system are speci-
the performance and condition of the tendons fied in Appendix A.

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover Sec.2 – Page 11

SECTION 2
STRUCTURAL CATEGORISATION, MATERIAL SELECTION AND
INSPECTION PRINCIPLES

A. Introduction and helicopter deck.

A 100 General Secondary category

101 Selection of materials and inspection principles shall be a) Bulkheads, stiffeners, flats or decks and girders in col-
based on a systematic categorisation of the structure according umns, decks and lower hulls, which are not considered as
to the structural significance and the complexity of the joints primary or special application.
or connections as given in DNV-OS-C101 Sec.4.
102 In addition to in-service operational phases, considera- b) Horizontal braces and members on the decks.
tion shall be given to structural members and details utilised c) Well-bay trusses and reaming members.
for temporary conditions, e.g. fabrication, lifting arrange-
ments, towing and installation arrangements, etc. d) Other structures not categorised as special or primary.
103 For TLP structures that are similar to column stabilised 102 When using composite materials the structural catego-
units, the structural categorisation and extent of inspection for ries (special, primary and secondary) as defined in B101 are
the structural components should follow the requirements as equivalent to safety class high, normal and low in DNV-OS-
given in DNV-OS-C103. For TLPs that are similar to deep C501 Sec.2.
draught floaters, the structural categorisation and extent of
inspection for the structural components should follow the
requirements as given in DNV-OS-C106.

B. Structural Categorisation
B 100 General
101 Application categories for structural components are
defined in DNV-OS-C101 Sec.4. Structural members of TLPs
are grouped as follows, see Figure 1 and Figure 2.

Special category
a) External shell structure in way of intersections of columns,
topside deck, lower hull and tendon porch etc.
b) "Through" material used at connections of columns, top- Figure 1
side decks and lower hull which are designed to provide Principles of the extent of structural categorisation special and in-
proper alignment and adequate load transfer. spection categories at tendon foundation
c) External brackets, portions of bulkheads, and frames
which are designed to receive concentrated loads at inter-
sections of major structural members.
d) Tendon interfaces with the foundation and the TLP hull.
e) Tendon and tendon connectors.
f) Highly utilized areas supporting crane pedestals, flare
booms etc.
Guidance note:
Highly stressed areas are normally considered to be areas utilized
more than 85% of the allowable yield capacity.
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---

Primary category
a) External shell structure of columns, lower and upper hulls.
b) Bulkheads, decks, stiffeners and girders which provide
local reinforcement or continuity of structure in way of
intersections, except areas where the structure is consid-
ered for special application.
c) Truss rows and horizontal diagonal bracings on the deck.
* Special if damaged condition is not fulfilled.
d) Main support structure of heavy substructures and equip- Figure 2
ment, e.g. cranes, life boat platform, thruster foundation Example of tendon connections

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 12 – Sec.2 see note on front cover

C. Material Selection D. Fabrication Inspection Categories

C 100 General D 100 General
101 Material specifications shall be established for all struc- 101 Welding and the extent of non-destructive testing (NDT)
tural materials. Such materials shall be suitable for their during fabrication, shall in general be in accordance with the
intended purpose and have adequate properties in all relevant requirements stipulated for the appropriate inspection category
as defined in DNV-OS-C101 Sec.4.
design conditions. Material selection shall be undertaken in
accordance with the principles given in DNV-OS-C101. 102 Inspection categories determined in accordance with
DNV-OS-C101 provide requirements for the minimum extent
102 Examples of considerations with respect to structural of required inspection. When considering the consequences
categorisation of tendons and tendon interfaces are given in the during in-service operation, it may be necessary to specify
Figure 1 and Figure 2. These examples provide minimum more demanding inspection requirements than the required
requirements. minimum. Examples are in way of complex connections with
limited or difficult access, or special material/process without
103 Material selection is defined in DNV-OS-C101. proven characteristics..
Further detailed information about material designation is 103 When determining the extent of inspection and the loca-
defined in DNV-OS-B101. tions of required NDT, in addition to evaluating design param-
104 Composite materials shall be designed in accordance eters (for example fatigue utilisation), consideration should be
with DNV-OS-C501. given to relevant fabrication parameters including:
— location of block (section) joints
C 200 Design temperatures — manual versus automatic welding
201 For TLPs, materials in structures above the lowest astro- — start and stop of weld etc.
nomical tide (LAT) shall be designed for service temperatures — materials and criticality of location
lower or equal to the lowest daily mean temperature in air for — types of NDT used
the area(s) where the unit is to operate. — first time welds or repair welds.
202 Materials in structures below the LAT are normally to be 104 The Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows examples of structural
designed for service temperatures of 0°C. A higher service categorisation and inspection category (IC).
temperature may be used if adequate supporting data shows 105 Inspection of composite components is described in
relative to the lowest daily mean temperature applicable to the DNV-OS-C501 Sec.12 B. Quality aspects regarding fabrica-
relevant actual water depths. tion are described in DNV-OS-C501 Sec.11.

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover Sec.3 – Page 13

SECTION 3
DESIGN PRINCIPLES

A. Introduction qualified, competent personnel possessing relevant experi-

ence.
A 100 General 104 Structural responses resulting from one temporary phase
101 The following basic design criteria shall be complied condition (e.g. a fabrication or transportation operation) that
with for the TLP design: may affect design in another phase shall be clearly docu-
mented and considered in all relevant design workings.
a) The TLP shall be able to sustain all loads liable to occur
during all relevant temporary and operating design condi- B 200 Fabrication
tions for all applicable limit states. 201 The planning of fabrication sequences and the methods
b) Wave loading on the deck structure should not occur in the of fabrication shall be performed. Loads occurring in fabrica-
ultimate limit states (ULS). Wave loading on the deck tion phases shall be assessed and, when necessary, the struc-
structure may be accepted in the accidental limit states ture and the structural support arrangement shall be evaluated
(ALS) condition provided that such loads are adequately for structural adequacy.
included in the design.
202 Major lifting operations shall be evaluated to ensure that
c) Momentary (part of a high frequency cycle) loss of tendon deformations are within acceptable levels, and that relevant
tension may be accepted provided it can be documented strength criteria are satisfied.
that there will be no detrimental effects on tendon system
and supporting (foundation and hull) structures, and it B 300 Hull and deck mating
would not cause the tendon to become disengaged. 301 All relevant load effects incurred during mating opera-
102 Operating tolerances shall be specified and shall be tions shall be considered in the design process, e.g. hydrostatic
achievable in practice. Normally, the most unfavourable oper- load, lock-in stresses, tolerances, deflections, snatch/shock
ating tolerances shall be included in the design. Active opera- loads (if applicable) etc.
tion shall not be dependent on high reliability of operating B 400 Sea transportation
personnel in an emergency situation.
Guidance note:
401 A detailed transportation assessment shall be undertaken
which includes determination of the limiting environmental
Active operation of the following may be considered in an emer- criteria, evaluation of intact and damage stability characteris-
gency situation, as applicable:
tics, motion response of the global system and the resulting,
- ballast distribution induced load effects. The occurrence of slamming loads on the
- weight distribution structure and the effects of fatigue during transport phases
- tendon tension shall be evaluated when relevant.
- riser tension.
A clearly defined and well calibrated Load Management Pro- The accumulated fatigue damage during transportation phases
gram or equivalent shall be available onboard to facilitate safe shall be included in the fatigue assessment of in-place condi-
management of these parameters in normal operation and emer- tion.
gency situation. Details of Load Management Program is given 402 In case of transportation (surface or sub surface) of ten-
in Appendix A, E1100. dons; this operation shall be carefully planned and analysed.
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e--- Special attention shall be given to attachment or securing of
buoyancy modules. Model testing shall be considered.
403 Satisfactory compartmentation and stability during all
floating operations shall be ensured. See details in Sec.6 for
B. Design Conditions ULS condition and Sec.8 for ALS condition.
B 100 General 404 All aspects of the transportation, including planning and
procedures, preparations, seafastenings and marine operations
101 The structure shall be designed to resist relevant loads should comply with the requirements of the warranty author-
associated with conditions that may occur during all stages of ity.
the life cycle of the unit. Such stages may include:
B 500 Installation
— fabrication
— site moves 501 Installation procedures of foundations (e.g. piles, suc-
— mating tion anchor or gravity based structures) shall consider relevant
— sea transportation static and dynamic loads, including consideration of the maxi-
mum environmental conditions expected for the operations.
— installation
— operation 502 For novel installation activities (e.g. foundations and
— decommissioning. tendons), relevant model testing should be considered.
503 Free standing tendon (pending TLP installation) phases
102 Structural design covering marine operation and fabrica- shall be considered with respect to loads and responses.
tion sequences shall be undertaken in accordance with DNV-
OS-C101. 504 The loads induced by the marine spread mooring
103 Marine operations may be undertaken in accordance involved in the operations, and the forces exerted on the struc-
with the requirements stated in Rules for Planning and Execu- tures utilised in positioning the unit, such as fairleads and pad
tion of Marine Operations. All marine operations shall, as far eyes, shall be considered for local strength checks.
as practicable, be based upon well proven principles, tech- 505 For segmented tendons, tendon buckling should also be
niques, systems and equipment and shall be undertaken by checked for the lifting of the segment during installation.

