Concrete Oil and Gas Platforms in Offshore Marine Environment: A Review

Rizwan A. Khan

Abstract

Abstract Offshore concrete structures have been successfully in use since 1973. Since then, 47 major concrete offshore structures were built worldwide. They were mostly used in the petroleum industry as drilling, extraction or storage units for crude oil or natural gas. Generally, offshore concrete structures are classified into fixed and floating structures. Fixed structures are mostly built as concrete gravity based structures where the loads are directly transferred through concrete caissons to the uppermost soil layers. The caisson provides buoyancy during construction and towing; and acts as a foundation of the structure in the operation phase. Furthermore, the caisson could be used as storage volume for oil or other liquids. Offshore concrete structures show an excellent performance. They are highly durable, constructed of almost maintenance-free material and suitable for harsh environment. In addition, they can carry heavy topsides, often offer storage capacities; and are suitable for soft grounds. Most gravity-type platforms do not require additional fixing because of their large foundation dimensions and extremely heavy weight. With recent advancement in ultra durable concrete, there is a possibility to produce offshore concrete structures which could last several hundred years in the sea environment. The concrete platforms may return every 30 years for maintenance/replacement of production unit and return to the same or a new location for continued operation. Keywords: Offshore, concrete, gravity, drilling, productionCite this Article Khan Rizwan A. Concrete Oil and Gas Platforms in Offshore Marine Environment: A Review. Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology. 2017; 4(1): 33–42p.