RETRACTED ARTICLE: Numerical simulation of twin-barge float-over installation on AQWA software

Abstract

Float-over installation for the deep water platform is widely used all over the world. As one of float-over installation methods, twin-barge float-over installation has become a hot topic for offshore platform installation for it’s being unlimited by size of platform opening and draught as well as being capable for installation of larger topsides. By using AQWA software according to characteristics of weight loading transfer during installation of topsides by means of twin-barge float-over and taking the model of Cell Spar applicable for reference establishes a hydrodynamic model of objective platform on different stages during the installation process. By two connection methods of rigid and hinge connection by using the AQWA-Drift software simulates the movement response of float-over barge, topsides and platform in an ocean environment. Movement characteristics of upper modules of Spar platform is analyzed in installation of twin-barge float-over by different connection methods on four aspects of contrast of relative motion between barge and platform, contrast of single floating body motion response upon rigid and hinge connection, contrast of stress status of joint touch point and contrast in stress of mooring rope. The conclusion is that when the environmental loading incidence is transverse, the relative motion between barge and platform is most intense during the upper loading of float-over barge’s transferring to main body of the platform by 50%. And it is obvious that two connection methods of rigid and hinge connection have a certain influence on roll motion response of barges. Meanwhile, the support reverses force and cable tension upon rigid connection is significantly greater than the ones upon hinge connection.