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 14 – Sec.3 see note on front cover

B 600 Decommissioning the largest undetected flaw from fabrication of the tendons will
601 Decommissioning and removal of the unit shall be not grow to a size that could induce failure within the design
planned for in the design stage. life of the tendon, or within the planned in-service inspection
interval, within a reasonable level of reliability. Elements of
this strategy include:

C. Design Principles, Tendons — adequate design fatigue life

— adequate fracture toughness
C 100 General — reliability of inspection during fabrication
— in-service inspection intervals and methods.
101 Essential components of the tendon system shall be
designed by the principle that, as far as practicable, they are to See Sec.7 for guidance on fracture control and required fatigue
be capable of being inspected, maintained, repaired and/or life for tendons.
replaced.
106 Inspection to detect damage due to accidental loads or
102 Tendon mechanical components shall, as far as practi- overloads may be replaced by monitoring the loads and com-
cable, be designed to be “fail safe”. Consideration is to be paring them to the design loads, provided that the events can
given in the design to possible early detection of failure for be measured by the monitoring system. If this method is used
essential components, which cannot be designed according to the component must be replaced after any overload occurrence
this principle. or other events exceeding the design scenario.
103 Certain vital tendon components may, due to their spe- 107 All materials liable to corrode shall be protected against
cialized functions, and if unproven, require engineering and corrosion. Special attention should be given to:
prototype qualification testing to determine:
— local complex geometries
— confirmation of anticipated design performance — areas that are difficult to inspect or repair
— fatigue characteristics — consequences of corrosion damage
— fracture characteristics
— corrosion characteristics — possibilities for electrolytic corrosion
— mechanical characteristics. — dissimilar metal.

104 A TLP shall be designed with sufficient safety margin to 108 All sliding surfaces shall be designed with sufficient
prevent the potential of tendon rupture. The tendon system and additional thickness against wear. Special attention should be
the securing or supporting arrangements shall be designed in given to the following:
such a manner that a possible failure or removal of one tendon — cross-load bearings
is not to cause progressive tendon failure or excessive damage
to the securing or supporting arrangement at the platform or at — seals
the foundation. — ball joints.
105 A fracture control strategy should be adopted to ensure 109 Satisfactory considerations shall be given to settlement
consistency of design, fabrication and in service monitoring or subsidence, which may be a significant factor in determin-
assumptions. The objective of such a strategy is to ensure that ing tendon-tension adjustment requirements.

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Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover Sec.4 – Page 15

SECTION 4
DESIGN LOADS

A. General — accidental loads.

A 100 General 108 For preliminary design stages it is recommended that

"contingency factors" are applied in relation to permanent
101 Characteristic loads are to be used as reference loads. loads to reflect uncertainties in load estimates and centres of
Design loads are, in general, defined in DNV-OS-C101. Guid- gravity.
ance concerning load categories relevant for TLP designs are
given in B. 109 "Contingency factors" should also be considered for
early design stages in relation to variable functional loads,
especially for minimum facilities TLPs (e.g. TLWP and Mini
TLP).
B. Load Categories 110 The environmental loads are summarised as:
B 100 General — wind loads
101 All relevant loads that may influence the safety of the
structure or its parts from commencement of fabrication to per- — mean (sustained) wind
manent decommissioning should be considered in design. The — dynamic (gust) wind
different loads are defined in DNV-OS-C101.
102 For the deck and hull of the TLP, the loads are similar to
those described in DNV-OS-C103 for TLPs similar to column — wave and current loads
stabilised units. TLPs similar to deep draught floaters are to be
designed with loads as given in DNV-OS-C106. Loads are — loads on slender members
described in the above with exception of the tendon loads — loads induced by TLP motions
(inclusive potential ringing and springing effects). — slamming and shock pressure
103 In relation to determination of environmental conditions — wave diffraction and radiation
and loads, see Classification Note 30.5 and DNV-OS-C501 for — mean drift forces
composites. — higher order non-linear wave loads (slowly varying,
104 The wave loads on the tendons may be described as rec- ringing and springing)
ommended in Classification Note 30.5 for slender structures — wave enhancement
with significant motions. — vortex shedding effects
105 The disturbance of wave kinematics from hull (columns — marine growth
and pontoons) in relation to the riser system and tendons shall — snow and ice accumulation
be accounted for if it is of importance. — direct ice loads (icebergs and ice flows)
106 The earthquake loads at the foundation of the tendons — earthquake
are described in DNV-OS-C101. — tidal and storm surge effects
— effects from sand/marine growth getting into the connec-
107 The following loads should be considered: tors or the tendon body
— resistance to sunlight during transport, storage and opera-
— permanent loads tion if above the water.
— variable functional loads
— environmental loads 111 Resistance of the tendon (i.e. for "dry lock-off" systems)
— deformation loads to fire on or near the platform shall be evaluated.

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 16 – Sec.5 see note on front cover

