METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING THE LATERAL SUPPORT OF A JACK-UP DRILLING RIG PROVIDED BY THE REINFORCMENT OF LATTICE LEGS WITH PLATE BRACES

摘要

A method for increasing the overturning moment resistance of a jack-up drilling rig platform comprising the step of attaching at least one or a plurality of lateral leg support plates or sheets or webs to at least one jackup leg, along a portion of the vertical length of the jack-up leg, wherein the jack-up leg is secured to the drilling platform and has a lattice framework. The lateral leg supports are attached to any of the external or internal faces or a vertex of the jack-up leg and span at least one vertical, horizontal or diagonal structural support member. The jackup leg contains a spud-can that can be partially or fully buried or embedded in the sea floor.