Experimental study on wave loads and responses of a barge-mounted plant with dolphin-fender mooring system

Abstract

Model experiment was carried out for a barge mounted plant to assess its safety in harsh environment. The barge mounted plant model was composed of floating structure, dolphin-fender system and mooring cables. The rubber-made fender model was devised to achieve nonlinear characteristics such as hysteresis and buckling behavior of the prototype. The accelerations of platform, reaction forces of fenders, and tensions of mooring cables were measured in regular and irregular waves for various wave directions. The interaction between the floating structure and quay was also investigated using perforated and solid plate quay models. Impulsive response was observed which were caused by the gap between the fender and the dolphin. The responses were analyzed statistically to estimate extreme loads and motion responses. The quay effects somewhat increased the responses.