Mating Load Analysis of Topside Float-over Installation

• Main Authors: Kurian, V.J., Yunos, N.Z.M., Magee, A.R., Razak, Z.A.
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General); TC Hydraulic engineering. Ocean engineering
• Online Access: http://eprints.utp.edu.my/10117/1/1569690391.pdf; http://eprints.utp.edu.my/10117/

topside from a barge to a fixed or floating substructure without the service of the lift crane vessel and dependent mainly on the barge ballasting operation. Various analysis which basically consisted of numerical simulation and model tests are conducted as assurance of the success of float-over installation. Inherently, barge motion responses correspond with the sea condition, mating load interfaces and mooring line tension are the major indicator of the successfulness of float-over installation. An earlier prediction of barge motion responses correspond with the sea state condition is crucial for determination of the most amicable installation window. The mating load interfaces investigation contributes for the fabrication of elastomeric unit which functioned to dissipate the impact energy between the topside leg and substructure leg. The coordination of mooring line tension is critical to control the longitudinal and transverse position of the barge during the installation. This paper describes the mating load characteristic investigated through the model tests conducted in the shallow wave basin of UniversitiTeknologi PETRONAS simulating the topside load transfer stages from the installation barge to the jacket. The experimental set-up and the instrumentation are also described in detail. The overall objective of this study is to develop capabilities for performing accurate and reliable testing of equipment and systems for use in float-over operation. Keywords-float-over installation; model test; load transfer, mating load