The focus in this project was on accurately model the dynamics of the Suction Bucket Jacket (SBJ) during two critical installation phases: splash-zone crossing and landing onto the seabed. In addition, overall workability was evaluated.
We developed detailed aero-/hydrodynamic models to simulate the SBJ’s descent through the splash zone, along with a coupled hydrodynamic and geotechnical model to assess seabed landing behavior. Disturbed-wave Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs) were calculated and incorporated into a comprehensive OrcaFlex model to evaluate installation operability. This work introduced a novel installation assessment methodology, using restart analysis to dynamically update diffraction data during time-domain simulations, resulting in a more realistic representation of the installation process.