DEEPWATER DYNAMICALLY INSTALLED ANCHORS

Abstract

Dynamically installed anchors (DIAs) have been widely regarded as the most promising deepwater anchor concept in terms of the cost effectiveness and easy installation. This study firstly investigates the performance of DIAs using specifically designed centrifuge equipment considering the effects of reconsolidation time, penetration and extraction angles, fin shape, extraction plane and over-consolidated clay. Secondly, this study conducts an analytical study on the embedment depth and holding capacity of DIAs in which a conceptual and analytical model to predict the time-dependent total stress skin friction coefficient is proposed. Based on the obtained experimental and finite element results, this study finally proposes a semi-theoretical framework for assessing holding capacity of DIAs due to inclined loading.