Equinor – follow-up of grouted connections

The audit was conducted on 25 June 2024.

Background

In 2013, the capacity formulas in NORSOK for grouted connections between piles and jackets were changed. Previous capacity formulas did not take sufficient account of the effects of torque and shear loads. Recalculation of existing jackets, based on the new formulas, in many cases showed overutilisation of capacity. The importance of reliable inspection results is especially crucial for overutilised structural elements, where degradation and failure may be expected.

In 2020, the PSA conducted a study to map commercially available technologies capable of detecting developing failure modes: Inspection and instrumented condition monitoring of grouting compounds

The conclusion of this study was that there was a commercially available technology, in the form of local instrumental monitoring. The study also pointed to inspection methods that were in development. At present, one of these technologies is commercially available.

Objective

The objective of the audit was to clarify whether Equinor is following up on grouted connections with capacity challenges in a manner that is sufficient for detecting developing failure modes.

Result

No non-conformities or improvement points were identified during the audit.