Modeling technique for researcha washout of soil at offshore structures basic basis

For development of deposits of the hydrocarbonic raw materials located in a shallow part of a coastal shelf, offshore structures of gravitational type are widely applied. The basic bases of such structures are established directly on a sea-bottom. While in service offshore structure the sea-bottom soil near its basic basis and under it is exposed to external influences from a sea current, waves and also from propellers streams of ships, approaching to the structure. As a result there is a washout of the soil basis to loss of the area of a basic surface that can lead to loss of stability of the structure on sea-bottom. Works on research of process of soil erosion near the basic bases of gravitational type offshore structures by means of carrying out of modeling tests are carried out in shallow water towing tank of KSRI since 2000. As this towing tank initially didn’t intend for carrying out of such experiments, in addition to its equipment the special experimental means have been created. Also methods of carrying out of modeling experiments on research of washout of a soil near the objects established on it have been developed and tested. The article acquaints with the equipment used for carrying out of the modeling experiment and techniques of their carrying out.
Materials and methods
Physical modeling in hydrodynamic basin.
Results
Main objective of modeling researches technology of soil washout at offshore structures foundation as a result of influence of external factors development is ensuring their safe operation regarding stability on ground soil throughout all term of work of such structures in this point. For this purpose achievement the tasks solution methods of an assessment of possible basic surface area loss as a result of soil washout under an offshore structure foundation, and also for soil protection means development and receiving an assessment of their efficiency and stability to external influences are offered and approved. Successful experience of works according to the technology described above was a basis for further development in KSRI of researches on soil washout at offshore structures foundations as a result of impact of sea waves, a current and propeller streams of being moored to them ships.
Сonclusions
Successful experience of works according to the technology described above was a basis for further development in KSRI of researches on soil washout at offshore structures foundation as a result of impact of sea waves, a current and propeller streams of being moored to them ships.