Intermediate Offshore Foundations

Intermediate foundations are used as anchors for floating platforms and ancillary structures,foundations for steel jackets,and to support seafloor equipment and offshore wind turbines. They are usually circular in plan and are rigid when laterally loaded. The first chapters introduce foundation types, compare shallow, intermediate, and deep foundation models, define unique design issues, and list their hazards. Later chapters cover installation, in-place resistance, and in-place response, and miscellaneous design considerations. This is the first book dedicated to the geotechnical design of intermediate foundations, and it will appeal to professional engineers specialising in the offshore industry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Intermediate foundations serve a multitude of purposes in the offshore industry, including anchoring floating platforms and ancillary structures, providing support for steel jackets, and accommodating seafloor equipment and offshore wind turbines. When installed using suction, they offer an economical alternative to piling, and can even be completely removed if needed. These foundations typically have a circular plan and exhibit remarkable rigidity when subjected to lateral loads. The length-to-diameter embedment ratio, denoted as L/D, typically ranges from 0.5 to 10, bridging the gap between shallow and deep foundations. While these ratios serve as indicative boundaries, it is the response of the foundation, rather than the embedment ratio, that defines its behavior.

The first chapters of this comprehensive book delve into the various types of foundations, comparing shallow, intermediate, and deep foundation models and design approaches. It highlights the unique design considerations that set intermediate foundations apart from shallow and deep foundations, as well as enumerating the hazards commonly associated with their installation.

Subsequent chapters focus on the installation process, in-place resistance, and in-place response of intermediate foundations. Additionally, miscellaneous design considerations are explored, providing valuable insights for professional engineers working in the offshore industry.

Given the lack of consensus on the most appropriate design methods/models, it is emphasized that models should be used with caution, only as accurate as the data they are based on. To address this, a multitude of reasonably accurate models are presented, accompanied by comprehensive discussions and practical advice. Furthermore, example calculations and an extensive list of over 200 references are included to support the reader's understanding and application of the design principles discussed.

This book stands as the first dedicated publication to the geotechnical design of intermediate foundations, catering to professional engineers with expertise in the offshore sector. Its comprehensive coverage, practical insights, and extensive reference list make it an invaluable resource for those involved in designing and implementing sustainable and efficient offshore infrastructure.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367706708