Partially Mobile Shallow Subsea Foundations: A Practical Analysis Framework

The geotechnical design of partially mobile subsea foundations (mudmats) for pipeline/flowline end terminals (PLETs) is presented in this paper. A mudmat represents a fit-for-purpose engineering solution that has significant commercial competitiveness. lies between fully anchored (which designed negligible movements but may be too large, causing installation issues or requiring corner piles to anchor) and moves accommodate the expansion connected pipeline, suffer excessive settlements compromise structural integrity). suited deepwater soft soil conditions. aim work help mature new concept technology practical inspire future research improve accuracy predictions. objective paper present simple analytical solutions predict long-term accumulated displacements rotations on clayey deposits subjected cyclic loading. proposed displacement prediction framework combines established elements consolidation theory, plasticity critical-state mechanics (CSSM). Typical ranges properties pertinent are provided Gulf Mexico (GoM) clays, analysis example provided. For these conditions, it concluded dominant caused by primary plastic failure. Recommendations further improvement research.