Design loads for marine facilities

Abstract

For design of marine facilities, a design basis is needed. This design basis will include selection of safety level and codes to be used during the design process. The design basis will include all aspects necessary to design safe facilities, including methods for load calculations. In this paper the design basis for offshore structures and marine vessels is discussed. Particular emphasis is put on robust facilities which will not collapse under loads slightly higher than the design load. Furthermore, the new types of fuel introduced in the marine industry for vessels give rise to concern as these fuels are highly flammable with high explosion pressure. Mitigating measures to reduce the consequences of large loads represent important considerations.