Multi-Objective Optimization of Subsea Pipeline Routes in Shallow Waters

Abstract

This paper presents recent advances regarding a computational tool, based in Evolutionary Algorithms, for the synthesis and optimization of submarine pipeline routes. Previous works by the authors have focused on some specific issues related to the development of this tool, including the incorporation of engineering criteria such as on-bottom stability (OBS), VIV-induced fatigue in free-spanning pipelines, and flow assurance. Now, this work studies the influence of different OBS criteria for particular scenarios in shallow waters, where it is expected that the environmental loads of wave and current play a more important role on the hydrodynamic stability of the pipe. Case studies are presented, to compare the influence of OBS criteria proposed by the DNV RP-F109 code (Absolute Lateral Static Stability, and Generalized Lateral Stability), both implemented into a multi-objective procedure (using specialized algorithms based on the Pareto approach) along with other engineering criteria (VIV-induced fatigue and multiphase flow).