Offshore Anchoring Borehole Structure for Lateral Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anchoring systems for Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) projects are limited by soil type, costly, and suffer from tether damage and slackening due to lateral loading, leading to reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a borehole with stepped dimensions and a lateral load transition member to distribute lateral forces effectively, using settable locking media to secure the anchor pile and transition member, ensuring stable anchoring across varied geological conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional anchoring systems are used, then installation is straightforward, but the system is limited to specific soil types and has high cost and time implications
Solution Approach 1:
The borehole is divided into two distinct sections: a first borehole section for receiving the anchor pile and a second borehole section for receiving the lateral load transition member. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility across different soil types.
Solution Approach 2:
A lateral load transition member is introduced as an intermediary element between the anchor pile and the mooring tether. This transition member distributes lateral loads from the tether onto the borehole wall portions, protecting the tether from cutting actions while maintaining system simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional anchoring systems are used, then installation is simple, but high costs and time implications are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The borehole is pre-filled with settable locking media before the anchor pile and lateral load transition member are installed. This preliminary action secures the components in position and provides immediate lateral resistance, reducing overall installation time while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The borehole cross-sectional dimensions are changed along its length, with the second borehole section having greater dimensions than the first. This parameter change allows for larger contact surface area in the second section to improve lateral load transmission without complicating the overall installation process.
3Force
If the tether is subjected to lateral loading in conventional systems, then anchoring is achieved, but the tether cuts through the soil structure causing damage and slackening
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral load transition member serves as a mediator that transfers lateral loads from the tether onto the borehole wall portions. This intermediary function protects the tether from direct contact with the soil structure, preventing cutting actions and maintaining tether integrity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The borehole wall portions in the second section are designed with greater cross-sectional dimensions to provide enhanced lateral resistance specifically at the location where lateral loads are applied. This local quality enhancement protects the tether while maintaining overall system simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional anchoring systems are used, then basic anchoring is provided, but the system is not suitable across the whole site due to varying geological conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is designed with universal applicability through the use of settable locking media that can adapt to different geological formations. The two-section borehole design with the lateral load transition member provides a universal solution that works across varied soil types and geological conditions without requiring site-specific customization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method provides a reliable, cost-effective anchoring system capable of resisting high loads and maintaining tether integrity, reducing damage and failure risks, and is compatible with diverse geological formations.
Implementation Method 1
introducing settable locking media into the borehole
Implementation Method 2
the lateral load transition member is located within the second upper portion of the borehole and spaced apart from the anchor pile
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for installing an off-shore anchoring system comprising drilling a borehole in a seabed, the borehole comprising a first lower portion in communication with a second upper portion. The cross-sectional dimensions of the first lower portion are smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the second upper portion. An inwardly protruding abutment surface is provided at a transition point located therebetween. The method further comprises introducing settable locking media into the borehole. The method further comprises subsequently introducing an off-shore anchoring system comprising an anchor pile and a lateral load transition member into the settable locking media within the borehole, such that the anchor pile is located within the first lower portion of the borehole, and the lateral load transition member is located within the second upper portion of the borehole and spaced apart from the anchor pile.