1. A method of designing an offshore structure according to code requirements using a finite element method of first modelling the structure with said modelling comprising the steps of: analyzing the structure to break it down in terms of known and developed finite elements and nodes connecting these finite elements, with the finite elements and nodes chosen from a library of such known finite elements and nodes; condensing the finite elements and nodes into a smaller number of super elements and super nodes by combining certain finite elements and nodes; determining equilibrium conditions of the super elements and super nodes at interface points of the offshore structure such as the water and mud lines to provide boundary conditions; analyzing the condensed structure using the boundary conditions to provide displacements and forces and stresses on the structure; and checking the displacements and forces and stresses on the elements against industry code standards to determine if they conform with such standards.