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API-WSD-Tubular Joints Check

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.

The main structure of a topside consists of either an integrated deck or a


module support frame and modules.

Commonly tubular lattice frames are present, however a significant


amount of rolled and built up sections are also used.

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

fipc Chord in-plane bending stress


fopc Chord out-of-plane bending stress
fa Brace axial stress component
fip Brace in-plane bending stress
fop Brace out-of-plane bending stress
fb Resultant brace bending stress

Dimensions Allowable Stresses and Unity Checks

D Chord diameter fyb Brace yield stress


d Brace diameter fyc Chord yield stress
R Chord radius Vp Allowable punching shear (1 each for axial, in-plane and out-of-plane bending components)
T Chord thickness UFax Axial punching shear unity check
t Brace thickness UFip In-plane bending punching shear unity check
γ Ratio between the chord radius and thickness R/T UFop Out-of-plane bending punching shear unity check
τ Ratio between the thickness of the brace and chord t/T UFBN Combined bending punching shear unity check
θ Angle between brace and chord UFCO Combined axial and bending punching shear unity check
β Ratio between the diameter of the brace and chord d/D UFjt Joint strength unity check
g K joint gap
plane bending)

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

JOINT CLASS (Y,K, or X) Type = X DIAPHRAGMS (YES =1, NO = 1

BRACE ANGLE WITH CHORD, Theta 60.0 degrees GAP, g 100.0

ALLOWABLE STRESS FACTOR, Rati 1.33

CHORD CHORD FORCES CHORD STRESSES


D = 600.0 mm Fcax = 300.0 kN fcax 5.293 N/mm2
T = 31.8 mm Mcip = 340.0 kNm fcip 44.445 N/mm2
Ac = 56680.4 mm2 Mcop = 1.0 kNm fcop 0.131 N/mm2
Zc = ### mm3 Fyc = 245.0 N/mm2 s 44.759 N/mm2
Chord Yield = 245.0 N/mm2
Strengt Ultimate = 490.0 N/mm2

BRACE BRACE FORCES BRACE STRESSES


d = 508.0 mm Fbax = 1013.0 kN fbax 26.704 N/mm2
t = 25.0 mm Mbip = 723.0 kNm fbip 165.565 N/mm2
Ab = 37934.7 mm2 Mbop = 166.0 kNm fbop 38.014 N/mm2
Zb = ### mm3 Fyb = 345.0 N/mm2 s 196.577 N/mm2

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

APPLIED PUNCHING STRESSES ALLOWABLE PUNCHING STRESSES UTILISATION FACTORS


Vpa = 18.210 N/mm2 Vpaa = 76.8 N/mm2 U.F.ax 0.237
Vpip = 112.900 N/mm2 Vpipa = 130.3 N/mm2 U.F.ip 0.866
Vpop = 25.922 N/mm2 Vpopa = 130.3 N/mm2 U.F.op 0.199

GEOMETRY CHECK COMBINED STRESS CHECKS

(EQN 4.1-1) UF = 0.710 (EQN 4.3.1-3a) UF = 0.790


(EQN 4.3.1-3b) UF = 0.934

JOINT UTILISATION FACTOR = 0.934

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