The most recent contract was signed with the Kværner and KBR consortium in the summer, and concerns flexible crash barriers for the living quarter platform on the Johan Sverdrup field. The flexible barriers will be used around the platform crane's loading area to protect against swinging loads. The barriers will be delivered at the construction site in the first quarter of 2017. Aibel is responsible for both plan and design, procurement and fabrication work.
“Interest is increasing in Aibel's barrier solutions, and we currently have several deliveries in the pipeline,” product manager Lars Horn says.
New requirements the inspiration
The idea for the barriers was born when Aibel built the Gudrun platform. None of the products on the market could withstand the strain requirements specified for the project. This inspired structural engineer Agnar Bergo to develop a stronger product with shock absorber technology.
Tests proved that the new barriers could withstand impacts of 40 kJ. The product was subsequently installed on three of Gudrun's main loading areas and have since proven to work very well. The concept has also subsequently been sold to Statoil's Aasta Hansteen platform and the drilling platform for the Johan Sverdrup field.
Further development
Since the idea of a stronger and better barrier was born, Aibel has developed the product further. The barriers are now offered in a number of different versions – with single- and double-sided railings, in various heights and for different applications.
“The barriers have a sturdy design, are maintenance-free and easy to install. This also makes them very well suited for older installations with a need for upgrades,” Lars Horn says.
Aibel uses its own fabrication resources to build the barriers, and also offers design customisations as required.
Facts about the barriers
Two main types: Flexible crash barriers, suitable for protecting against swinging loads, and flexible truck barriers that withstand impacts from loaded trucks.
The barriers are delivered with single- and double-sided railings and in two different heights (1.45 m and 3.20 m)They are designed to withstand impacts of 36 kJ (corresponding to eight tons, 3 metres per second.
Design is in stainless steel and with viscoelastic shock absorbers in duplex.
Published 01 August 2016