SECTION 5
GLOBAL PERFORMANCE

A. Introduction included in the wave frequency analysis

— the natural frequencies in surge, sway and yaw are
A 100 General included in the low frequency analysis
101 The selected methods of response analysis are depend- — the high and low natural frequencies are sufficient separate
ent on the design conditions, dynamic characteristics, non-lin- to allow independent dynamic analysis to be carried out
earities in loads and response and the required accuracy in the — the low frequency excitation forces have negligible effect
actual design phase. on the wave frequency motions
— the low frequency excitation forces have a negligible
Guidance note: dynamic effect in heave, roll and pitch
For a detailed discussion of the different applicable methods for — tendon lateral dynamics are unimportant for platform
global analysis of tension leg platforms, see API RP 2T. surge or sway motions.
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
104 Typical parameters to be considered for global perform-
102 The selected methods of analysis and models employed ance analyses are different TLP draughts, wave conditions and
in the analysis shall include relevant non-linearities and headings, tidal effects, storm surges, set down, foundation set-
motion-coupling effects. The approximations, simplifications tlement(s), subsidence, mispositioning, tolerances, tendon
and/or assumptions made in the analysis shall be justified, and flooding, tendon removal and hull compartment(s) flooding.
their possible effects shall be quantified e.g. by means of sim- Possible variations in vertical centre of gravity shall also be
plified parametric studies. analysed (especially if ringing responses are important).
103 During the design process, the methodology and soft- This may be relevant in case of:
ware used for analytical or numerical prediction of important
system responses shall be verified (calibrated) by appropriate — change in operation mode (e.g. drilling/production)
model tests. — changes in topside weights (e.g. future modules)
104 Model tests may also be used to determine specific — tendon system changes (altered utilisation)
responses for which numerical or analytical procedures are not — changes in ballast weights or distributions
yet fully developed and recognised. — deviations from weight estimate
— riser phasing scenarios
105 Motion components shall be determined, by relevant — lateral positioning.
analysis techniques, for those applicable design conditions
(design analyses matrix) specified in DNV-OS-C101. The B 200 High frequency analyses
basic assumptions and limitations associated with the different
methods of analysis of global performance shall be duly con- 201 Frequency domain springing analyses shall be per-
sidered prior to the selection of the methods. formed to evaluate tendon and TLP susceptibility to springing
Typically a combination of frequency domain and time responses.
domain analyses will be applied by the designers. 202 Recognised analytical methods exist for determination
106 The TLP should be analysed by methods as applicable to of springing responses in tendons. These methods include cal-
column-stabilised units or deep draught floaters when the unit culation of Quadratic Transfer Functions (QTF's) for axial ten-
is free floating, respectively see DNV-OS-C103 or DNV-OS- don (due to sum frequency loads on the hull) stresses which is
C106. the basis for determination of tendon fatigue due to springing.
107 The method of global performance analysis as outlined 203 Total damping level applied in the springing response
in this standard is one approximate method that may be analyses shall be duly considered and documented.
applied. The designer is encouraged also to consider and apply B 300 Wave frequency analyses
other methods in order to discover the effects of possible inac-
curacies etc. in the different methods. 301 A wave frequency dynamic analysis may normally be
carried out by using linear wave theory in order to determine
first-order platform motions and tendon response.
302 First order wave load analyses shall also serve as basis
B. Frequency Domain Analysis for structural response analyses. Finite wave load effects shall
be evaluated and taken into account. This may e.g. be per-
B 100 General formed by use of beam models and application of Morison load
101 Frequency domain high frequency (HF), wave fre- formulation and finite amplitude waves.
quency (WF) and low frequency (LF) analyses techniques may
be applied for a TLP. Regarding load effects due to mean wind, 303 In linear theory, the response in regular waves (transfer
current and mean wave drift, see DNV-OS-C101. functions) is combined with a wave spectrum to predict the
response in irregular seas.
102 For typical TLP geometries and tendon arrangements,
the analysis of the total dynamic load effects may be carried 304 The effect of low-frequency set-down variations on the
out as: WF analysis is to be investigated by analysing at least two rep-
resentative mean offset positions determined from the low-fre-
— a HF analysis of springing quency analysis.
— a WF analysis in all six degrees of freedom 305 Set-down or offset induced heave motion may be
— a LF analysis in surge, sway and yaw. included in the wave frequency response amplitude operators
(RAOs).
103 The following assumptions are inherent in adopting such
an independent analysis approach: 306 A sufficient number of wave approach headings shall be
selected for analyses (e.g. with basis in global configuration,
— the natural frequencies in heave, roll and pitch are number of columns, riser configuration etc.).

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Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover Sec.5 – Page 17

307 In determination of yaw induced fatigue responses (e.g. ronmental conditions. Each design condition is then described in
tendon and flex element design) due account must be given to terms of a limited number of environmental parameters (e.g. Hs,
wave spreading when calculating the long term responses. Tp) and a given seastate duration (3 to 6 hours). Different com-
binations of wind, wave and current with nearly the same return
B 400 Low frequency analyses period for the combined environmental condition are typically
applied.
401 A low frequency dynamic analysis could be performed The main problem related to design criteria based on environ-
to determine the slow drift effects at early design stages due to mental statistics is that the return period for the characteristic
fluctuating wind and second order wave loads. load effect is unknown for non-linear dynamic systems. This will
in general lead to an inconsistent safety level for different design
402 Appropriate methods of analysis shall be used with concepts and failure modes.
selection of realistic damping levels. Damping coefficients for
low frequency motion analyses are important as the low fre- A more consistent approach is to apply design based on response
quency motion may be dominated by resonant responses. statistics. Consistent assessment of the D-year load effect will
require a probabilistic response description due to the long-term
environmental loads on the system. The load effect with a return
period of D-year, denoted xD, can formally be found from the
long-term load effect distribution as:
C. Time Domain Analyses
FX ( χD ) = 1 – 1 ⁄ ND
C 100 General
101 For global motion response analyses, a time domain ND = total number of load effect maxima during D
approach will be beneficial. In this type of analyses it is possi- years
ble to include all environmental load effects and typical non- FX(χ) = long-term peak distribution of the (generalised)
linear effects such as: load effect
— hull drag forces (including relative velocities) The main challenge related to this approach is to establish the
— finite wave amplitude effects long-term load effect distribution due to the non-linear behav-
iour. Design based on response statistics is in general the recom-
— non-linear restoring (tendons, risers). mended procedure and should be considered whenever
practicable for consistent assessment of characteristic load
102 Highly non-linear effects such as ringing may also effects.
require a time domain analysis approach. Analytical methods
exist for estimation of ringing responses. These methods may Further details may be found in Appendices to DNV-OS-F201.
be used for the early design stage, but shall be correlated For guidance on coupled analysis, see DNV-RP-F205.
against model tests for the final design. Ringing and springing
responses of hull and deck may however be analysed within ---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
the frequency domain with basis in model test results, or equiv-
alent analytical results.
103 For deep waters, a fully coupled time domain analysis of
tendons, risers and platform may be required. This may e.g. be D. Model Testing
relevant if:
D 100 General
— model basin scale will not be suitable to produce reliable 101 Model testing will usually be required for final check of
design results or information TLP designs. The main reason for model testing is to check
— consistent global damping levels (e.g. in surge, sway and that analytical results correlate with model tests.
yaw) due to the presence of slender structures (risers, ten-
dons) are needed 102 The most important parameters to evaluate are:
— it is desirable to perform the slender structure response — air-gap
analyses with basis in coupled motion analyses.
— first order motions
104 A relevant wave spectrum shall be used to generate ran- — total offset
dom time series when simulating irregular wave elevations and — set-down
kinematics. — WF motions versus LF motions
105 The simulation length shall be long enough to obtain — tendon responses (maximum and minimum)
sufficient number of LF maxima (surge, sway and yaw). — accelerations
106 Statistical convergence shall be checked by performing — ringing
sensitivity analyses where parameters as input seed, simulation — springing
length, time step, solution technique etc. are varied. — susceptibility to hull VIM.
107 Determination of extreme responses from time domain 103 The model scale applied in testing shall be appropriate
analyses shall be performed according to recognised princi- such that reliable results can be expected. A sufficient number
ples. of seastates need to be calibrated covering the relevant limit
108 Depending on selected TLP installation method, time states.
domain analyses will probably be required to simulate the sit- 104 Wave headings, multidirectional sea, tests with wind,
uation when the TLP is transferred from a free floating mode wave and current, wave steepness and other variable parame-
to the vertical restrained mode. Model testing shall also be con- ters (water levels, vertical centre of gravity, etc.) need to be
sidered in this context. varied and tested as required.
Guidance note:
105 If HF responses (ringing and springing) shows to be
Combined loading governing for tendon extreme and fatigue design respectively,
Common practice to determine extreme responses has been to the amount of testing may have to be increased to obtain con-
expose the dynamic system to multiple stationary design envi- fidence in results.

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 18 – Sec.5 see note on front cover

E. Load Effects in the Tendons extreme wave responses. A check of linear analysis results
using non-linear methods may be necessary. Model testing
E 100 General may also be used to confirm analytical results. Care shall be
101 Load effects in the tendons comprise mean and dynamic exercised in interpreting model-test results for resonant
components. responses, particularly for loads due to platform heave, roll and
102 The steady state loads may be determined from the equi- pitch, since damping may not be accurately modelled.
librium condition of the platform, tendon and risers. 106 Lift and overturning moment generated on the TLP by
103 Tendon dynamic load effects arise from platform wind loads shall be included in the tendon response calcula-
motions, any ground motions and direct hydrodynamic loads tions.
on the tendon.
107 Susceptibility to vortex induced vibrations shall be eval-
104 Dynamic analysis of tendon responses shall take into
account the possibility of platform heave, roll and pitch excita- uated in operational and non-operational phases.
tion (springing and ringing effects). 108 Interference (tendon/riser, tendon/tendon, tendon/hull,
105 Linearised dynamic analysis does not include some of and tendon/foundation) shall be evaluated for non-operational
the secondary wave effects, and may not model accurately as well as the operational phase.

