Objective
Development of an iceberg resistant offshore platform. The main feature of this structure is that it copes with huge iceberg loads by compliance instead of large masses. Another characteristic of the system is that the use of any mechanical equipment for the operation of the protective structure is avoided and the structure is ready for operation at any time.
Of special importance of the R + D work is the development of a computer programme for the impact of rigid bodies and the movement of the protective body. A wide range of parameter variations has to be covered by this programme.
The design of the sliding faces and the selection of suitable material for these faces needs comprehensive investigations. The theoretical investigations shall be verified by respective model tests. Construction methods have to be developed.
The platform inself consists of :
- The base structure with the sheetpile skirt, the required storage capacity and in plan view, the square shaped recess with its triangular cross section.
This recess constitutes the inclined bearing surfaces which are rather smooth. It could be named the female portion of the inclined bearing area.
- the column, which houses all risers and the utilities
- and the MSFF with the topsides.
The Protective Structure consists of :
- the protective body which surrounds the platform from all sides. The upper surface of the protective body ends well below the water level to minimize the wave forces and allowing access of supply boats to the platform. The upper part of the outer wall of the protective body is slightly inclined so as to generate vertical components from an iceberg impact,
- the protective body is combined monolithically with the square bearing with its inclined surfaces which fit as the male portion in the recesses of the foundation body.
As the protective body surrounds the platform on all sides and because of the defined arrangement of the inclined bearing surfaces, the protective structure is able to protect the platform from floating icebergs approaching from any direction.
The protective structure functions as follows :
- In the general case of an iceberg approach, the impact force pushes the protective body upwards in diagonal direction. While moving upwards, the protective body rests on four inclined bearing areas and is guided by the arris and the diametric valley respectively.
The kinetic energy of the drifting iceberg is transformed mainly into potential energy of the elevated protective body. The protective body, with its received and stored potential energy, is able to slide back in its initial position after the impact and thus keeps the floating object away from the platform.
- If the iceberg is approaching the platform centre and in rectangular direction to the bearing areas, the impact pushes the protective body upwards on the two bearing areas which have the same inclination. The effect of transforming the kinetic energy of the iceberg into potential energy of the protective body is the same as described before.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
2000 Hamburg
Germany