Steel Caternary Risers (SCR) is now often used for water depths in the 1000 in range. Numerical models mostly based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) have for a long time been available for static analysis of such configurations under quite general loadings. However the most important load case for such risers is self-weight, in which case they can also be accurately and simply analyzed analytically. The advantage of the analytical approach is that it (i) serves to generate a better understanding of the problem, (ii) provides excellent initial configurations for a FEM analysis, and (iii) also serves as a vital check of the FEM results. The paper will develop analytic expressions for the shape of a SCR under the influence of its self-weight, which is assumed to be at least piecewise uniform along the riser axis. Closed form expressions for the riser tension and the associated axial elongation will also be given. Finally approximate, but quite accurate solutions for the SCR bending moment distribution and its effect on the displacements will be given. An example in which results are compared with FEM results will also be presented. This work were initiated in an interaction process with ABB, (Hoen, 2000), Halliburton (Clausen, 2000) and the STRIDE project (Simantiras, 2000). There exists an extensive literature on the caternary solution for line-like structures, and also on the use of the FEM for the same problem. The present paper is self-contained, however, and no references to this vast literature will therefore be given herein.
