MONITORING JACKUP LEG LOADS IN AN OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

The safety value in monitoring leg loads during jacking operations is being recognised by owners and operators of large jackup rigs as well as by regulatory agencies. Knowing the magnitude of compressive stresses in each leg can assist the jacking operator in equalising loads and minimising buckling or other damage to one or more of the legs. This paper provides the technical details of the design including software features, the rationale supporting the location and orientation of the strain gauges, the methods for in-place calibration, and the various data displays available to the operator. The paper concludes with an assessment of the value of this type of measurement and some recommendations for future modifications and improvements.