1g and Centrifuge scaled modelling of embedded mooring lines for deployment of a novel offshore anchoring system in rock strata
1g and Centrifuge scaled modelling of embedded mooring lines for deployment of a novel offshore anchoring system in rock strata
This paper investigates the performance of embedded line mooring systems, studied as part of the development of a new novel anchor technology intended to target deep water and variable geotechnical strata. The Javelin anchor system (JAS) features an embedded tether mooring line (JTA, the Javelin tether assembly) which transmits load to a deep-set anchor (JUA and JLA, the Javelin upper and lower anchors respectively). Building on a series of lab-floor 1g tests exploring the JTA, large deformation centrifuge tests at representative field stress levels are planned to be performed at the University of Dundee. The centrifuge tests seek to better understand load-shedding characteristics of the JTA, improve the embedded mooring line design approach planned to model the JTA, verify the applicability of the 1g tests, as well as widen the industries knowledge regarding embedded line-soil interactions. This paper will describe findings from the existing 1g JTA test series, compare with existing methodologies recommended for offshore tether design, as well as outline the motivations around the planned centrifuge programme and its associated goals. The centrifuge programme also hopes to address a need for quantification of the cyclic behaviour of embedded mooring lines, which is also a key design consideration for the JAS.
Thomas Riccio; R. Smith; K. Caucis; Philip Strong; Peter Shiner; Matteo Alessandrini; Mike Brown; Craig Davidson; Hamed Noori
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Session 6: Onshore and offshore foundation systems
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-353