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Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover Sec.6 – Page 19

SECTION 6
ULTIMATE LIMIT STATES (ULS)

A. Introduction — survival environment.

A 100 General 204 The allowable shift of COG may be presented as an

envelope relative to the originally calculated COG.
101 General considerations in respect to methods of analysis
and capacity checks of structural elements are given in DNV- 205 The allowable weight and horizontal COG shift shall be
OS-C101. calculated based on maximum and minimum allowable tendon
tension. Variation of the vertical COG, which results in
102 The TLP hull shall be designed for the loading condi- changes in motion response and dynamic loads, shall be taken
tions that will produce the most severe load effects on the into account in the calculation.
structure. A dynamic analysis shall be performed to derive the
characteristic largest stresses in the structure. 206 An inclining test or equivalent procedure shall be con-
103 Analytical models shall adequately describe the relevant ducted to accurately determine the weight and COG of the
properties of loads, stiffness and displacement, and shall TLP. Proper load management tools shall be installed onboard
account for the local and system effects of, time dependency, and appropriate procedures shall be defined in the operations
damping and inertia. manual to control weight, COG and tendon tensions during
service.
104 The LRFD format shall be used when the ULS capacity
of the structure is checked. Two combinations shall be
checked, a) and b). The load factors are defined in DNV-OS-
C101 Sec.2 D400 and values are given in Table A1. B. Hull
Table A1 Load factors – Ultimate limit states B 100 General
Load categories 101 The following analysis procedure to obtain characteris-
Combina- Permanent and tic platform-hull response shall be applied:
tion of variable func- Environmental Deformation
design tional loads, loads, loads, 1) Analysis of the initial mean position in still water condi-
loads γf,G,Q γf,E γf,D tion
In this analysis, all vertical loads are applied (weights, live
a) 1.2 1) 0.7 1.0 loads, buoyancy etc.) and equilibrium is achieved taking
b) 1.0 1.3 1.0 into account pretension in tendons and risers.
1) If the load is not well defined e.g. masses or functional loads with great
uncertainty, possible overfilling of tanks etc. the coefficient should be 2) Mean response analysis
increased to 1.3. In this analysis the lateral mean wind, mean wave-drift and
current loads are applied to the TLP resulting in a static
105 The loads shall be combined in the most unfavourable offset position with a given set-down.
way, provided that the combination is physically feasible and
permitted according to the load specifications. For permanent 3) Wave response analysis
loads, a load factor of 1.0 in load combination a) shall be used Design wave approach
where this gives the most unfavourable response. Other con- To satisfy the need for simultaneity of the responses, a de-
siderations for the partial coefficients are given in DNV-OS- sign wave approach may be used for maximum stress anal-
C101. ysis.
106 The material factor γm for ULS yield check should be The merits of the stochastic approach are retained by using
1.15 for steel. The material factor γm for ULS buckling check the extreme stochastic values of some characteristic pa-
is given in DNV-OS-C101 Sec.5. rameters in the selection of the design wave. Effects due to
107 The material factors for composites are given in DNV- offset as described in 2) shall be taken into account in the
OS-C501 Sec.8 B700 for use with this standard. analysis.
or
A 200 Stability Spectral approach
201 The intact and damaged stability of a TLP in free-float- An analysis is carried out using ‘n’ wave frequencies from
ing condition during construction, tow out and installation ‘m’ directions. Effects due to offset as described in 2) shall
stages shall, in general, satisfy requirements applicable to col- be taken into account in the analysis. Traditional spectral
umn- stabilized units as defined in DNV-OS-C301. analysis methods should be used to compute the relevant
202 Stability of a TLP in the in-place condition is typically response spectra and their statistics.
provided by the pretension and stiffness of the tendon system, Guidance note:
rather than by the waterplane area. The stability analysis is to When using Design wave approach, it is important to capture all
demonstrate that the system is sufficiently constrained by the the waves that induce most critical characteristic responses, e.g.
tendon system, and is safe from overturning in all environmen- max squeeze/pry loads, max accelerations, max tendon tensions
tal conditions. It is therefore important to monitor the weight etc. The most important design wave for a conventional four-col-
change and COG (Center of Gravity) shift in various opera- umn TLP design is the wave that maximizes squeeze and pry
tional modes and environmental conditions. loads. The critical value for this response generally occurs with
the waves approaching along the platform diagonal axis, with a
203 The allowable horizontal shift of the COG shall be cal- wavelength being slightly more than twice the diagonal column
culated for at least the following three load conditions or oper- centreline spacing. This response will normally give the maxi-
ational modes: mum moment at the connection between the pontoons (or braces)
and columns, and/or connection between the deck and columns.
— still water
— operating environment ---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 20 – Sec.6 see note on front cover

102 For a TLP hull, the following characteristic global sec- can be demonstrated that such loads are adequately accounted
tional loads due to wave forces shall be considered as a mini- for in the design and that safety to personnel is not significantly
mum: impaired.
— split forces (transverse, longitudinal or oblique sea for odd 202 Analysis undertaken to document air gap should be cal-
columned TLPs) ibrated against relevant model test results. Such analysis shall
— torsional moment about a transverse and longitudinal, hor- include relevant account of:
izontal axis (in diagonal or near-diagonal) — wave and structure interaction effects
— longitudinal opposed forces between parallel pontoons (in — wave asymmetry effects
diagonal or near-diagonal seas) — global rigid body motions (including dynamic effects)
— longitudinal, transverse and vertical accelerations of deck — effects of interacting systems (e.g. riser systems)
masses.
— maximum or minimum draughts (set down, tidal surge,
103 It is recommended that a full stochastic wave load anal- subsidence, and settlement effects).
ysis is used as basis for the final design.
203 Column ‘run-up’ load effects shall be accounted for in
104 Local load effects (e.g. maximum direct environmental the design of the structural arrangement in way of the column
load on an individual member, wave slamming loads, external or deck box connection. These 'run-up' loads shall be treated as
hydrostatic pressure, ballast distribution, internal tank pres- an environmental load component, however, they need not to
sures etc.) shall be considered. Additional loads from e.g. high- be considered as occurring simultaneously with other environ-
frequency ringing accelerations shall be taken into account. mental responses.
105 Hull vibration due to current induced vibration of ten- 204 Evaluation of air gap adequacy shall include considera-
dons or risers shall be evaluated. tion of all influenced structural items including lifeboat plat-
forms, riser balconies, overhanging deck modules and module
B 200 Structural analysis support beams.
201 For global structural analysis, a complete three-dimen-
sional structural model of the TLP is required. See DNV-OS-
C101 Sec.5 and DNV-OS-C103 Sec.4 and App.B.
202 Additional detailed finite-element analyses may be
D. Tendons
required for complex joints and other complicated structural D 100 Extreme tendon tensions
parts to determine the local stress distribution more accurately
and/or to verify the results of a space-frame analysis. See also 101 As a minimum the following tension components shall
DNV-OS-C103. be taken into account:
203 Local environmental load effects, such as wave slam- — pretension (static tension)
ming and possible wave- or wind-induced vortex shedding, are — tide (tidal effects)
to be considered as appropriate. — storm surge (positive and negative values)
— tendon weight (submerged weight)
B 300 Structural design — overturning (due to current, mean wind or drift load)
301 Special attention shall be given to the structural design — set down (due to current, mean wind or drift load)
of the tendon supporting structures to ensure a smooth transfer — WF tension (wave frequency component)
and redistribution of the tendon concentrated loads through the — LF tension (wind gust and slowly varying drift)
hull structure without causing undue stress concentrations. — ringing (HF response)
302 The internal structure in columns in way of bracings — hull VIM influence on tendon responses
should to be designed stronger than the axial strength of the — tendon VIV induced loads.
bracing itself.
102 Additional components to be considered are:
303 Special consideration shall be given to the pontoon
strength in way of intersections with columns, accounting for — margins for fabrication, installation and tension reading
possible reduction in strength due to cut-outs and stress con- tolerances
centrations. — operational requirements (e.g. operational flexibility of
304 Special attention shall be given to the structural design ballasting operations)
of the columns in way of intersection with deck structure to — allowance for foundation mispositioning
ensure smooth load transfer. — field subsidence
— foundation settlement and uplift
— loads due to spooling during transportation and storage of
flexible tendons.
C. Deck
103 Bending stresses along the tendon shall be analysed and
C 100 General taken into account in the design. For the constraint mode the
bending stresses in the tendon will usually be low. In case of
101 Structural analysis and design of deck structure shall fol- surface, or subsurface tow (non-operational phase) the bending
low the principles as outlined in DNV-OS-C103, additional stresses shall be carefully analysed and taken into account in
load effects (e.g. global accelerations) from high-frequency the design.
ringing and springing shall be taken into account when rele-
vant. 104 For nearly buoyant tendons the combination of environ-
mental loads (axial and bending) and high hydrostatic water
102 Deck vibration due to current induced vibration of ten- pressure may be a governing combination (buckling).
dons or risers shall be evaluated
105 Limiting combinations (envelopes) of tendon tension
C 200 Air gap and rotations (flex elements) need to be established.
201 In the ULS condition, positive air gap should be ensured, 106 For specific tendon components such as couplings, flex
see DNV-OS-C103 Sec.4 D. However, wave impact may be elements, top and bottom connections etc. the stress distribu-
permitted to occur on any part of the structure provided that it tion shall be determined by appropriate finite element analysis.

