• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.37-43
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• 2006

An analytical solution method capable of determining the geometric configuration and developed tensile forces of mooring lines associated with fixed plate/pile or drag anchors has been developed. The solution method, satisfying complete equilibrium conditions, is capable of analyzing multi-segmented mooring lines that can consist of either chains, cables, or synthetic wires embedded in layered seafloor soils. The solution method utilizes a systematic iterative search method based on specific boundary conditions. This paper describes the principles associated with the development of the solution for the mooring line analysis. Comparisons of predictions with results from a series of field tests of mooring lines on various types of drag anchors are also described. Comparisons include the tension in anchor, the length of mooring line on the bottom, and the angle of mooring line at the water surface buoy. The results indicate that the analytical solution method is capable of predicting the behavior of mooring lines with high degree of accuracy.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.22 no.9
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• pp.15-22
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• 2006

Single segmented mooring lines were tested in a geotechnical centrifuge for the purpose of calibrating the analytical solution developed for the analysis and design of various mooring lines associated with underwater drag/permanent anchors. The model mooring lines included steel ball chains and wire cables placed at various depths within the soft clayey seafloor soil. The mooring lines were loaded to preset tensions at the water surface under an elevated acceleration inside the centrifuge to simulate the field stress conditions experienced by the prototype mooring lines. This paper describes the calibration of two factors that are used as part of the input parameters in the analytical solution of mooring lines and considers the effect of chasing wires that were used in the experiment to determine the locations of the mooring lines.