Dynamic response analysis of load transfer of topsides from T-barge onto twin-barge in floatover installation

Abstract

The twin-barge floatover method is a promising approach in the topsides installation of the offshore platform. However, the topsides transfer onto the twin-barge is a challenging task and is seldom investigated. This study focuses on the floatover load transfer operation of the topsides onto the twin-barge by a T-shaped barge and investigates the dynamic responses of the three proximate barges in the operation. The floatover mating process was experimentally simulated by three representative intermediate stages, including 0%, 50%, and 100% stages. The barge and topsides motions, the relative motions of mating points, the contact loads on mating units, tether forces, and mooring forces at various environmental conditions were analyzed. The three floating barges experienced large surge drift motions as well as the sway and yaw drift motions in head seas because of the unsymmetrical configurations. Although a relative radial distance between mating points occurred and exceeded the capture radius of the mating unit at limited instants, the relative motions were to a great extent within the capture radius, indicating the feasibility of the twin-barge floatover method. Comparisons of the loads at the three stages show that the mating units and the tether lines were subjected to larger impact impulse loads at the 0% stage than the 100% stage.