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Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover Sec.6 – Page 21

107 If temporary (part of a high frequency cycle) tendon ten- 205 Composite tendons shall be designed in accordance with
sion loss is permitted, tendon dynamic analyses shall be con- DNV-OS-C501 with additional considerations given in this
ducted to evaluate its effect on the complete tendon system and section.
supporting structures. Alternatively, model tests may be per-
formed. The reasoning behind this is that loss of tension could
result in detrimental effects to e.g. tendon body, connectors, or
flex elements. E. Foundations
D 200 Structural design of tendons E 100 General
201 The structural design of tendons shall be carried out 101 Foundations may be designed according to the require-
according to DNV-OS-C101 with the additional considera- ments in DNV-OS-C101 Sec.11.
tions given in this subsection.
102 Relevant combinations of tendon tensions and angles of
202 Buckling checks of tendon body may be performed load components shall be analysed for the foundation design.
according to API RP 2T or NORSOK, N-004.
103 For gravity foundations the pretension shall be compen-
203 When deriving maximum stresses in the tendons rele- sated by submerged weight of the foundation, whereas the var-
vant stress components shall be superimposed on the stresses ying loads may be resisted by for example suction and friction.
due to maximum tendon tension, minimum tendon tension or
maximum tendon angle, as relevant.
204 Such additional stress components may be:
F. Scantlings and Weld Connections
— tendon-bending stresses due to lateral loads and motions
of the tendon F 100 General
— tendon-bending stresses due to flex-element rotational
stiffness 101 Minimum scantlings for plate, stiffeners and girders are
— thermal stresses in the tendon due to temperature differ- given in DNV-OS-C101 Sec.5.
ences over the cross sections 102 The requirements for weld connections are given in
— hoop stresses due to hydrostatic pressure. DNV-OS-C101 Sec.9.

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 22 – Sec.7 see note on front cover

SECTION 7
FATIGUE LIMIT STATES (FLS)

A. Introduction taken into account. This applies to operation and non-opera-

tional (e.g. tendon free standing) phases.
A 100 General 105 Size effects (e.g. length of weld, number of connections)
101 Structural parts where fatigue may be a critical mode of of welds and couplings etc. shall be evaluated.
failure shall be investigated with respect to fatigue. All signif-
icant loads contributing to fatigue damage (non-operational For guidance see Sec.2.3 and Commentary 2,3 in DNV-RP-
and operational) shall be taken into account. For a TLP, the C203.
effects of springing and ringing resonant responses shall be 106 Tendon and tendon components shall have a minimum
considered for the fatigue limit state. Design Fatigue Factor (DFF) of 10.
102 Fatigue design may be carried out by methods based on 107 Fracture toughness of tendon components and welds
fatigue tests and cumulative damage analysis, methods based shall be sufficient to meet design fatigue life and fracture cri-
on fracture mechanics, or a combination of these. teria.
103 General requirements for fatigue design are given in Guidance note:
DNV-OS-C101, DNV-OS-C103, DNV-RP-C203. Fracture toughness testing is performed to establish material
Industry accepted fatigue S-N curves different from the DNV properties that in turn can be used to calculate critical flaw sizes.
standards may be considered for acceptance. Fatigue design The most common testing is CTOD (Crack Tip Opening Dis-
placement) testing which in most cases are done using 3-point
for composite tendon is given in DNV-OS-C501. bend specimens. Testing should be performed for both base
Improved fatigue performance (comparing to what is defined material and fusion line locations. As a minimum 3 tests should
in DNV-RP-C203) of base material may be accounted for in be performed per location and the lowest value of the 3 test
the design provided that the fatigue performance and fracture results should be used in fracture toughness assessments. Further
mechanic properties of the same are documented through test- guidance on fracture toughness testing and assessments can be
ing. found in DNV-OS-F101, Section 12, subsection G and Appendix
B, A800.
104 Careful design of details as well as stringent quality
requirements for fabrication are essential in achieving accept- CTOD tests performed in bending may give very conservative
able fatigue strength. It is to be ensured that the design assump- results. One way to reduce the conservatism is to perform the
testing in tension (SENT specimens). Test performed like this
tions made concerning these parameters are achievable in will give a testing condition (constraint) close to that associated
practice. with a defect in a girth welded pipe loaded in tension. For SENT
105 The results of fatigue analyses shall be fully considered testing a minimum of 6 specimens per location will be required.
when the in-service inspection plans are developed for the plat- In case of materials with good fracture toughness properties (typ-
form. ically CTOD values above 0.25 mm), CTOD – Resistance or J –
Resistance testing should be performed to establish the tearing
resistance of the material.
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
B. Hull
108 Fracture mechanics assessment shall be performed in
B 100 General accordance with BS7910 or equivalent standard to estimate
101 Fatigue design of hull structure shall be performed in crack growth rates, define maximum allowable flaw sizes and
accordance with principles given in DNV-OS-C103. thus help define inspection intervals and monitoring strategies.
109 The maximum allowable flaws under extreme design
loads shall not grow to a critical size causing unstable crack
C. Deck growth in 5 times the tendon design life or tendon inspection
period, whichever is less. The preferred critical flaw is a
C 100 General through-thickness fatigue crack. All possible initial flaws
including surface flaws, embedded flaws and through thick-
101 Fatigue design of deck structure shall be performed in ness flaws shall be considered. Various aspect ratio and initial
accordance with principles given in DNV-OS-C103. location shall be evaluated. Stress concentration factors
(SCFs) shall be included when assessing the maximum allow-
able flaw size.
D. Tendons 110 The maximum allowable flaw size shall be reliably
detectable by the NDT inspection system employed in fabrica-
D 100 General tion of the tendons.
101 All parts of the tendon system shall be evaluated for To be able to size flaw heights, an ultrasonically based NDT
fatigue. system (UT) must be utilised. The detection ability of an ultra-
102 First order wave loads (direct or indirect) will usually be sonically based NDT system shall be deemed sufficient if the
governing, however also fatigue due to springing shall be care- probability of detecting a flaw of the smallest allowable height
fully considered and taken into account. Combined load effect determined during an Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA)
due to wave frequency, high frequency and low frequency is 90% at a 95% confidence level and the probability of under-
loads shall be considered in fatigue analysis. sizing a defect is less than 5%.
103 In case of wet transportation (surface or subsurface) to Guidance note:
field, these fatigue contributions shall be accounted for in In general, ultrasonic systems shall be qualified and the perform-
design. ance of the system shall be documented. If such documentation
does not exist, fracture mechanics assessments are recommended
104 Vortex induced vibrations (VIV) shall be considered and to be carried out assuming an initial flaw size of 3 x 25 mm

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Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover Sec.7 – Page 23

