Study on Buried Depth Protection Index of Submarine Cable Based on Physical and Numerical Modeling

Xinlong Zheng,Chen Cao,Zhifei Lu,Peng Zhou,Shiqiang Li,Jiawang Chen,Yongqiang Ge

doi:10.3390/jmse10020137

Abstract

The buried depth of submarine cables is very important to avoid damage on the cable from dropping and dragging anchors. This study focused on the actual engineering needs of submarine power cable protection and laying construction. In order to investigate the buried depth protection index of submarine cable, physical model tests, theory analysis, and numerical simulations were conducted in this study. The effects of the bottoming velocity, dropping energy, and anchor mass on the anchor penetration depth were analyzed and investigated. The analytical model based on the impact and drag mechanism is presented to analyze the forces and energy on the anchor. The accuracy and reliable of the model test results are verified by the theory analysis and numerical simulation, indicating that the buried depth protection index of the submarine cable in the research area is recommended to be 3 m. The research results can provide guidance for operation of the submarine cable laying machine and submarine cable protection.

Highlights

IntroductionAs the main transportation channel of hydrocarbons, submarine pipelines and cables play an important role in offshore oil and gas resources exploitation and operation [1]
The original model test is of difficult to perform due to the long model test period
We focused on the actual engineering needs of submarine power cable laying construction in Zhoushan Islands (Zhejiang province, China)

Summary

Introduction

As the main transportation channel of hydrocarbons, submarine pipelines and cables play an important role in offshore oil and gas resources exploitation and operation [1]. The pipeline and cable are often exposed to greater risk of impact from fishing and anchors with more and more maritime activities [2]. Since the first cable was laid in 1850, the main contributor to submarine cable damages is human activity, as most of the cable failures are caused by anchors [3]. The protection methods of submarine cables mainly include enclosure protection and embedding protection. Submarine cables in shallow water are buried to a certain depth through the cable laying machine, which can effectively prevent the damage of anchoring and fishing, and prolong the service life of the submarine cable [4]

Methods

Results

Conclusion