Lateral Buckling Mitigation in Deep Waters - A Total Installed Costs Comparison

Abstract

The paper introduces lateral buckling mitigation techniques (sleepers, distributed buoyancy sections, and residual curvature method or RCM) used in deep water fields and provides a total installed cost comparison of these solutions in relative terms. A hypothetical deep-water scenario is used to compare all techniques within the same site environment. Historic benchmarks have been used to make a relative comparison of these buckle mitigation methods on the engineering, procurement, fabrication, and installation fronts. In addition, risks associated with engineering, procurement/fab and installation have been listed to illustrate the risks versus rewards tradeoff. While sleepers and distributed buoyancy have been previously used in deep water, RCM doesn't have a significant track record yet. RCM is a proven and cost-effective buckle mitigation solution in shallow water. This paper compares its application in deep water to the prevailing buckle mitigation methods and confirms if it creates value (savings and reduces risks) for an offshore installation project. It is assumed that each mitigation method is appropriate for the hypothetical deep-water scenario.