(height x length) for Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) or 9 x the welded joints in the piles. The welds next to the tendon
50 mm for Manual Ultrasonic Testing. connection point will be the most critical as these will be
With the AUT sensitivity level set at 50% of the echo from a 3 exposed to the same loads as the tendons. The load due to pile
mm flat bottom hole, a flaw satisfying the Probability Of Detec- driving shall be included in addition.
tion (POD) of 90% at 95% confidence level has in most cases
been found to be approx. 3mm in height. This is the basis for sug- 112 For tendon receptacles and other components connected
gesting an initial flaw size of 3 x 25 mm for the ECA, provided to the pile while it is driving, fatigue damage due to pile driv-
no other data are available. Refer also DNV OS-F101, Appendix ing shall also be taken into account.
E, Section H related to AUT system qualification.
For manual UT, typical POD curves has been established in the
113 Composite materials and their interfaces may also be
Nordtest NDE Programme. With an echo of 20% of the echo treated with a fracture mechanics approach if a defect size can
from a 3 mm side drilled hole, flaw size corresponding to POD be defined and the propagation can be described. Otherwise
of 90% at 95% confidence level has been found to be approx. 9 fatigue analysis of composite materials should be described by
mm in height. This is the basis for suggesting an initial flaw size SN curves and Miner sum calculations as given in DNV-OS-
of 9 x 50 mm to be used for the ECA, provided no other data are C501 Sec.6 K.
available.
If UT is based on smaller reference reflectors and/or better sen-
sitivities than those stated above, a reduction of the assumed ini-
tial flaw sizes may be made, if properly justified Unless the E. Foundation
system can be qualified with the criteria as follows, an initial flaw
size of 3 x 25 mm (height x length) should be assumed for Auto-
matic Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) or 9 x 50 mm (height x length) E 100 General
should be assumed for Manual Ultrasonic Testing. 101 Tendon responses (tension and angle) will be the main
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e--- contributors for fatigue design of foundations. Local stresses
shall be determined by use of finite element analyses and due
111 When tendons are fixed to the seabed using piles, it is attention to geotechnical properties and reaction loads. Fatigue
also important to perform a fatigue and fracture evaluation of damage due to pile driving shall also be taken into account.

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 24 – Sec.8 see note on front cover

SECTION 8
ACCIDENTAL LIMIT STATES (ALS)

A. General All piping, ventilation systems, trunks, etc., within the extent
of damage shall be assumed damaged. Positive means of clo-
A 100 General sure shall be provided at watertight boundaries to preclude the
101 Requirements concerning accidental events are given in progressive flooding of other spaces that are intended to be
DNV-OS-C101. intact.
102 Units shall be designed to be damage tolerant, i.e. cred-
ible accidental damages, or events, should not cause loss of
global structural integrity. The capability of the structure to B. Hull and Deck
redistribute loads should be considered when designing the
structure. B 100 General
103 In the design phase, attention shall be given to layout 101 The most relevant accidental events for hull and deck
and arrangements of facilities and equipment in order to mini- designs are:
mise the adverse effects of accidental events.
104 Satisfactory protection against accidental damage may — dropped objects
be obtained by a combination of the following principles: — fire
— explosion
— reduction of the probability of damage to an acceptable — collision
level — unintended flooding
— reduction of the consequences of damage to an acceptable — abnormal wave events.
level.
105 Structural design with respect to the ALS shall involve a
two-stage procedure considering: C. Tendons
— resistance of the structure to a relevant accidental event C 100 General
— capacity of the structure after an accidental event.
101 The most relevant accidental events for the tendons are:
106 Global structural integrity shall be maintained both dur-
ing and after an accidental event. Loads occurring at the time — missing tendon
of a design accidental event and thereafter shall not cause com- — tendon flooding
plete structural collapse. — dropped objects
— flooding of hull compartment(s).
The TLP structure shall be designed to sustain one hull compart-
ment flooding, one tendon flooding or removal of one tendon. 102 Tendon removal condition (e.g. for maintenance and/or
inspection) requires analysis of the TLP structure with envi-
A 200 Stability ronmental loads with 10-2 annual probability of exceedance to
201 In-place stability of a TLP under accidental event shall satisfy the ALS. The same applies to tendon flooding, if rele-
be measured by minimum and maximum tension criteria using vant. Consideration should be given to the expected frequency
same principle as defined in Sec.6 A200. Allowable weight of tendon removal and the length of period for which one ten-
and COG shift envelope shall be established for the damaged don is likely to be out of service.
condition using same procedure as defined in Sec.6 A200. The 103 Tendon failure may have substantial consequences and
annual probability level of design loads, load and resistance therefore the tendons shall be designed with sufficient safety
factors are defined in DNV-OS-C101. Time lapse between the margin. The effect on the surrounding structure due to possi-
occurrence of the damage and the restoring of stability should ble accidental failure events and the consequential release of
be considered in the design to assure the safety of the TLP unit elastic energy stored in the tendon shall be considered.
during this period. In assessing the structural strength and
adequacy of the tendon tension. The following flooding sce- Guidance note:
nario shall be assumed: Damage to the TLP from tendon failure does not need to be con-
sidered provided the annual probability of tendon failure is less
1) Any one tendon compartment than 10-5 due to each accidental event.
2) All compartments that could be flooded as a result of dam- ---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
ages that are as minimum 1.5 m deep and 3.0 m high
occurring at any level between 5.0 m above and 3.0 m 104 Dropped objects may cause damage to the tendons and
below the still waterline. in particular the top and bottom connectors may be exposed.
Shielding may be required installed.
Guidance note:
Due consideration shall be given for the size of the supply boats 105 Flooding of hull compartments and the effects on design
and other collision scenario before deciding the extent of the shall be analysed thoroughly.
damage.

---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
D. Foundations
3) No vertical bulkhead shall be assumed damaged, except
where bulkheads are spaced closer than a distance of one D 100 General
eighth of the column perimeter at the still waterline, meas- 101 The design load cases for accidental events to be con-
ured at the periphery, in which case one or more of the sidered for the foundations shall as a minimum, include those
bulkheads shall be disregarded. corresponding cases considered for the tendons.

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Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover App.A – Page 25

APPENDIX A
CERTIFICATION OF TENDON SYSTEM

A. General as follows:

A 100 Introduction I = Equipment/component important for safety and

Certification of the tendon system is accomplished through the integrity of the TLP and for which a DNV certificate is
Certification of Material and Components (CMC) from vari- required.
ous manufacturers. Since the Tendon system itself is an exten- II = Equipment/component important for safety and
sion of the main load-bearing element of the TLP, it cannot be integrity of the TLP and for which a works certificate
handled in a traditional CMC manner. Design approval of prepared by the manufacturer is accepted.
these various components need to be aligned with the global
performance of the TLP and applicable load cases. Approval Equipment category I
of all the components of the Tendon system and its interfaces For equipment category I, the following approval procedure
shall be handled by the same DNV office whose is responsible shall be followed:
for the approval of the TLP main structure. Survey may can
however be carried out by the local DNV stations in accord- — design approval, documented by a design verification
ance with the requirements of this Appendix. report (DVR) or type approval certificate
Tendon system generally consists of the following main ele- — fabrication survey, documented by issue of a product cer-
ments: tificate.

— tendon pipe Specific requirements:

— bottom tendon interface (BTI)
— flex bearings — pre-production meeting prior to the start of fabrication
— foundation — survey during fabrication, as applicable
— top tendon interface (TTI) — witness final functional, pressure and load tests, as appli-
— tendon intermediate connectors cable
— tendon tension monitoring system (TTMS) — review of fabrication records.
— tendon porch
— tendon cathodic protection system These requirements are typical and the final extent of DNV
— load management program (LMP). survey required will be decided based on:

The following international standards and DNV standards are — complexity, size and previous experience of equipment
considered acceptable standards for design and fabrication of type
various components: — manufacturer's QA/QC system
— manufacturing survey arrangement (MSA) with DNV
— API RP 2T — type of fabrication methods.
— API RP 2A
— API RP 2RD Equipment category II
— API RP 2R Equipment of category II is normally acceptable on the basis
— DNV-OS-C101 of a works certificate prepared by the manufacturer. As a min-
— DNV-OS-C401 imum, the certificate shall contain the following data:
— DNV-OS-B101
— DNV-OS-F101 — equipment specification or data sheet
— DNV-RP-C201/202 — operating limitation(s) of the equipment
— DNV CN 30.4 — statement from the manufacturer to confirm that the equip-
— DNV-RP-C203 ment has been constructed and manufactured according to
— DNV-RP-B401 recognised methods, codes, and standards
— BS 7910 — test records as applicable.
— BS 7448.
Guidance note:
Independent test certificates or reports for the equipment, or
approval certificate for manufacturing system, are also accepta-
B. Equipment categorization ble.
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
B 100 Requirements to approval procedure
DNV uses categorization in order to clearly identify the certi-
fication and approval requirements for different equipment and
components. C. Fabrication Record
Categorization of equipment depends on importance for safety
and takes operating and environmental conditions into C 100 General
account. Once assigned, the category of equipment refers to Fabrication record shall be maintained by the manufacturer in
the scope of activities required for DNV certification and a traceable manner, so that relevant information regarding
approval, as consistent with the importance of the equipment. design specifications, materials, fabrication processes, inspec-
If there are any other equipment which is not defined in the fol- tion, heat treatment, testing, etc. can be checked.
lowing tables, categorisation of the same shall be decided on a Fabrication record for Category I equipment shall be available
case by case basis with prior discussion with DNV. for review. The following particulars shall be included, as
Equipment categorization for offshore installations or units is applicable:

