FOREWORD

This Reconmended Practice for Planning, Desigtiitig. and Constntcting Fired Offshore Platforms contains engineering design principles and good practices that have evolved during the development of offshore oil resources. Good practice is based on good engineering: therefore, this recommended practice consists essentially of good engineering recommendations. In no case is any specific recommendation included which could not be accomplished by presently available techniques and equipment. Consideration is given in all cases to the safety of personnel, compliance with existing regulations, and antipollution of water bodies.

Metric conversions of customary English units are provided throughout the text of this publication in parentheses, e.g., 6 in. (152 mm). Most of the converted values have been rounded for most practical usefulness: however. precise conversions have been used where safety and technical considerations dictate. In case of dispute. the customary English values should govern.

Offshore technology is growing rapidly. In those areas where the committee felt that adequate data were available. specific and detailed recommendations are given. In other areas general statements are used to Attention Users: Portions of this publication have been changed from the previous edition. The locations of changes have been marked with a bar in the margin, as shown to the left of this paragraph. In some cases the changes are significant. while in other cases the changes reflect minor editorial adjustments. The bar notations in the margins are provided as an aid to users as to those parts of this publication that have been changed from the previous edition. but API makes no warranty as to the accuracy of such bar notations. indicate that consideration should be given to those particular points. Designers are encouraged to utilize all research advances available to them. As offshore knowiedge continues to grow, this recommended practice will be revised. It is hoped that the general statements contained herein will gradually be replaced by detailed recommendations.

Reference in this practice is made to the latest edition of the AISC Speci/ication for the Design. Fabrication and Erection of Stntctural Steel for Buildirlgs (See Section 2.5.la). While the use of latest edition of this specification is still endorsed, the use of the new AISC Load & Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). First Editiorr is specifically not recommended for design of offshore platforms. The load and resistance factors in this new code are based on calibration with building design practices and are therefore not applicable ta offshore platforms. Research work is now in progress to incorporate the strength provisions of the new AISC LRFD code into offshore design practices.

This standard shall become effective on the date printed on the cover but may be used voluntarily from the date of distribution.