Hydroelastic Responses of a Very Large Floating Structure Supported by Footing-Columns in Waves

Abstract

A Very Large Floating Structure (VLFS) is expected as a new utilization of ocean space and coastal region. In Japan, there are many feasibility studies about the hydroelastic responses induced by wave forces for the reason of the relative small rigidity of VLFS. The VLFS supported by columns generally shows smaller elastic responses than those of the pontoon type VLFS. In this paper we discuss the hydroelastic responses of the VLFS supported by large number of columns which have one or two wave-free frequencies for heave. We investigate the hydroelastic behaviors of the VLFS in regular and irregular waves. Furthermore we compare the hydroelastic responses of following three types VLFS in irregular waves. First one is supported by cylindrical columns without wave-free frequency, second one is supported by columns with one wave-free frequency and third one is supported by columns with two wave-free frequencies.