Professional Documents
Culture Documents
This spreadsheet defines the principle terms and ratios used in tubular
joint design.
It presents the classifications for T, Y, X, N, K and KT joints and the
details of joint arrangements.
It describes design methods for static strength.
This calculation sheet refers to the design of tubular joints. These are
used extensively offshore, particularly for jacket structures.
Only static check is performed here, fatigue check shall be added in
further revisions.
Classification
Load paths within a joint are very different, according to the joint geometry. The following classification is used, see Figure.
T and Y Joints
These are joints made up of a single brace, perpendicular to the chord (T joint) or
inclined to it (Y joints).
In a T joint, the axial force acting in the brace is reacted by bending in the chord.
In a Y joint, the axial force is reacted by bending and axial force in the chord.
X Joints
X joints include two coaxial braces on either side of the chord.
Axial forces are balanced in the braces, which in an ideal X joint have the same
diameter and thickness. In fact, other considerations such as brace length, which can
be very different on each side of the chord, may lead to two slightly different braces.
Angles may be slightly different as well.
The important point to note is the balance of forces in the braces. If the axial force in
one brace is far higher than the one in the other brace, the joint may be classified as a
Y (or a T) joint rather than an X joint.
N and
These K Joints
joints include two braces. One of them may be perpendicular to the chord (N
joint) or both inclined (K joint).
The ideal load pattern of these joints is reached when axial forces are balanced in the
braces, i.e. net force into chord member is low.
KT Joints
These joints include three braces.
The load pattern for these joints is more complex. Ideally axial forces should be
balanced within the braces, i.e. net force into chord member is low.
Acting Section Forces and Stresses
vp Acting punching shear (1 each for axial, in-plane and out-of-plane bending)
faxc Chord axial stress component
e bending components)
Tubular Joints in Offshore Structures as per API RP2A (WSD)
Methods for the design of offshore large tubular joints
Project Name: Client:
Project No.: Prep. By: Date:
Definitions
GEOMETRIC PARAMETERS
VALUES OF Qq VALUES OF Qf
Tau = 0.787 Qbeta 1.202 Qqa = 1.336 Qfa = 1.000
Beta = 0.847 Qg = 1.485 Qqip = 4.511 Qfip = 1.000
Gamma = 9.449 A = 0.304 Qqop = 2.598 Qfop = 1.000