Ships and Offshore Structures, 2024, Online

A parametric study on the structural strength of a jack-up’s leg in different operating locations

Author(s): Joo Shin Park, Kuk Yeol Ma and Jung Kwan Seo

Abstract:

In general, approximately 70% of accidents are caused by punch-through and seabed problems, which necessitates  a  detailed  review  of  the  interaction  between  the  spudcan  and  seabed  during  jack-up rig installation. The  aim  of this paper is to offer a comprehensive review of soil information in locations where jack-up rigs are predominantly operated and to apply this information to structural engineering while considering limitations  arising from factors (displacement change, water depth, soil stiffness and bearing capacity). Drawing upon these comprehensive investigations, a series of analyses were conducted on key design parameters, encompassing soil stiffness based on the operating  site, wave characteristics, air gap, wave period, wind speed, overturning stability, and the relationship between the dynamic amplification factor (DAF) and hull stiffness. The study provides methods and insights to analyse the effects of various design variables, confirming the optimisation potential of the leg structure when the actual soil is considered.