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 26 – App.A see note on front cover

— manufacturer's statement of compliance shall contain clear references to all DVRs and PCs on
— reference to design specifications and drawings which the survey report is based, and shall state test-
— location of materials and indication of respective material ing and survey carried out.
certificates
— welding procedure specifications and qualification test
records
— location of welding indicating where the particular weld- E. Tendon Systems and Components
ing procedures have been used
— heat treatment records E 100 General
— location of non-destructive testing (NDT) indicating The loads for the tendon component analysis are to be obtained
where the particular NDT method has been used and its from the tendon global analysis. All relevant requirements as
record mentioned in Section 1 to Section 8 as applicable for the com-
— load, pressure and functional test reports ponent shall be followed. The requirements specified below
— as-built part numbers and revisions. are some additional requirements that are specific to some of
the components.
As most of these connectors are complex in design and fabri-
D. Documentation Deliverables for Certification cation, detailed linear elastic Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
of Equipment shall be carried out using industry recognized FE programs. In
general, a 3D finite element analysis using solid/brick ele-
D 100 General ments will be required unless a 2D analysis can realistically
represent and simulate the connectors, applicable loads and
The following documentation will normally be issued by DNV interfaces. Testing will be required where necessary to justify
for equipment and systems covered by certification activities and document the FEA.
(CMC):
The design and construction shall cover all applicable load
a) Design verification report, (DVR) conditions transportation, lifting, installation and operation
etc. The effects of fabrication tolerances, fit-up misalignment
— DVR will be issued by the design approval responsi- etc. shall be included. All connectors must be designed and
ble for all equipment of category I, unless covered by fabricated with due consideration for installation and removal
a valid type approval certificate of damaged tendons.
— in addition to each individual equipment, DVRs shall If the transportation and installation phase of the tendons are
be issued for each system not covered by plan not certified by DNV, information shall be submitted to DNV
approval. to document the fatigue damage, locked-in stresses etc. result-
The DVR shall contain all information needed to be fol- ing from the lifting, transportation, free-standing tendon etc.
lowed up by the surveyor attending fabrication survey and A protection shield/hat above the bottom connector may be
installation of the equipment, and as a minimum include: considered in order to prevent debris entering the bottom con-
nector housing.
— design codes and standards used for design verifica-
tion A higher safety margin shall be considered for the tendon com-
— design specification (e.g. temperature, pressure, SWL, ponents than for the tendon pipes due to the complexity of the
etc.) components and uncertainties in the response calculation.
— follow-up comments related to e.g. testing, fabrication Guidance note:
and installation of the equipment or system. In general a Design Fatigue Factor of minimum 10 shall be used
for fatigue design of tendon and tendon components provided
An approval letter may be issued instead of a DVR, how- that the analyses are based on a reliable basis as described above.
ever such a letter shall as a minimum contain the same in- However, if the fatigue life assessment is associated with a larger
formation as listed above. uncertainty, a higher Design Fatigue Factor for complex tendon
components may be recommended. In such cases, a higher
b) Inspection release note, (IRN) Design Fatigue Factor should be determined based on an assess-
ment of all uncertainties in the fatigue analysis with due consid-
— an IRN shall only be issued if the component is deliv- eration to the consequence of a fatigue failure. Before increasing
ered prior to issuance of final product certificate (PC). the Design Fatigue Factor one should aim to reduce the uncer-
A final PC shall not be issued if there are non-con- tainties in the design basis as much as possible.
formances to the equipment or system. The IRN shall
be used with detailed description of the non-conform- ---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
ances, and shall always be replaced by a certificate
when all non-conformances are closed. E 200 Tendon pipe
Pipe manufacturer shall be an approved manufacturer or shall
c) Product certificate, (PC) be certified by DNV. The pipes must be adequately specified
— PC should be issued for all category I equipment or for the service conditions. The following as a minimum shall
systems be specified as applicable:
— PC will be issued upon successful completion of — the pipe shall be formed from Thermo-Mecahnically Con-
design verification, fabrication survey and review of trolled Process (TMCP) plates
final documentation. As stated above, PC can not be
issued if design verification or non-conformances are — Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) process shall be used for
outstanding. the pipe manufacturing of the pipes
— the steel shall be fully killed and melted to fine grain prac-
d) Survey report tice
— tensile and compression testing shall be performed also in
— survey report shall be issued for all category I equip- the longitudinal direction
ment or systems upon satisfactory installation, survey — the variation in yield stress should be limited
and testing onboard. A survey report may cover sev- — material fracture resistance properties shall be specified
eral systems or equipment installed. The survey report — the impact toughness of base material, weld and Heat-

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover App.A – Page 27

Affected Zone (HAZ) must be acceptable considering the The tendon receptacle and other interfaces attached to the pile
service temperature shall be subjected to all applicable loads related to pile design
— the hardness of welds must not exceed 330 Brinell’s Hard- and installation.
ness Number (BHN) and tendons and weld areas must BTI and flex bearing design shall allow for rotation between
have a high grade coating to prevent hydrogen embrittle- the tendon and pile considering all applicable operation and
ment (especially important for high tensile steels) installation conditions. Maximum installation angle shall be
— NDT should be performed to ensure freedom of imperfec- specified for the BTC to enter and lock in to the receptacle.
tions especially transverse to the direction of stress in the Protection shielding shall be considered to prevent debris from
weld and entering between tendon and bottom receptacle.
— base material as little variation as possible in wall thick-
ness, diameter and out of roundness to reduce stress con- Pile installation loads and applicable impact loads for all com-
centrations around welds. ponents that are relevant during the installation and transporta-
tion phase shall be considered in the design
Welding shall be performed with low hydrogen welding con- Guidance on fatigue methodology is defined in DNV-RP-
sumables/processes that give a diffusible hydrogen content of C203. If no documented S-N curve exists for the material
maximum 5 ml/100 g weld metal. Welding procedure qualifi- selected, S-N curves shall be selected from DNV-RP-C203.
cation for girth welds shall be performed on the actual tendon
pipe material and shall include: Fracture Mechanics tests shall be carried out in accordance
with Sec.7.
— transverse weld tensile testing
— all weld tensile testing E 400 Flex bearings
— bend testing The selected material and manufacturer should have adequate
— impact testing of base material, weld, fusion line and prior experience with successful in-service history to demon-
fusion line +2 mm strate adequacy for its intended purpose. If a new material or
— macro examination and hardness testing manufacturer without sufficient prior experience for similar
— fracture toughness testing of weld metal and at fusion line. application is selected, the material and manufacturing process
shall go through an adequate level of qualification.
Adequate acceptance criteria for the service condition and
minimum design temperature shall be specified in line with the Guidance note:
requirements for tendon pipe. DNV-RP-A203 gives an outline for the qualification procedures.
Repair welding procedures shall be separately qualified on an ---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
existing weld and shall include:
Manufacturer shall demonstrate by in-depth analysis and test-
— full and half thickness repair ing that the product meets the specified properties for the flex
— shallow multipass repairs element including but not limited to:
— single pass repairs.
— specified tendon loads
Full and half thickness repair welding procedures shall be — maximum rotational stiffness
tested as and meet the same acceptance criteria as the tendon — minimum axial stiffness
pipe girth welds. Shallow multipass repairs welding proce- — design life
dures shall be tested as and meet the same acceptance criteria — internal pressure (if applicable)
as the tendon pipe girth welds except that fracture toughness — other properties as specified.
testing may not be required. Single pass repairs shall be root,
face and side bend tested, macro examined and hardness tested Flex bearings shall be tested to adequately characterize rota-
and meet the same acceptance criteria as the tendon pipe girth tional stiffness, axial capacity and angular capacity.
welds. Acceptance criteria for the all elements of the finished product
Guidance note: shall be clearly specified and agreed before fabrication.
Pipe according to DNV-OS-F101, Section 6 with grade designa- E 500 Foundations
tion SAWL xxx I SD will normally meet the required service
requirements. Suffix U may be added to enhance uniform tensile The loading for the foundation (pile or gravity based) design
properties. Pipe according to API 5L shall be specified with the should be obtained from the tendon and geotechnical analysis.
additional requirements for tendon pipes given above .according The loads resulting from all applicable load conditions includ-
to TMCP process or equivalent shall be used for the tendon pipes. ing the damaged and removed tendon cases shall be consid-
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e--- ered.
Foundation design and fabrication shall be carried out in
E 300 Bottom tendon interface (BTI) accordance with DNV CN 30.4 or other acceptable standards
The bottom tendon interface assembly must provide a secure i.e. API RP 2A and API RP 2T. For gravity based concrete
connection throughout the design life of the TLP. The connec- foundations, interface with tendon bottom connector and
tor shall be designed adequately against yielding, fatigue and receptacle is given in DNV-OS-C502. Foundation system shall
corrosion. BTI normally consist of the following main ele- be designed for the same in-place conditions as the tendon sys-
ments: tem it supports, including tendon damage cases.
In particular, analysis shall reflect positioning tolerances for
— a receptacle which will be welded to the pile installation, installation loads like pile driving and installation
— a bottom tendon connector (BTC) which locks in to the and in-place damage. For gravity based structures, settlements
receptacle (or uplift) needs to be taken into account.
— a flex bearing element
— a tendon extension piece that is welded to the tendon pipe. Tendon foundation receptacle and pile above the mudline need
to be protected from external corrosion by a combination of
The maximum angular stiffness of the connection shall be coatings and passive cathodic protection systems.
specified consistent with the tendon design. There shall be no
disengagement of the load bearing surfaces assuming a mini- E 600 Top tendon interface (TTI)
mum tendon tension of “zero” at the bottom tendon interface. The top tendon interface assembly must provide a secure con-

