Evaluation of Anchor Penetration Depth based on Numerical Analysis for Burial Protection Method of Submarine Cables

Abstract

Submarine cables are installed and operated for the stable power supply of island regions, and feature protective measures to counter marine hazard factors. With regard to the protection techniques to prevent damage to submarine cables, the method of digging and embedding the submarine ground is applied the most. However, since there are no design criteria and techniques for such protection facilities, the burial depth of the submarine ground has been calculated only qualitatively and empirically after an ocean survey is conducted. Such an imperfect method has led to assorted damages to submarine cables. Therefore, in this study, to ensure the safety of submarine cables from marine hazard factors, the three-dimensional dynamic interaction analysis model was established for the ship anchor and ground, and the penetration depth of this anchor was calculated through numerical analysis for the burial protection method. These results were compared and evaluated with the results of the full scale test for anchoring and dragging anchor. As a result, the error rate(average) of the anchor penetration depth through the numerical analysis and test was 12.2% in the ground conditions of sand, clay and multi(clay/sand) layers. This error rate was analyzed to be caused by various uncertainties in the test, such as the dynamic impact of the anchor and ground conditions, and the numerical analysis was evaluated to ensure sufficient reliability. The results of this study are expected to be useful in the burial depth calculation of the burial protection method to ensure the safety of submarine cables.