The need for experimental and analytical modeling in the field of deep water offshore
anchoring technologies is high. Suction caisson and drag embedment anchors (DEA) are
common anchors used for mooring structures in deep water. The installation process of
drag embedment anchors has been highly empirical, employing a trial and error
methodology. In the past decade analytical methods have been derived for modeling
DEA installation trajectories. However, obtaining calibration data for these models has
not been economical. The development of a small scale experimental apparatus, known
as the Laponite Tank, was developed for this thesis. The Laponite Tank provides a quick
and economical means of measuring DEA trajectories, visually. The experimental data
can then be used for calibrating models. The installation process of suctions caissons
has benefited from from a more rational approach. Nevertheless, these methods require
refinement and removal methodology requires development. In this thesis, an algorithm
for modeling suction caisson installation in clay has been presented. An analytical
method and modeling algorithm for removal processes of suction caissons in clay was
also developed. The installation and removal models were calibrated to field data. These
analytical and experimental studies can provide a better understanding of installation of
drag embedment anchors and the installation and removal of suction caissons.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2011-05-9263 |
| Date | 2011 May 1900 |
| Creators | Beemer, Ryan |
| Contributors | Aubeny, Charles |
| Source Sets | Texas A and M University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
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