A simplified experimental soil-leg interaction model for ship to Jack-up leg collision

Jack-up units have recently become common due to the expansion of offshore drilling and installation vessels. In most previous research, guidelines for related jack-up rig structures have assessed the interaction with the soil structure during installation in terms of penetration of a spudcan. However, the design of safe operating conditions must also take into account the interactions with the soil structure in case of horizontal impact loads from collisions with attendant and/or passing vessels. It is therefore important to consider the risk-based design of rig foundations, incorporating a study of soil-structural characteristics, to minimise the effects of collision accidents that may occur under operating conditions. In this study we develop a fundamental dataset and a simplified understanding of soil stiffness that will enable the simulation of the rig-installation process using simplified experimental models that involve soil modelling, and penetration and impact. These data will be used in structural design and risk management for industrial practices as well as in further validation/calibration studies for advanced numerical/experimental modelling and design guidance.