Thermal and Structural Behaviour of Offshore Structures with Passive Fire Protection

Abstract

In offshore structures, hydrocarbon fires cause the structure to loose its rigidity rapidly and this leads to structural integrity and stability problems. The Passive Fire Protection (PFP) system slows the transfer rate of fire heat and helps to prevent the collapse of structures and human losses. The vital design factors are decided in the detailed design stage. The determined design thickness must be accurately applied in the fabrication yard. However, there are many cases that the PFP is overused because of various reasons. This excessive application of the PFP is an unavoidable problem. Several studies have been conducted on the efficient application and optimal design of the PFP. However, the strength of the PFP has not been considered. In addition, research studies on the correlation between the thickness of the PFP and the structural behaviour are not widely available. Therefore, this study attempts to analyse the thermal and mechanical effects of the PFP on the structure when it is applied to the structural member. In particular, it is intended to determine the change in the behaviour of the structural member as the thickness of the PFP increases.