Topology optimization on four-legged platform jacket-type offshore building structure

Abstract The platform jacket structure is a component of offshore buildings anchored to the seabed. This structure has an essential function in oil drilling: supporting the superstructure so that activities on offshore building platforms can run well. The failure of the platform jacket structure due to environmental load conditions is an essential concern in modeling the jacket structure. This study aims to discover the best design for the platform jacket structure by using a topology optimization method with the function of minimizing strain energy or increasing the rigidity of the platform jacket structure. Topology optimization in this study was carried out using FEM software with the application of predetermined limits. The results showed that the optimized jacket structure model had a slightly larger weight than the initial one. Still, the increase in the strength of the optimized jacket structure was more significant than that of the initial jacket structure model. The topology optimization results provide a jacket model that is 34.78% stronger than the reference jacket structure despite weighting 8.57% heavier than the reference jacket structure.