Weight Management Considerations for Onshore Modularized Petrochemical Facilities

Proceedings of the 2011 Structures Congress

Weight Management Considerations for Onshore Modularized Petrochemical Facilities

Silky S. K. Wong 1, Alan Shive 2, and Harry Warren 3

1 Design Engineer II, Fluor Corp, One Fluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

Silky.Wong@Fluor.com

2 Director I, Design Engineering, Fluor Corp, One Fluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

Alan.Shive@Fluor.com  

3 Senior Design Engineer, Fluor Corp, One Fluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

Harry.Warren@Fluor.com  

Abstract

Often preferred because of site conditions, modular construction is a well-proven technique for the North Slope of Alaska and the offshore petrochemical industry. Although not a technique generally associated with conventional land-based petrochemical facilities, certain project conditions, such as limited manpower availability and severe weather conditions, can make it the best construction execution method to achieve cost savings.

Structural engineering for modular structures is more complex than for conventional structures because of requirements associated with transport, handling, and final placement of complete modules or major sub-assemblies. The need for structural engineers to participate in the Weight Management process is a primary source of the additional complexity. Determining module weight and Center-of-Gravity (COG) location is a key component of the Weight Management process. This paper provides an overview of the Weight Management process and presents a structural engineer's roles in this process. An implementation example is provided.

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