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005 Amended April 2007
Page 28 – App.A see note on front cover

nection throughout the life of the TLP. The connector shall be ture are to be designed for the breaking load of the tendons.
designed adequately against yielding, fatigue and corrosion.
TTI normally consist of the following main elements: Cast steel shall be a weldable low carbon and fine grained
steel. Test coupons representing the greatest end thickness of
— tendon porch that is attached to the HULL welding to the HULL shall be developed from each casting to
— the Length Adjustment Joint (LAJ) that will be welded to facilitate actual production weld testing qualifications. NDT
the top tendon piece for the special areas (welding attachment to the HULL) or
— tendon connector with the flex bearing wherever the stress level (under ULS condition) exceeds 67%
— TTMS interface of yield shall be subjected to more rigorous NDT than other
areas.
TTI and flex bearing design shall allow for rotation between
the tendon and hull connection considering all applicable oper- Acceptance criteria for weld repairs and acceptability shall be
ation and installation conditions. Maximum installation angle clearly defined in the specifications and agreed upon. Casting
shall be specified for the Tendon to enter and lock in to the shall in general be in accordance with DNV offshore standard
TTI. DNV-OS-B-101, Ch.2 Sec.4.
Adequate protection (including corrosion) mechanism shall be E 1000 Tendon corrosion protection system
provided for the TTI to protect the LAJ.
Tendon assembly shall in general be protected using a combi-
Connector in way of the LAJ shall be checked for strength and nation of coating systems, sacrificial-anodes, material selec-
fatigue with the reduced cross section. tion, and corrosion allowance considered for the life time of
the platform and the inspection philosophy during operation.
E 700 Intermediate tendon connectors (ITC) Special areas like the TTI may need corrosion inhibitors, cor-
The intermediate tendon connectors (ITC) must provide a rosion cap etc for protecting the moving parts. An affective
secure connection throughout the life of the TLP. The connec- corrosion protection system shall be in place from the time the
tor shall be designed adequately against yielding, fatigue and structure is initially installed.
corrosion, racheting and fretting as applicable.
Cathodic protection shall be carried out in accordance with
The connectors must be sealed and form a watertight connec- DNV Recommended Practice DNV- RP-B401.
tion. The design shall ensure that all potential damage during
handling and installation for the sealing mechanism is identi- Site specific data shall be used for the corrosion protection
fied and designed against. design. Special considerations shall be given for the higher
ambient temperature effect for areas like West Africa.
E 800 Tendon tension monitoring system (TTMS)
Anode and other attachment details and welding to the tendon
Suitable and reliable tendon tension monitoring devices shall system shall be specifically approved by DNV.
be installed to obtain the actual tension during operation.
Guidance note:
Guidance note:
Design of the corrosion protection system, shall consider the
Generally, one TTMS unit per corner (a group of tendons) is suf- electric continuity between tendon, hull and pile.
ficient.
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e--- ---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---

This system generally consists of load cells, data acquisition E 1100 Load management program (LMP)
system and alarm system. Load cells shall be calibrated to the
required accuracy for the range of tension anticipated account- Load management program shall facilitate the safe operation
ing for all possible system errors. of the TLP and the tendon systems under the defined load con-
ditions by monitoring the weight changes and centre of gravity
Alarm shall be pre-set for the values that exceed the design (CG) shifts compared with the pre-defined envelope. It shall be
conditions so that adequate load balancing and operational possible to automatically calculate weight redistribution of live
measures can be taken to ensure that the tendon tension loads and ballast water. Other relevant variable data such as
remains within the maximum allowable values. The alarms draft, wave, wind etc. shall be used by the program as appro-
shall be audible and visually represented in the room where the priate.
LMP is monitored.
The load cells and all critical elements of the data acquisition The system shall operate from a UPS power supply and shall
system shall be redundant. There shall be more than one load have a redundant fail safe system. Data shall be backed-up
cell per tendon. continuously and all important data saved on a regular basis.
The load management system shall meet the continuous avail-
E 900 Tendon porch ability requirement as defined in DNV-OS-D202, Ch.2 Sec.1
HULL interfaces with the tendons including the backup struc- B200.

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Amended April 2007 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C105, October 2005
see note on front cover App.A – Page 29

F. Categorisation of Tendon Components

Table F1Categories for tendon systems, equipment and components
DNV approval
Relevant text Material or equipment categories
I II
TENDON PIPE Pipe X

TOP TENDON INTERFACE TTI Connector X

LAJ Assembly X
Top Flex Bearing X

BOTTOM TENDON INTERFACE BTI Connector X

BTI Receptacle X
BTI Flex Bearing X

INTERMEDIATE CONNECTORS Connectors X

FOUNDATION (PILE) Pile X

TENDON TENSION MONITORING SYSTEM Load Cell X

Hardware and Software X X

LOAD MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (LMP) Hardware and Software X

TENDON CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEM Anodes X

Attachments X

FLEX BEARINGS Reinforcement X

Outer/Inner bulk metal X
Elastomer X

TENDON PORCH Casting X

G. Tendon Fabrication standard, fabrication requirements shall be adjusted such that

the tendon joints meet those higher requirements.
G 100 General
The extent and the methods of NDT chosen for the tendon fab-
Tendon systems are critical load carrying elements and are rication shall meet the requirements of DNV-OS-C401Sec.3
essential for the integrity of the TLP. Fabrication of the tendon
system in general shall meet the requirements as applicable for C105.
“special areas”. NDT requirement on all welding shall, as a Casting, forging techniques used for the tendon fabrication
minimum, be in accordance with the butt weld requirement for shall, as a minimum, meet the good practices as outlined in
inspection category 1 as defined in DNV Offshore standard DNV-OS-B101 Ch.2 Sec.4 and Ch.2 Sec.3.
DNV-OS-C-401. In all cases, where the global design requires
more stringent standards than what is outlined in the DNV

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