Application of artificial intelligence to the design of offshore topside structures

Abstract

An integrated structural design system has been developed for the design and analysis of fixed steel offshore topside structures. Artificial intelligence techniques are employed to assist in specifying the preliminary configuration of the topside structure to be designed. The preliminary structural model, in symbolic representation, is converted by an interface data generator to a set of input data which can be analysed by a conventional structural design package. An interactive graphics facility has also been implemented to allow modification of the preliminary structural model prior to the performance of the structural analysis. This integrated system also comprises a post-analysis facility in which optimisation of structural members can be carried out. The design procedure for a typical topside structure using the proposed integrated system is illustrated.