L51522 Hydrodynamic Forces on Pipelines

The aim of this study was to provide hydro-dynamic force coefficients applicable for the determination of forces on pipelines resting on the sea bed when exposed to wave and current flows. This has been achieved through an extensive model test program in which the parameters important for the phenomena have been investigated within wide ranges for a number of flow conditions including irregular waves. The results of the more than 1,000 individual tests have been presented in the form of non-dimensional coefficients determined from three distinctly different types of analysis. These coefficients have been presented as functions of the governing parameters in a series of easily accessible diagrams. The report contains three parts. Part I presents the results of the model test study and the comparison of these results with other data. Part II deals with force calculations in irregular waves, including a statistically based comparison of predictions using traditional and improved force expressions. Part III presents the results of the model tests with a partially buried pipe.