A joint university/industry/government consortium was formed to study the structure-property relationships which govern the mechanical properties of saline ice. This is an adjunct to Project No. 40 on the mechanical properties of multiyear ridge ice. This project was broader in that it included first year ice and considered factors not included in Project No. 40.
The objective was to assess the uncertainties related to the complex nature for modeling the ice-structure interaction process. The major objectives of the project were
(1) to develop a two dimensional constitutive model to characterize the thermo-mechanical behavior of sea ice,
(2) to develop a finite element capability to numerically simulate the time-dependent process leading to failure, and
(3) to conduct a numerical simulation of the ice-structure interaction process for two representative structure.
The objective was to assess the feasibility and costs associated with pipeline construction in deeper and more exposed areas of the Beaufort Sea, Alaska as contained in Lease Sale 87. This study addressed the prime concerns for construction of pipelines in the Arctic: (1) establish feasible techniques for pipeline construction in Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lease Sale 87, (2) identify new concepts for deep water ice covered conditions, and (3) develop cost data to be used for oil and gas development plans.
The objective was to assess the feasibility and costs of developing exploration and production systems for Lease Sale 87 in the Diapir Field, Beaufort Sea, Alaska. Sea ice, unconsolidated sediments, soil slumping, shallow gas concentrates, subsea permafrost, gas hydrates, and ice gouges are some of the factors which will complicate development in this area. This project was a cooperative effort composed of twenty industry participants and the Minerals Management Service.
The objective was to determine the stresses which are generated in an ice sheet as the flow acts on an arctic offshore structure. This project used the methodology developed in Project No. 50. to measure the stresses which are built-up in an ice flow as it moves against the structure. From these stress measurements, the total global force which acts against the structures can be estimated.
A state-of-the-art study was conducted, including a review of current design procedures and recent research data. Limit state criteria and the uncertainty in the determination of the relevant structural response parameters were assessed based on current available information. Problem areas were identified with an assessment of the ability of current technology to deal with these problems. Areas where additional information is needed to increase our capability to determine the reliability of gravel mat foundations were also identified.
The objective was to study the adhesion and prevention of icing on offshore drilling and production facilities. Hydrophobic coatings, which have suitable visco-elastic properties, will be investigated. These coatings are expected to decrease adhesive strength of ice by 98 percent, thus decreasing enormously the mechanical work required to remove the ice. Other methods, such as self-mending lubricants, will also be considered as different locations on a facility may require various preventive methods.
This was a Joint Industry Project (JIP) that was sponsored by 18 oil companies with MMS. The project addressed the environmental criteria required to study alternative drilling, production, and transportation systems appropriate for permanent development of three Bering Sea Basins: St. George, North Aleutian, and Navarin. The project will provide an identification of major engineering problems, constraints, and information needed to allow development of three stated basins. Project No.
To conduct an ice buildup measurement and analysis program on the semi-submersible drilling vessel SEDCO 708. This study will include measurement of atmospheric icing on the derrick and measurement of spray icing between the waterline and the deck. In addition, several ice-phobic coatings will be evaluated from observations of coated plates placed on structural members below the main deck. This will be a joint industry study with the lead company being ARCO as manager for 17 oil companies.
The objective was to assess the current knowledge of ice buildup on offshore structures in Arctic and other cold regions; determine the extent of the problem; review current technology for mitigating; and make recommendations for new approaches and additional research. Using industry sources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory's on-line data base searches and visits to sites of known icing, the current knowledge of ice buildup on oil and gas operational facilities will be determined.
