Method for making a section of a support strut member of an offshore oil-drilling rig

A fabrication process for a section (11) of an offshore oil production platform support leg (2) member (10), the member (10) comprising a main plate (12) incorporating, on at least one longitudinal edge, teeth (14) forming a rack and at least one stiffener of semicylindrical shape welded to a main surface (12A) of the main plate (12) along two longitudinal edges (16), the stiffener (13) and the plate (12) delimiting a conduit (17), wherein it includes the following stages applied to at least one part of the length of the member (10):

• a) machining of each longitudinal edge (16) of the stiffener (13) to form, along the longitudinal edge (16), a lip (18) for bearing on the main surface (12A) of the main plate (12) by forming, along the longitudinal edge (16), an external bevel (20) on the side opposite the conduit (17);
• b) applying a sole (22) of the bearing lip (18) to the main surface (12A) of the plate (12);
• c) heating the bearing lip (18) to ensure its welding to the plate (12) and to form a bearing weld (78);
• and
• d) with filler metal, forming a weld bead (80) from outside the conduit (17) within the space defined between the bearing weld (78), the external bevel (20) and the main surface (12A) of the main plate (12).