STREAM JIP – An In-Depth Study of SCR Response Based on Field Measurements

The paper will describe how field measured riser response events have been categorized into wave, VIV, MIV, and other non-typical response types. Subsequently, fatigue damage rates derived from field measured data (measured fatigue) are compared against global analysis-based predictions.

Concurrent wave and VIV response events are assessed to determine whether the industry standard practice of adding VIV and wave fatigue damage rates is adequately conservative. Measured VIV data is utilized to benchmark SHEAR7 and determine the hidden conservatism in it that stems from non-occurrence of VIV in the field despite the presence of sufficiently high currents. MIV response events are characterized, and the impact on overall riser fatigue is evaluated. Finally, observations field measured riser response during the peak of a major hurricane is reported and examined. In an industry first, the STREAM JIP has aggregated and analyzed full scale field data from multiple catenary risers. The JIP results provide insights into riser response characterization with potential applications for life extension and more efficient new designs.