Hydrodynamic Response of Tension Leg Platforms with Perforated Members

Abstract

Tension-Leg Platforms (TLPs) are commonly preferred offshore structures for the deep-water oil exploration. Their reduced response to the encountered waves is achieved by their compliancy. This innovative structural design dampens the vertical motion (heave) of the platform but the large horizontal movements (surge, sway and yaw motion) cause inconvenience to the people on board, though the platform remains stable for the operational sea state. Coastal and offshore structures are constructed with the protective perforated layers mainly to reduce the direct impact caused by the waves. Present study highlights the detailed experimental investigations carried out on the scaled model of the TLP with the perforated members under regular waves. Based on the experimental investigations, it is seen that there is a significant reduction in the dynamic response of the TLP with the perforated columns. Encompassing column members with the perforated outer cover is seen as one of the effective method of retrofitting offshore structures to improve their serviceability.