Evaluation of Hydrodynamic Force Coefficients in Presence of Biofouling on Marine/Offshore Structures, a Review and New Approach

Novel attempts to optimize the design and requalification of offshore structures draws attention importance updating information about environmental forces. One important steps or re-assess is re-evaluation/evaluation bio-colonization’s effects. This paper presents a review studies that considered biofouling in marine/offshore structures. Most previous researchers conducted effects as surface roughness; however, some others proved despite roughness, other marine fouling components such coverage ratio, species, aggregation, may significantly influence hydrodynamic force coefficients, particularly at higher Reynolds numbers (Re). In addition, new approach proposed this estimate drag coefficient circular members covered by biofouling. The relies on multiple parameter equation builds existing measurement coefficient. Two relationships between parameters are given for hard post-critical Re regime.